The Trade Deadline is 1 week away! Here's the latest on MLB's buzziest trade candidates

Seven days.

That's all that's left between now and the arrival of the 2026 Trade Deadline on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. ET. In other words, the buyers and sellers around the league still have some time to find the best deals for their respective clubs. But that time is dwindling quickly.

As the rumors and transactions get ready to pick up in earnest, here's a quick overview of where things stand with eight of the most prominent names in the trade market.

Tarik Skubal, SP, Tigers

The Tigers’ will-they-or-won’t-they saga with Skubal is easily this year’s top Trade Deadline storyline. Skubal, who has looked like his old self after undergoing left elbow surgery in May, is the type of pitcher who could swing playoff races and perhaps even this year’s World Series title, depending on where he lands. The Rays and Brewers have been linked to Skubal in recent days. The Braves, Yankees, Phillies and Cubs could be suitors as well. And many rival executives still aren’t counting out the Dodgers despite indications that the two-time defending champions aren’t going after him.

But Detroit may not be ready to give up on its own postseason hopes despite dropping to 50-56 with two straight losses to the Royals over the weekend. The Tigers could buy, with a late-inning reliever reportedly on their wish list. They could sell, trading Skubal and other pending free agents such as Casey Mize, Gleyber Torres and Jack Flaherty. Or, they could do a little of both. The Athletic reported last week that the Tigers were at least mulling the possibility of securing a package for Skubal that would keep them strong in the present while also improving their future outlook. They’d do that by trading him for a controllable starting pitcher and prospects.

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Mason Miller, RP, Padres

Nothing can be ruled out when AJ Preller is involved, but sources familiar with the Padres’ thinking told The Athletic's Dennis Lin last week that Miller seemed likely to remain with the club through the Trade Deadline. USA Today reported something similar Sunday, noting that several rival executives who had spoken with AJ Preller got the sense that San Diego is unlikely to move Miller but could still trade starter Michael King, who can opt out of his contract this offseason and next.

The Padres swept the Marlins over the weekend to get back to .500, further reducing the chances that they'll be outright sellers, but Preller could dangle King and lefty reliever Adrian Morejon (pending free agent) to bring back controllable pieces who could help San Diego address some of its weaknesses in 2026 and also help beyond this season. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman said Friday that, based on his intel, the Mariners, Pirates and Yankees were expected to be the top three suitors for Miller if the flamethrowing closer is available, but the odds of a trade appear slim at this point.

CJ Abrams, SS, Nationals

According to a report from The Athletic, people briefed on the club’s thinking said that while the Nats aren’t shopping Abrams, they are at least willing to listen to offers. The Nationals did trade another infielder on Saturday night, sending Curtis Mead to the Red Sox for pitcher Connelly Early, but that doesn't necessarily mean Abrams or fellow trade candidate Luis García Jr. are off the table. Abrams is only 25 years old and under team control through 2028, but there are several factors that favor a trade.

The Yankees reportedly have “checked in on” Abrams. The Brewers balked at Washington’s lofty asking price when the two sides discussed Abrams in the offseason, but Milwaukee is expected to explore the possibility of a deal again soon, The Athletic reports. USA Today linked the Red Sox to Abrams on Friday, and they may still be in the market for a shortstop even after bolstering their infield with their trade for Mead.

Francisco Lindor, SS, Mets

Lindor found himself at the center of trade rumors when a report emerged that the Mets were ready to sell and did not have the superstar shortstop on their short list of untouchables. However, a Lindor trade has never seemed particularly likely, considering he has five years and $170.5 million left on his contract with a full no-trade clause and is in the midst of a down season at 32 years old.

That said, the Mets are expected to be active sellers. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal said Saturday that he believes they’ll make at least six trades. Pending free agents Freddy Peralta, A.J. Minter, Brooks Raley and Tyrone Taylor are the most likely to be traded, and Clay Holmes (opt-out) will probably be moved as well. Center fielder Luis Robert Jr. has been generating interest, too, after returning from the injured list on July 20. Robert has a $20 million club option ($2 million buyout) for 2027. In Rosenthal's view, the big question for the Mets is not whether Lindor will be traded but whether they'll deal reliever Luke Weaver. The Mets have Weaver signed through 2027 and want to compete next season, but the demand for relievers could force them to consider moving the right-hander.

Ryan Jeffers, C, Twins

A number of contenders need catching help, including the Yankees, Rays and Red Sox. But with the A’s Shea Langeliers no longer in play due to a torn meniscus that could keep him out for the rest of 2026 and the Rockies unlikely to deal Hunter Goodman without getting a major haul in return, the options are limited. The Orioles are reportedly willing to listen on Adley Rutschman, but he’s also currently sidelined with left wrist inflammation.

That leaves Jeffers, a pending free agent with a .930 OPS over 46 games this season, as perhaps the most viable target for clubs looking to upgrade their offensive output behind the plate. The Twins are in the thick of the AL Wild Card race despite their 53-54 record and reportedly have been debating whether to buy or sell, but USA Today reported Sunday that rival execs now believe they'll deal Jeffers. More uncertain is the status of starter Joe Ryan, who is under control through 2027 and had his most recent start pushed back due to arm fatigue.

Luis Arraez, 2B, Giants

It’s been clear for a while now that the Giants were going to be sellers this season, as president of baseball operations Buster Posey confirmed back in June that San Francisco was open to potential deals for most of their players. That said, it remains to be seen how many trades the Giants will actually make.

Logan Webb appears to be untouchable, and Rafael Devers, Willy Adames and Matt Chapman all have expensive contracts, which could complicate San Francisco’s efforts to move them. Word is the Giants are also looking to retain Jung Hoo Lee. The Giants’ most obvious trade chips are Arraez and starter Robbie Ray, both of whom are pending free agents having strong seasons. MLB.com’s Mike Petriello recently looked at some of the clubs that could trade for Arraez, a three-time batting champion slashing .327/.363/.451 with improved defense at second base. The Giants are also reportedly open to moving outfielder Heliot Ramos (controllable through 2029).

Zach Neto, SS, Angels

The Angels, who are heading toward their 11th consecutive losing season, have a handful of intriguing trade candidates who could fetch a sizeable return. Neto is arguably at the head of that group. The Red Sox reportedly think they would be a good fit for the 25-year-old shortstop who has 19 homers, 13 steals and is under club control through 2029.

ESPN reported last week that Angels interim general manager John Mozeliak is open to trading such controllable players, so starting pitchers José Soriano and Reid Detmers have been oft-mentioned names in the rumor mill as well. Both hurlers aren't scheduled to reach free agency until after the 2028 season. Outfielder Jo Adell (controllable through 2027) has taken a step back from last season's 37-homer campaign, but he is an option for teams that need a right-handed bat, something that is in increasingly shorter supply.

Kevin Gausman, SP, Blue Jays

One season after coming agonizingly close to winning the World Series, the Blue Jays have been one of this year's biggest disappointments. They sit at 48-58, 5 1/2 games back of a playoff spot entering Monday and have dropped 19 of their past 28 games. Even before Sunday's loss to the Red Sox, rival executives reportedly thought Toronto was "conceding and wading into the sell waters," according to the New York Post. The team has numerous veterans on expiring contracts that it could look to unload within the next week, including Gausman, George Springer, Shane Bieber, Daulton Varsho and Max Scherzer.

Gausman owns a 4.51 ERA through 22 starts, but given his long history as a frontline starter and recent October experience, there's reason to believe he'll be better down the stretch. The right-hander reportedly has a limited no-trade clause and said Sunday that he wants to remain with Toronto. But that won't stop pitching-needy clubs from checking in on his availability. The Athletic recently mentioned the Cubs, Dodgers, Rangers and Padres as potential destinations for the 35-year-old.