If there’s any doubt that pitching will be the focal point of this year’s Trade Deadline, there shouldn’t be.
Nearly every contender – and as of Monday, that meant 24 of the 30 teams in MLB, all of whom were within 4 1/2 games of a postseason spot – could use an arm of some variety. Some need starters, some need relievers, while others may very well be in the market for both.
2026 Trade Deadline: Aug. 3, 6 p.m. ET
• Latest trade buzz and rumors
That doesn’t mean position players won’t be in demand, as well. The market for hitters can be more refined based on which teams are looking for help at different positions, but a number of lineups could use a little boost between now and the Aug. 3 Deadline.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the two dozen teams within a stone’s throw of a playoff spot, examining what their biggest need may be as we head into July.
(Records/standings were as of Monday morning)
American League
Rays: Starting rotation
(48-33, 1st in AL East)
Yes, the Rays’ starting rotation leads the AL with a 3.29 ERA, but Tampa Bay has workload concerns with Shane McClanahan and Griffin Jax that will need to be managed, evidenced by the club’s 399 innings from its starters, which ranks 13th in the AL. Manager Kevin Cash has been using an opener in the No. 5 spot, so adding a proven starter – someone like Michael Wacha, for instance – would help take some stress off a bullpen that has had some issues. The Rays could also take a big swing if a big arm – Tarik Skubal, perhaps? – becomes available.
Yankees: Catcher
(48-35, 1 GB in AL East, 1st in AL Wild Card)
The Yankees’ production behind the plate has been among the worst in the league, as New York ranks 14th with a .178 batting average and .526 OPS and last with 19 RBIs from its backstops. Austin Wells has all four of the Yankees’ homers at the position, but he’s hitting .157 with a .499 OPS in 190 plate appearances. If they’re available, Hunter Goodman and Ryan Jeffers would help those numbers, but GM Brian Cashman has been historically reluctant to bring in a new everyday catcher during the season because of potential disruption to the pitching staff.
Guardians: Impact bat
(44-40, T-1st in AL Central, 2nd in AL Wild Card)
The Guardians are doing their annual dance, contending in the AL Central despite a pedestrian offense. Cleveland entered the week tied with the White Sox atop the division even with a -8 run differential, so adding an impact bat figures to be a priority. The Guardians’ .670 OPS at first base ranks 14th in the AL, while their .648 OPS at DH ranks 11th, so either of those spots would make sense for an upgrade.
White Sox: Starting rotation
(43-39, T-1st in AL Central, 2nd in AL Wild Card)
Chicago’s improbable season has made the White Sox into unlikely buyers, and the rotation figures to be an area for GM Chris Getz to upgrade. Even with fewer innings thrown (352 2/3) than any other rotation in the AL, some of the Sox starters – Davis Martin and Sean Burke, in particular – will have their workloads monitored carefully given their lack of innings during their careers. Adding a starter or two could be in Chicago’s plans as the Sox look to return to the postseason for the first time since 2021.
Rangers: Bullpen
(42-42, 1st in AL West)
Texas relievers have a 3.82 ERA, the fifth-best mark in the AL, but the Rangers lack many swing-and-miss arms in the bullpen, something they should look to add during the next month. The Rangers’ 7.8 strikeouts per nine ranks last among all AL bullpens, so adding some hard-throwing, high-leverage relievers could be in the cards. Perhaps a reunion with Aroldis Chapman? It worked in 2023, so you never know.
Mariners: Bullpen
(42-43, 0.5 GB in AL West, 3rd in AL Wild Card)
Seattle’s relief corps carries the third-lowest bullpen ERA in the AL (3.67), but closer Andrés Muñoz – an All-Star in each of the past two years – has been uneven all season, posting a 4.91 ERA in 32 appearances while suffering five blown saves in 20 opportunities. Matt Brash is on the injured list with a lat strain for the second time this season and has no firm timetable for a return, leaving the Mariners with a need for a high-leverage, late-inning arm (or two).
Astros: Outfielder
(42-44, 1 GB in AL West, 0.5 GB in AL Wild Card)
Houston’s production from its outfield has been abysmal; its .662 OPS ranks 13th in the AL, while its .217 average and .294 on-base percentage both rank last in the league. Adding a productive outfield bat – preferably a left-handed-hitter to help balance out the lineup – figures to be one of GM Dana Brown’s top priorities between now and the Deadline.
Athletics: Pitching
(40-44, 2 GB in AL West, 1.5 GB in AL Wild Card)
Trying to decide whether the Athletics need more help with their rotation or bullpen is a difficult task; they rank 14th in the AL in rotation ERA (4.97) and 13th in bullpen ERA (4.95), combining for a league-high 4.96 ERA as an overall pitching staff. Their 6.11 home ERA in Sacramento is clearly a major factor in those numbers – that number shrinks to 3.73 on the road, the second-best mark in the AL – but if the A’s hope to get to the postseason, they’ll need to figure out how to pitch better at home.
Twins: Bullpen
(40-45, 4.5 GB in AL Central, 2 GB in AL Wild Card)
Minnesota’s 5.45 bullpen ERA entered the week ranked last in the AL, while its 1.72 strikeout-to-walk ratio was also tied for the worst among all AL bullpens. The three relievers with at least 30 appearances for the Twins carry an ERA between 4.03 and 6.16, though Yoendrys Gómez (1.25 ERA, seven saves in 24 appearances) has been one of the few bright spots in the bullpen. Despite their sub-.500 record, the Twins are in both the AL Central and Wild Card races, but bolstering the bullpen would be crucial to their chances.
Blue Jays: Starting rotation
(39-45, 10.5 GB in AL East, 2.5 GB in AL Wild Card)
On paper, the top four of Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber should be more than enough for Toronto, but the No. 5 spot either belongs to the ineffective Patrick Corbin or the injured (and ineffective) Max Scherzer. Despite being under .500, the Blue Jays are in the thick of the AL Wild Card race, so adding a starter – preferably a controllable one, as Gausman, Bieber and Scherzer will be free agents after the season while José Berríos and Cody Ponce will still be rehabbing from surgery – would be ideal for Toronto.
Orioles: Starting rotation
(39-46, 11 GB in AL East, 3 GB in AL Wild Card)
President of baseball operations Mike Elias recently said the Orioles were “going for it,” indicating plans to be buyers between now and the Deadline. Baltimore had a busy offseason that included the addition of Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward and Shane Baz, but the Orioles rank ninth in the AL in rotation ERA (4.38), creating a need for a frontline arm that has been missing since Corbin Burnes left after the 2024 season. Elias will likely seek bullpen help, as well, specifically from the left side.
Red Sox: Middle infield
(36-46, 12.5 GB in AL East, 4.5 GB in AL Wild Card)
Boston’s middle infield situation has been a mess this season, with Trevor Story playing only 41 games and Marcelo Mayer underachieving before landing on the injured list last week. The Red Sox have the lowest OPS in the AL at both second base (.619) and shortstop (.600), so an upgrade at either spot would help Boston in its quest to return to the playoffs.
National League
Dodgers: Starting rotation
(54-30, 1st in NL West)
The two-time defending World Series champs are pretty stacked all around their roster, but if there’s one thing the Dodgers are always in the market for, it’s starting pitching depth. Los Angeles has gotten only three innings from Blake Snell and 39 2/3 from Tyler Glasnow this season, and while five others have already logged more than 70 innings, the Dodgers know how fragile starting pitching can be. Would they go all-in to acquire someone like Tarik Skubal? They’re the Dodgers. If the opportunity presented itself, of course they would.
Brewers: Bullpen
(50-31, 1st in NL Central)
Milwaukee’s bullpen has been solid, posting a 3.72 ERA that ranks fifth in the NL. But the banged-up group has been pretty top heavy, led by Trevor Megill, Aaron Ashby and Abner Uribe, so adding another proven relief arm (or two) would help manager Pat Murphy navigate the second half of the season as the Crew looks to take another step after losing in the NLCS last fall.
Braves: Starting rotation
(49-33, 1st in NL East)
The Braves’ rotation has been ravaged by injuries all season, yet Atlanta entered the week with a three-game lead in the NL East. The rotation ranks third in the NL with a 3.85 ERA, but adding a frontline arm to pair with Chris Sale would help the Braves as they try to unseat the Dodgers as NL champs. Atlanta has the financial flexibility to take on salary – Tarik Skubal’s $32 million, for example – and the prospect capital to get a deal done, though it remains to be seen whether president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos will be willing to give up a lot for a short-term rental.
Phillies: Corner outfielder
(47-37, 3 GB in NL East, 1st in NL Wild Card)
Adolis García is done for the season, leaving a vacancy in right field for the Phillies – not that the former ALCS MVP was having much of a season, anyway (.599 OPS). Philadelphia’s .596 OPS from its right fielders ranks 14th in the NL, and while Derek Hill is off to a hot start since being acquired from the White Sox, the Phillies are still struggling to get consistent production out of Justin Crawford or Gabriel Rincones Jr. With Brandon Marsh (who can play all over the outfield) representing the only proven option on the roster, adding a veteran bat would provide a lift to the lineup.
Cubs: Starting rotation
(46-38, 5.5 GB in NL Central, 2nd in NL Wild Card)
Chicago’s rotation ranks 13th in the NL with a 4.54 ERA, and with Jameson Taillon, Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown recently joining Cade Horton and Justin Steele on the injured list, the Cubs are in need of capable arms if they hope to keep their grip on a playoff spot. It’s unclear whether president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer will go all-in to acquire a frontline arm like Tarik Skubal or Joe Ryan, but there will be a number of depth-type starters out there for the taking. Chicago already acquired David Peterson from the Mets to help the situation.
Cardinals: Starting rotation
(43-38, 7 GB in NL Central, 3rd in NL Wild Card)
First-year president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom probably didn’t expect to be a potential buyer this season, but St. Louis’ surprising performance warrants some moves given its chance to make the playoffs. Adding rotation depth should be a priority; the Cardinals’ five primary starters have made all but two of the team’s starts this season, but workload issues could come into play for Dustin May and Kyle Leahy during the second half.
Padres: Starting rotation
(43-39, 10 GB in NL West, 0.5 GB in NL Wild Card)
Yet another team in the market for pitching depth, the Padres rank 12th in the NL with a 4.51 rotation ERA, using 12 starters this season thanks to a number of injury issues. Can Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta come back at full strength to save the day? Is president of baseball operations A.J. Preller willing to take that gamble? Adding a starter such as Michael Wacha or Seth Lugo could make sense, considering the Padres are unlikely to make the big splash for a top arm like Tarik Skubal. At least we think that’s the case; with Preller this time of year, you just never know.
Marlins: Corner infielder
(44-40, 6 GB in NL East, 0.5 GB in NL Wild Card)
Miami doesn’t have long-term answers at either first or third base, and the team has even experimented with moving Kyle Stowers from the outfield to first base at times this season to try getting production from the position. Kemp Alderman, the club’s No. 8 prospect and an outfielder by trade, is also seeing first-base action in the Minors. Third base has been a carousel, too, with Javier Sanoja leading a three-man group that has also included Graham Pauley and Leo Jiménez. The Marlins’ seven homers from their first baseman are tied for the least in the NL, while their .543 OPS at third base ranks last in the league.
Nationals: Bullpen
(43-42, 7.5 GB in NL East, 2 GB in NL Wild Card)
Another unexpected contender, the Nationals could find themselves as buyers in the coming weeks. Relief pitching is the obvious area of need given Washington’s 5.02 bullpen ERA, tied for the worst among all NL clubs. Ten different pitchers have earned at least one save this season for the Nats, who would benefit from the addition of a high-leverage reliever to handle closing duties.
Pirates: Bullpen
(42-42, 9.5 GB in NL Central, 2.5 GB in NL Wild Card)
Pittsburgh’s bullpen ranks in the lower third of the NL in ERA (4.36), strikeouts/walk ratio (2.11) and WHIP (1.380), and while Gregory Soto has done a decent job closing, adding a veteran arm for that role would allow Soto to move into a setup role, pushing the rest of the relievers into lower-leverage positions. A reunion with Aroldis Chapman may prove too costly, but what about Pete Fairbanks or Anthony Bender if the Marlins make either available? Or Antonio Senzatela in Colorado? There are options out there, and the Pirates will likely consider all of them.
Diamondbacks: Impact bat
(41-42, 12.5 GB in NL West, 3 GB in NL Wild Card)
General manager Mike Hazen has said he plans to be a buyer, and given Arizona’s offensive deficiencies – the Diamondbacks rank T-11th in the NL in runs (350), 13th in OPS (.692) and T-13th in home runs (74) – adding a bat should top the list. First base (.568 OPS) and DH (.604) have been the worst in the NL all season, so an upgrade at either spot makes sense. Impending free agent Luis Arraez, who can play first or second base or serve as the DH, is hitting .324 with an .807 OPS in 78 games and could be an inexpensive and sensible fit.
Reds: Bullpen
(39-43, 11.5 GB in NL Central, 4.5 GB in NL Wild Card)
Cincinnati’s 4.79 bullpen ERA ranks 13th in the NL, and their numbers in late-and-close situations are in the lower third of the league (.761 OPS against). The Reds have been without Emilio Pagán (hamstring) for nearly two months, so getting him back will surely help, but adding a reliever (or two) who can get outs in high-leverage situations might be just what Cincinnati needs to make a second-half Wild Card surge.