MLB trade deadline approaches with Blue Jays, Tigers and Yankees among active clubs
Teams including Toronto, Detroit, Chicago and New York are weighing moves as the August 3 deadline nears, with pitcher Tarik Skubal and reliever Jeff Hoffman drawing particular interest.
As the 2026 MLB trade deadline draws near on August 3, several clubs are evaluating roster changes. Toronto is expected to consider moving outfielder Daulton Varsho and may explore a deal to bring reliever Jeff Hoffman back to the Phillies, according to league sources. The Blue Jays have also released three minor-league players in recent weeks.
Detroit’s rotation ace Tarik Skubal is reportedly the focus of competing offers. Insider reports suggest the Chicago Cubs are “all-in” on acquiring him, while the Los Angeles Dodgers are also listed as a potential destination. Skubal’s contract runs through the season at $32 million.
Former general manager Jim Bowden told a podcast that the New York Yankees are likely to be the most active buyers, targeting a right-handed catcher, bullpen arm, starting pitcher, right-handed outfielder and a power bat.
Other notable names mentioned in trade chatter include Phillies-targeted reliever Jeff Hoffman, Boston’s catcher Ryan Jeffers, and several pitchers such as Sonny Gray, Casey Mize and Joe Ryan, who could become assets for teams looking to bolster their rotations before the deadline.