MLB trade deadline looms as teams weigh buying versus selling amid tight playoff race
With the August 3 deadline approaching, MLB clubs are split between pursuing upgrades and offloading assets as the standings remain tightly clustered.
Teams are entering the final week before the MLB trade deadline with unclear directions, as only eight clubs sit more than 3.5 games out of a postseason spot. In the American League, the White Sox lead a surprising Central division, the under-.500 Astros trail first place by two games in the West, and the Red Sox have shifted from likely sellers to contenders after a winning streak. The National League features five clear playoff favorites—Dodgers, Brewers, Braves, Phillies and Cubs—while the Padres, Nationals, Pirates and Cardinals hover near the wild-card line.
The market is expected to be relatively quiet this year. No marquee stars or top prospects have moved so far, and the depth of mid-tier teams makes it hard for front offices to commit large assets. Minor upgrades, reliever swaps and a few rental deals are likely, but a blockbuster trade could still reshape the landscape if a team meets the Detroit Tigers' asking price for ace pitcher Tarik Skubal, who remains the most high-profile name on the market.
Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, carries a $32 million salary for the season and has seen a dip in performance after elbow surgery. The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly the most interested club, but the price required may deter other buyers. Other potential movers include Minnesota’s Joe Ryan, who could be traded despite staying with the Twins last year, and various starters from the Angels, Mets and Padres who could be shopped to address bullpen or rotation needs.
Front offices facing the toughest decisions include the Astros, who have three right-handed hitters—Jeremy Peña, Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker—attractive to contenders, and the Mariners, who remain just two games behind first place in the AL West despite a positive run differential. In the National League, five teams sit within three games of the final wild-card spot, but most are unlikely to make aggressive moves that could jeopardize their playoff chances.
The supply of right-handed bats is limited, with the Astros’ trio representing the most significant potential sellers. Meanwhile, the starting-pitcher market is deeper, offering buyers more leverage. Teams such as the Dodgers, Braves and Phillies may prioritize adding pitching depth, while the Yankees and Rangers are looking for catcher and high-leverage reliever upgrades respectively.
Both the Mets and Angels are expected to be sellers. The Mets could move expiring arms like Clay Holmes and Freddy Peralta, as well as relievers A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley, while the fate of franchise players Francisco Lindor and Bo Bichette remains uncertain. The Angels may offload power hitter Jorge Soler and bullpen pieces, with shortstop Zach Neto also a possible trade chip.
Overall, the compressed pennant race and scarcity of elite talent suggest a deadline dominated by modest upgrades and strategic positioning rather than league-changing deals.