MLB trade deadline set for Aug. 3 as several pitchers draw interest

The 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline will be Monday, Aug. 3, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time. Insiders say the deadline could involve several high-profile pitchers, including Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, who has been performing strongly in the second half of the season.

New York Mets starter Freddy Peralta is also attracting attention. Sammon of The Athletic noted that, despite a 4.99 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP over 22 starts, Peralta still has the attributes that made him successful earlier in his career. He reported that the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies have all shown interest.

Peralta was scratched from his next start, a move the Mets appear to be making to preserve his trade value ahead of the deadline.

In Baltimore, the Orioles are expected to be active. Jeff Passan of ESPN said the club could be among the busiest teams before the deadline and may focus on free-agent targets such as outfielder Taylor Ward, left-hander Trevor Rogers and reliever Andrew Kittredge while saving larger roster changes for the offseason. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman added that the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays have expressed interest in catcher Adley Rutschman if he becomes available.

The Orioles, currently 1.5 games behind the wild-card line, have not ruled out making a trade but may also look to add depth rather than sell key assets.

"The Orioles could be among the busiest teams before Monday at 6 p.m. ET," ESPN’s Jeff Passan said.

"Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays have shown interest in Adley Rutschman," New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported.

Predictions from the sources suggest Peralta could return to Milwaukee for prospects, while Baltimore may complete a utility or bullpen trade rather than pursue marquee acquisitions.