With the All-Star break concluded and regular-season baseball fully underway, the MLB community shifts its attention to the imminent trade deadline. As approximately 100 games have been completed for each team, several clubs remain on the fence between being contenders and non-contenders. This season has not seen a singularly dominant team; the current top team in the rankings marks the eighth different team to occupy this position so far this year. The ambiguous state for many teams may prompt some to make acquisitions or maintain the status quo as the deadline approaches, leading to fewer trade candidates in a market that may see available players drive higher returns in prospects. The upcoming days are crucial in defining the season's trajectory, as a clear distinction will emerge between contenders and pretenders by August 1. An updated overview of the standings across MLB follows.

30. Colorado Rockies (24-75) - Previous Rank: 30. Despite their clear indication as sellers, the Rockies' roster lacks abundant trade assets. Third baseman Ryan McMahon may be appealing to a contender if Colorado is open to subsidizing part of his salary. He recently performed well, going 4-for-11 with two doubles and two home runs in three games against the Twins to start the second half.

29. Washington Nationals (39-60) - Previous Rank: 28. The Nationals have struggled, posting a 2-10 record over their last 12 games following a surprise series victory against the Tigers at the beginning of July. To improve upon last year's finish of 71-91, they would need to achieve a 33-30 record over their remaining 63 games. Rumor has it that MacKenzie Gore could be a potential trade option this summer, although significant compensation would likely be necessary to acquire a player with club control through 2027.

28. Pittsburgh Pirates (39-61) - Previous Rank: 27. The Pirates faced a challenging start to the second half, suffering a three-game sweep against the White Sox. They are anticipated to be active sellers at the trade deadline, with only ace Paul Skenes and franchise staple Andrew McCutchen deemed untouchable in trade discussions. Late-inning relievers Dennis Santana and David Bednar are likely candidates to be moved as well.

27. Chicago White Sox (35-65) - Previous Rank: 29. Entering the All-Star break, the White Sox were the sole team in baseball without a series sweep this year. However, they changed that narrative by sweeping the Pirates in their first series after the break. Luis Robert Jr. shone against Pittsburgh, going 5-for-10 with a home run, possibly generating increased trade interest.

26. Atlanta Braves (43-55) - Previous Rank: 26. The Braves began the second half with a rotation featuring Joey Wentz, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Davis Daniel in the spots behind Spencer Strider, highlighting the challenges faced by a team expected to compete for a division title. They secured Dane Dunning in a trade with the Rangers last week, adding depth to their pitching staff.

25. Oakland Athletics (42-59) - Previous Rank: 25. The Athletics have experienced a significant influx of youth, using 20 different rookies this season, including Jacob Wilson, Nick Kurtz, Jacob Lopez, Max Muncy, and Denzel Clarke. The second half is focused on evaluating their young talent. In terms of trade activity, veterans Luis Urías and Gio Urshela could attract interest from contenders, although a quiet deadline is anticipated.

24. Baltimore Orioles (44-54) - Previous Rank: 24. After showing promise with a 6-1 stretch before the break, the Orioles entered a four-game losing streak before finally securing a victory on Sunday. Potential tradeable veterans include starters Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano, while Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins represent valuable trade assets.

23. Kansas City Royals (48-52) - Previous Rank: 23. The Royals have faltered since May, recording the third-worst record in the American League. They have failed to meet the heightened expectations following last year's playoff appearance, with their offense ranking 29th in the majors with 343 runs scored. As a result, they may look to make moves at the trade deadline, including potentially dealing Seth Lugo, who has a player option for 2026 that is unlikely to be exercised.

22. Minnesota Twins (48-51) - Previous Rank: 21. The Twins exhibited inconsistent performance this season, with a strong May followed by a lackluster June and a near even record in July. Should they decide to sell, relievers Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax are expected to garner interest. However, it would not be surprising if they choose to stand pat as well.

21. Miami Marlins (46-52) - Previous Rank: 20. The Marlins made headlines with an eight-game winning streak in late June, though they have since cooled off. Despite this, they remain competitive with an 8-7 record in their last 15 games. The return of Eury Pérez, who boasts a 3.18 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP since his season debut on June 9, brings renewed excitement for Marlins fans.

20. Cleveland Guardians (48-50) - Previous Rank: 22. After a rough stretch that saw them drop to a season-low eight games below .500, the Guardians have rebounded with an impressive 8-2 record in their last 10 games, winning series against the Astros, White Sox, and Athletics. With one of the least difficult remaining schedules in baseball according to Tankathon, they may still contend for a wild-card spot.

19. St. Louis Cardinals (51-49) - Previous Rank: 14. The Cardinals exceeded early-season expectations but have struggled lately with a 4-10 record in July. This downturn may lead them to consider selling, as was initially projected at the beginning of the season. Notable trade candidates could include closer Ryan Helsley and starter Sonny Gray, along with Steven Matz and Phil Maton as potential deals.

18. Los Angeles Angels (49-50) - Previous Rank: 18. The Angels are on track to improve upon last season's 63-99 finish, but they currently sit a distant fourth in the AL West and sixth in the AL wild-card standings. Their decision to retain or trade players such as Taylor Ward, Tyler Anderson, and Kenley Jansen will depend on whether they push for a winning record.

17. Arizona Diamondbacks (50-50) - Previous Rank: 19. With 13 of their next 25 games against the Rockies (7 games), Pirates (3 games), and Athletics (3 games), the Diamondbacks face a crucial trade deadline decision as they remain 4.5 games out of the third NL wild-card spot. Contenders are reportedly hopeful that All-Star slugger Eugenio Suárez might become available.

16. Tampa Bay Rays (52-48) - Previous Rank: 16. The Rays found themselves just a half-game back in the AL East on June 28 but have since dropped to fourth in the division with a disheartening 5-12 record in their last 17 games. Trade candidates such as Yandy Díaz, Brandon Lowe, and Zack Littell may be explored as the team seeks to balance a competitive roster with cost-cutting measures.

15. Cincinnati Reds (52-48) - Previous Rank: 15. The Reds have found success recently, going 6-2 in their last eight games and are now tied with the Giants for the first outside wildcard position in the NL. Austin Hays has been a standout addition this season with an .877 OPS, 10 home runs, and 40 RBIs across just 187 plate appearances.

14. Texas Rangers (50-50) - Previous Rank: 17. After making waves on the trade market in June, the Rangers have recovered to make a playoff push with a 9-6 record in July. Their performance at home (28-20) contrasts starkly with their road record (22-30), increasing the urgency to enhance their performance away from Globe Life Field.

13. San Francisco Giants (52-48) - Previous Rank: 11. The Giants have hit a rough patch, losing five straight and six of their last seven games, allowing the Padres to overtake them in the NL West standings. Their offensive struggles are highlighted by a .662 OPS and an average of only 3.8 runs per game in July. Despite acquiring Rafael Devers from the Red Sox, another offensive addition will need to be pursued, particularly in first and second base.

12. New York Mets (56-44) - Previous Rank: 8. Despite some recent struggles, the Mets remain in contention. Facing one of the more challenging remaining schedules, their upcoming West Coast road trip is pivotal as they look to improve upon a subpar record of 22-28 away from Citi Field while taking on the Giants and Padres starting Friday.

11. San Diego Padres (54-45) - Previous Rank: 13. The Padres, with a 23-36 record against teams over .500, represent a mixed bag of talent. While they possess star players, their needs at the trade deadline are clear, particularly in finding an everyday left fielder that could shift Gavin Sheets into a primary DH role.

10. Boston Red Sox (54-47) - Previous Rank: 9. Coming off a 10-game winning streak, the Red Sox faced a tough challenge post All-Star break against the Cubs. Their pitching rotation has recently shown strength, with Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, and Lucas Giolito all delivering solid performances in July.

9. New York Yankees (55-44) - Previous Rank: 12. The Yankees have bounced back after a tough start to July, going 7-3 in their last 10 games. Their primary focus at the trade deadline will likely involve searching for upgrades at third base and adding a starting pitcher to help compensate for the loss of Clarke Schmidt.

8. Philadelphia Phillies (56-43) - Previous Rank: 6. The Phillies have reinforced their bullpen by signing veteran David Robertson, addressing an ongoing weakness in their relief pitching. With a challenging upcoming schedule against the Red Sox, Yankees, and Tigers, their lead in the NL East will be tested in the coming weeks.

7. Houston Astros (57-42) - Previous Rank: 4. With several key players, including Isaac Paredes, Yordan Alvarez, and Jeremy Pena, sidelined by injury, the Astros may prioritize acquiring additional offensive support at the trade deadline. Their farm system is thin, posing questions on their activity level as the deadline approaches.

6. Seattle Mariners (53-46) - Previous Rank: 10. The Mariners' offense has been prolific this July, scoring 81 runs over 15 games. Following a five-game winning streak against the Tigers and Astros, their competitive status among the AL's elite is reinforced. With the best farm system in baseball, they have significant flexibility at the trade deadline.

5. Los Angeles Dodgers (58-42) - Previous Rank: 5. Despite enduring a recent sweep at the hands of the Brewers, the Dodgers maintain a lead in the NL West standings. Their performance has dipped with a 2-8 record in the last 10 games, raising concerns as they navigate injuries affecting key players such as Freddie Freeman.

4. Toronto Blue Jays (58-41) - Previous Rank: 7. The Blue Jays have displayed remarkable consistency, not suffering a losing streak longer than two games since mid-June, compiling a commendable 20-8 record in that span. With impactful contributions from Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes, they aim to solidify their roster further before the deadline.

3. Detroit Tigers (60-40) - Previous Rank: 1. The Tigers lead the AL Central significantly, bolstered by their impressive overall performance, which is the best in baseball. Their bullpen, once a strength, may now require bolstering as the trade deadline approaches.

2. Chicago Cubs (59-40) - Previous Rank: 2. The Cubs navigated impressive series wins over the Yankees and Red Sox surrounding the All-Star break, positioning them for the easiest schedule in the second half of the season. Their depth and need may prompt significant moves aimed at acquiring top starting pitchers and bullpen arms.

1. Milwaukee Brewers (59-40) - Previous Rank: 3. The Brewers concluded a series sweep of the Dodgers, tying them with the Cubs for first in the NL Central. Key players such as Isaac Collins, Caleb Durbin, Blake Perkins, and Joey Ortiz have contributed significantly to their recent success. The Brewers are set to welcome the Cubs for a crucial three-game series next Monday.