We are less than a month away from the Aug. 3 trade deadline and contending teams know their biggest needs and which players they hope to target in deals. Teams expected to be sellers will be listening to offers on their veteran players and are scouring the farm systems of organizations they think they’ll match up with in possible trades.
Of course, team needs can change with one injury, one week of slumps or a player who unexpectedly becomes available for a deal. Trades usually don’t happen overnight; instead, there are weeks of discussions, negotiations and constant monitoring of the market and where teams stand in the playoff race.
Though that work is being done now, most front offices are so focused on the upcoming MLB Draft that true trade discussions won’t begin in earnest until right after the All-Star Game.
Most years, we look at the trade deadline through the lens of which teams are buyers (contending teams) and which are sellers (non-contending teams). However, with all but a small handful of MLB teams within reasonable striking distance of the playoffs, it’s probably safe to say that most moves made at this year’s trade deadline will be between two teams with possible paths to the postseason.
With that in mind, let’s look at all 30 teams, where they stand and which players might be the best fits in a potential trade.
NL EastAtlanta Braves
The Braves are searching for a starting pitcher who is worthy of a Game 2 playoff series nod. Their top trade targets have to include Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, José Soriano, Reid Detmers, Freddy Peralta, Sonny Gray, Sandy Alcántara, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha and Robbie Ray.
Best fit: Joe Ryan, RHP, Minnesota Twins
It would probably take two of JR Ritchie, Cam Caminiti and Didier Fuentes to pry Ryan away from Minnesota.
Philadelphia Phillies
Due to right fielder Adolís García’s season-ending injury, the Phillies have made a corner outfielder or first baseman their top priority. Right field is their preference, but they know Bryce Harper is willing to move to right field if they can land a first baseman.
There is not much of a market for that type of player, but here are some possibilities: Mike Trout (even though it’s highly unlikely that Trout is traded), Jo Adell, JJ Bleday, Spencer Steer, Jarren Duran, Bryan Reynolds, Kody Clemens, Spencer Torkelson, Willson Contreras and TJ Rumfield.
Best fit: Jo Adell, OF, Los Angeles Angels
A package of Dante Nori, Gabe Craig and Ramon Marquez could entice the Angels’ new leadership to make the deal.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals are making relief pitching their top trade priority and the market will be flooded with relievers. Some possible targets include: Antonio Senzatela, Seth Halvorsen, Matt Gage, Keaton Winn, Chase Silseth and Sam Bachman.
Best fit: Antonio Senzatela, RHP, Colorado Rockies
Senzatela has made a seamless transition from starter to reliever this season.
Miami Marlins
The Marlins continue to prioritize adding offense and are willing to trade from their strong cabinet of pitching prospects. The position with the biggest need for more thump is third base. Possible trade targets for them include Josh Jung, Royce Lewis and Nolan Gorman.
Could a resurgent Royce Lewis be a fit for the Marlins? (Michael Turner / MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Best fit: Royce Lewis, IF, Minnesota Twins
The Twins are desperate for pitching upgrades and would have to consider dangling Lewis at this point. He only makes $2.85 million and would fit in Miami’s challenging budget.
New York Mets
The Mets should be selling at this point and must be hoping that Freddy Peralta starts pitching a lot better, as his trade value has dropped considerably after his ERA ballooned into the high 4s as his velocity dropped across the board.
Best fit: Sell
NL CentralMilwaukee Brewers
The Brewers are clearly the team to beat in the NL Central and most of their needs can be solved with internal promotions. However, their primary need is bullpen depth, and adding a third left-handed reliever makes a lot sense. If the Red Sox deal Ardolis Chapman, he would be ideal to pair with Trevor Megill. Other lefties that might make sense include Anthony Bender, Brock Burke, Daniel Lynch and A.J. Minter.
Best fit: A.J. Minter, LHP, New York Mets
Minter has pitched well since returning from left lat surgery in late May.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals have been the NL’s biggest surprise, and they believe that their biggest need is a starting pitcher. Without giving up any of their very top prospects, their most realistic trade targets are a reunion with Sonny Gray or acquiring Robbie Ray.
Best fit: Robbie Ray, LHP, San Francisco Giants
Perhaps a package that includes right-hander Tanner Franklin and shortstop Yairo Padilla could get a deal done.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are concentrating on improving their run prevention, specifically by beefing up the bullpen with a difference-making back-end reliever. Possible candidates include Aroldis Chapman, Luke Weaver, Alex Lange and Jimmy Herget.
Best fit: Luke Weaver, RHP, New York Mets
Weaver can set up, close and throw multiple innings.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have made it clear to opposing teams that trading for starting pitching is their top priority. If they think they can win the division, they’ll swing for the fences and make a run at Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan or José Soriano. However, their most realistic targets will probably be Sonny Gray, Robbie Ray or Freddy Peralta.
Could Sonny Gray return to the NL Central? (Jaiden Tripi / Getty Images)
Best fit: Sonny Gray, RHP, Boston Red Sox
The Cubs could offer Matt Shaw as the headliner in the package, and he would be a solid fit for Boston.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds need another impact bat, preferably in the outfield, but the way they’re playing right now, they’re much better off being sellers.
Best fit: Sell
NL WestLos Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers believe they just need to get healthy to win their third straight title and they are unlikely to make any big moves at this year’s deadline. There are whispers that if Tarik Skubal is made available, the Dodgers don’t plan on being involved, although I wouldn’t necessarily bet against them making a play to acquire Skubal. They just have too much talent depth at all levels not to at least get involved at the buzzer.
Best fit: Just get healthy
San Diego Padres
The Padres’ top priority should be to land a top-of-the-rotation starter, and it won’t surprise me if they target Tarik Skubal and Joe Ryan and are willing to swap their best prospect, Ethan Salas. Why? Because that’s what they do. However, it’s probably more realistic they land either Freddy Peralta, Sonny Gray, Robbie Ray or Reid Detmers instead.
Best fit: Freddy Peralta, RHP, New York Mets
Rather than swing for Skubal or Ryan, the Padres are more likely to take a chance they can get Peralta back on track, given that the prospect price to acquire him will be much lower than it was before the season.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks’ most pressing needs are starting pitching, a left-handed power bat and more bullpen depth. They’re hoping that Max Kepler can solve the left-handed power issue and the return of Brandon Pfaadt can solve the rotation need. At this point, it’s more likely they focus on relievers, with Adolis Chapman, Kyle Finnegan, Lucas Erceg and Sam Bachman all possibilities.
Lucas Erceg has pitched better of late and could be a late-inning stabilizer for Arizona. (Dale Zanine / Imagn Images)
Best fit: Lucas Erceg, RHP, Kansas City Royals
Erceg has an inflated ERA but has pitched better of late. Last year, he was a lockdown reliever and he still has good stuff. The Royals are desperate for offense and the Diamondbacks could offer any one of several right-handed hitters in their system.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants are going to be sellers, with Robbie Ray and Luis Arraez the most likely to be dealt. However, they will listen on their star players, too, including Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman and Willy Adames. Should be a fascinating deadline for their front office.
Best fit: Sell
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies will be sellers, with the only untouchable being catcher Hunter Goodman. Unfortunately, they don’t have a lot of trade assets outside of some bullpen arms, fifth starter/long reliever types and role players.
Best fit: Sell
AL EastNew York Yankees
The Yankees’ biggest needs are another high-leverage back-end reliever and a right-handed-hitting catcher. They were hoping that prospect Carlos Lagrange and his triple-digit fastball would help them out of the bullpen this summer, but he just landed on the Triple-A injured list with a shoulder injury. Therefore, they’ll be monitoring the trade market for late-innings arms to pair with closer David Bednar.
On the catcher front, their most likely target will be Ryan Jeffers, once he’s healthy. They also could try to go big and ask the Orioles about Adley Rutschman, but it’s unlikely Baltimore will move him. Otherwise, they’ll look for a platoon-type catcher like Jeffers, Keibert Ruiz or maybe even Gabriel Moreno.
Best fit: Ryan Jeffers, C, Minnesota Twins
Jeffers would be a good platoon fit with Austin Wells.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays know they have an opportunity not only to win the AL East but also to reach the World Series, given the current parity in the AL. Therefore, expect them to go big at this year’s deadline and probably do it in stealth fashion.
Can the Rays finally acquire a superstar? (Nic Antaya / Getty Images)
They’ve always made a run at star players like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, but the public normally doesn’t find out until years later. That’s why no one should be surprised if they make a run at Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, Aroldis Chapman or any other star player who is moved. Don’t be surprised if they’re willing to trade one or two of their very best prospects to get it done. They’d love another big outfield bat or top-of-the-rotation starter.
Best fit: Tarik Skubal, LHP, Detroit Tigers
The Tigers will have to actually make Skubal available, of course, but if he is, he’d be the best target for Tampa.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays are hoping for better health and haven’t yet told other teams what they’ll be targeting. However, they are among the worst teams in baseball in terms of runs scored and home runs, so targeting a power bat makes sense.
Possible trade targets include Jo Adell, Mike Trout (although, again, I don’t think Trout will be moved), Luis Robert Jr. or Jorge Polanco if either is healthy in time, Casey Schmitt, Kody Clemens, Mickey Moniak, JJ Bleday or Spencer Steer.
Best fit: Spencer Steer, OF/IF, Cincinnati Reds
Steer can play first, third and left and is on pace to eclipse 20 homers for the fourth consecutive year. He’s still only 28 but is arbitration eligible for the first time this offseason, which is why the Reds could move on from him.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles have made it clear that starting pitching continues to be their top priority in all trade discussions. I expect them to pursue Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, José Soriano, Reid Detmers, Freddy Peralta, Sonny Gray, Sandy Alcántara, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha and Robbie Ray.
Best fit: Reid Detmers, LHP and José Soriano, RHP, Los Angeles Angels
With John Mozeliak now in charge of the Angels, they are much more likely to consider deals for their veterans. The Orioles have a bevy of young position players on their major-league roster as well as in their farm system to put together a strong enough package to land one of those two starters. Either one could be a game-changer for the Orioles’ chances to make the playoffs.
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox are looking for offense in all of their trade discussions and are open-minded about what they have to deal. However, their best play would be to sell because it’s a seller’s market and the Red Sox could be one of the headliners at the deadline with Sonny Gray, Aroldis Chapman and Jarren Duran all potential trade bait.
A rebuild to contend next season is probably in their best interests, even though they have moved back into the wild-card race.
Best fit: Sell
AL CentralChicago White Sox
The White Sox are looking to go from last to first just like the Blue Jays did last year. Their path would be easier if they add to the rotation and the back end of their bullpen.
I think they should target both Aroldis Chapman and Sonny Gray of the Red Sox, but should be willing to consider all possibilities, including an in-division trade with the Royals. The White Sox trading a bat for either Michael Wacha or Seth Lugo could make sense for both teams.
Best fit: Aroldis Chapman, LHP, Boston Red Sox
Chapman would become their lockdown closer and give them a much better shot at reaching the postseason and being competitive once there.
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians ideally need another middle-of-the-order bat, with first base or DH the best positional fits. At some point they’ll be getting José Ramírez and Angel Martínez back from the injured list, which will help, but they still need another power bat.
Could the Guardians acquire Curtis Mead to give them two Aussies in their infield? (Rafael Suanes / Imagn Images)
If either Christian Walker or Isaac Paredes becomes available, they both would be solid targets, as would Spencer Steer or Eugenio Suárez, possibly Marcell Ozuna if he starts producing more, Jake Burger, Joc Pederson, Willson Contreras (although I doubt Boston moves their best hitter), Kody Clemens, Luis García Jr. or Curtis Mead.
Best fit: Luis García Jr. and Curtis Mead, IFs, Washington Nationals
Both García and Mead are having their best seasons and Washington desperately needs to upgrade both its rotation and bullpen. Pitching is a strength for Cleveland while offense is a strength for the Nats, making them good trade matches.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers need to get healthy and have their players get back to their normal level of play. If they do that, they could get back in the race by the end of July and hold on to Tarik Skubal, which was their original plan. However, if I were them, I would trade Skubal and get the biggest return possible to set the team up for 2027 and beyond. I don’t think this is a championship-caliber team even if they were to defy all odds and make the playoffs this year.
Best fit: Trade Tarik Skubal for the best trade package possible.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins see a wild-card berth within striking distance and are searching for bullpen help. I don’t think they have a strong chance for a wild card, and if I were them, I would see what I could get for Joe Ryan, Taylor Rogers, Kody Clemens, Royce Lewis, Tristan Gray, Victor Caratini and Josh Bell. I would even talk to Byron Buxton to see if he would waive his no-trade clause if I could deal him to either the Braves or Yankees.
Best fit: Sell
Kansas City Royals
The Royals have been one of the most disappointing teams in baseball and they are focusing on improving their offense for the long term. They have the start of a strong nucleus around superstar Bobby Witt Jr., with Maikel Garcia and young potential stars Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone. However, they know they need to add more hitters around them.
Kansas City is not going to be a legitimate contender this year. The Royals need to see what they can get back for their best trade assets, pitchers like Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Lucas Erceg and Alex Lange.
Best fit: Sell
AL WestSeattle Mariners
The Mariners’ biggest need is one more high-leverage bullpen arm and a right-handed power hitter who can do damage against left-handed pitching, which they have struggled against this year. If Jorge Polanco or Luis Robert Jr. get healthy, one of them would make some sense. Willson Contreras would be the best fit, but, again, I doubt the Red Sox move him. Spencer Steer also would be a solid choice due to his positional flexibility and power.
Best fit: Jorge Polanco, DH/1B, and Huascar Brazobán, RHP, New York Mets
Securing a reunion with Polanco, who is currently on rehab assignment with the Mets, and acquiring right-handed reliever Huascar Brazobán in one big trade would be a strong move for Seattle. A deal of that magnitude, combined with the promotion of top pitching prospect Kade Anderson, could be the final pieces for the Mariners to secure the AL West.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers are looking to improve their offense and are really challenged right now with their best two players, Wyatt Langford and Corey Seager, on the injured list.
If he’s healthy, Luis Robert Jr. could provide a boost for the Rangers. (D. Ross Cameron / Imagn Images)
Like the Mariners, the Rangers should be calling the Mets to see if they can get a bat. Luis Robert Jr. could be a fit, as he’s on a minor-league rehab assignment recovering from a lumbar spine herniation. He is expected back this month and has time to prove he’s healthy. He’s already hit 38 homers in a season (2023) and stolen 33 bases in a year (2025) and is still only 28.
Best fit: Luis Robert Jr., CF, New York Mets
The Rangers might be willing to offer a package of left-hander Dalton Pence and outfielder Paxton King to make the trade work from the Mets side of things.
Athletics
The A’s are targeting pitching of all types, as they have big needs in the rotation and the bullpen. Once the A’s figure out how to build a stable pitching staff, they should be perennial contenders. They might just be a starting pitcher away from making the playoffs and should be targeting pitchers that they control past this year without having to give up any of their top-end prospects.
Their best trade targets include Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Brady Singer, Kyle Freeland, Robbie Ray, Sandy Alcántara or Emmet Sheehan.
Best fit: Seth Lugo, RHP, Kansas City Royals
Lugo is 36 but controllable for one more year with a team option. He’s having a solid season and would be a leader for the A’s young pitchers.
Houston Astros
The Astros are searching for a left-handed hitting outfielder with pop to better balance their lineup. There are not a lot of players available who fit that profile, but a few significant ones they should target include Jarren Duran, Kerry Carpenter, Ryan O’Hearn and maybe even Mickey Moniak.
Best fit: Jarren Duran, OF, Boston Red Sox
Duran needs a change of scenery and would thrive in the Astros’ strong clubhouse environment.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels made their best move in years when they landed veteran executive John Mozeliak to get them back on the right track from a front-office leadership perspective. The Angels have a lot of talent they can dangle at the deadline, including starters José Soriano and Reid Detmers and outfielders Jo Adell and Jorge Soler. They’ll now be a fun organization to follow in late July.
Best fit: Sell