MLB Trade Deadline Approaches: An Assessment of All 30 Teams

With the All-Star break now behind and regular-season baseball back in full swing, the focus of Major League Baseball is shifting towards the impending trade deadline. As teams approach the milestone of roughly 100 games completed this season, several clubs find themselves navigating between being contenders and non-contenders. Uniquely, there has yet to be a single dominant team this season; the current leader in the rankings is the eighth different team to occupy that position in 2023. This unpredictable landscape suggests that more teams might reconsider their positions as buyers, or at least hold steady as the deadline approaches. Consequently, while the number of potential trade candidates may dwindle, those players available in the market are likely to command a higher prospect return. This situation could further motivate sellers to actively dismantle their rosters. The upcoming days are sure to play a pivotal role in determining the trajectories of various teams as a definitive line between contenders and pretenders will be drawn on August 1. Here is an updated overview of where all 30 teams currently stand in the league.
30. Colorado Rockies (24-75) - The Rockies are in a position as clear sellers but find their roster lacking in viable trade assets. Notable third baseman Ryan McMahon has shown potential to benefit a contending team, especially after beginning the second half of the season with strong performances, going 4-for-11 with two doubles and two home runs over three games against the Twins.
29. Washington Nationals (39-60) - Struggling with a record of 2-10 over their last 12 games, following a surprise series victory against the Tigers earlier this month, the Nationals need to perform well in their remaining 63 games to exceed last season's 71-91 record. Speculation surrounding MacKenzie Gore suggests he may be on the trading block, although significant value would need to be offered given his club control through 2027.
28. Pittsburgh Pirates (39-61) - The Pirates had a disappointing start to the second half, suffering a three-game sweep to the White Sox. They are open to trade discussions, with only ace Paul Skenes and franchise veteran Andrew McCutchen deemed unavailable. Late-inning relievers Dennis Santana and David Bednar are anticipated to be dealt ahead of the deadline as well.
27. Chicago White Sox (35-65) - Entering the All-Star break, the White Sox had yet to sweep a series this season, but they quickly rectified that by taking all three games against Pittsburgh. Luis Robert Jr. made headlines with a 5-for-10 showing that included a home run, piquing trade interest regarding his potential value.
26. Atlanta Braves (43-55) - The Braves started the second half of the season in a precarious pitching situation, with Joey Wentz, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Davis Daniel stepping into critical rotation spots. The acquisition of Dane Dunning from the Rangers last week should bolster their innings capacity.
25. Oakland Athletics (42-59) - This season, the Athletics have utilized an impressive 20 different rookies, with players like Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz making their mark. The second half will continue to focus on developing young talent. Potential trade candidates include veterans Luis Urías and Gio Urshela, although a calm deadline is expected.
24. Baltimore Orioles (44-54) - The Orioles showed life with a 6-1 run before the All-Star break, but subsequent losses have extended their losing streak to four games prior to recent recovery. Key rental starters Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano could be moved in the coming weeks, alongside promising trade assets like Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins.
23. Kansas City Royals (48-52) - The Royals have regressed since their playoff berth last season, lying below expectations with an offense ranked 29th in the league for runs scored. There's a possibility of trading Seth Lugo, whose player option for 2026 may not be activated.
22. Minnesota Twins (48-51) - The Twins have fluctuated in performance, with mixed records month-to-month. If they decide to enter sell-mode, key relievers Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax could draw interest from contenders, though a wait-and-see approach may prevail.
21. Miami Marlins (46-52) - After an impressive eight-game winning streak in late June, the Marlins have returned to form, maintaining an 8-7 record in their previous 15 games. The return of a healthy Eury Pérez is a notable highlight, boasting a 3.18 ERA and 35 strikeouts since mid-June.
20. Cleveland Guardians (48-50) - Following a series of losses that brought them to eight games under .500, the Guardians have turned things around with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games. With the second-easiest remaining schedule, they remain in the wild-card conversation.
19. St. Louis Cardinals (51-49) - With a recent slump of 4-10 in July, the Cardinals are at risk of becoming sellers at the trade deadline despite a promising start to the season. Trade candidates include closer Ryan Helsley and starter Sonny Gray.
18. Los Angeles Angels (49-50) - The Angels find themselves improving over last season's performance, yet still sit fourth in the AL West. The question remains whether they will stand pat with potential trade assets like Taylor Ward and Tyler Anderson or pivot towards selling.
17. Arizona Diamondbacks (50-50) - With a favorable upcoming schedule against weaker teams, the Diamondbacks will have critical decisions to make come deadline day, especially with All-Star slugger Eugenio Suárez's value becoming a focal point for contenders.
16. Tampa Bay Rays (52-48) - Once contending for the AL East lead, the Rays have stumbled to a 5-12 record over their last 17 games. Potential trade pieces like Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe could be on the move as they look to streamline their roster while remaining competitive.
15. Cincinnati Reds (52-48) - Currently tied with the Giants for the first spot just outside the NL wild-card races, the Reds are making strides with a solid 6-2 stretch in their last eight games, aided by impactful performances from offseason acquisition Austin Hays.
14. Texas Rangers (50-50) - The Rangers faced pressure as trade rumors escalated, but their improved performance in July has kept them in playoff contention. Their performance at Globe Life Field needs to improve as they work for a postseason push.
13. San Francisco Giants (52-48) - The Giants have encountered difficulties, experiencing a downturn in form with five consecutive losses. Despite the acquisition of Rafael Devers, they require further offensive reinforcement, particularly in the infield.
12. New York Mets (56-44) - After hitting a rough patch with back-to-back series losses, the Mets face a challenging remaining schedule, needing to improve their away record during an upcoming West Coast trip against the Giants and Padres.
11. San Diego Padres (54-45) - Despite their star-studded roster, the Padres have struggled against better teams, bringing their game plan for the trade deadline into sharp focus, particularly the need for an everyday left fielder.
10. Boston Red Sox (54-47) - The Red Sox, having started the second half following a significant win streak, faced a competitive Cubs team but managed to recover enough to avoid a sweep. Their pitching staff has shown marked improvement recently.
9. New York Yankees (55-44) - After navigating a tough start to July, the Yankees have rebounded effectively. Key positions to address at the deadline include third base upgrades and bolstering their pitching staff to make a playoff run.
8. Philadelphia Phillies (56-43) - The addition of veteran David Robertson aims to fortify a struggling bullpen. Their upcoming series against the Red Sox and Yankees will be critical as they strive to maintain their lead in the NL East.
7. Houston Astros (57-42) - With several players currently sidelined due to injuries, the Astros may prioritize adding offensive support at the trade deadline to maintain their position in a competitive division.
6. Seattle Mariners (53-46) - The Mariners are showing consistent offensive prowess with a strong performance in July. With a rich farm system, they are well-positioned to make significant moves during the deadline.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers (58-42) - Suffering from recent losses, the Dodgers are not in peak form but maintain a lead in the NL West. Injuries to key players will require them to navigate their roster composition strategically as the deadline approaches.
4. Toronto Blue Jays (58-41) - The Blue Jays have been consistently performing, with a solid record since mid-June. While their roster is finding balance, they are expected to continue seeking additions to further solidify their playoff aspirations.
3. Detroit Tigers (60-40) - Leading the AL Central by a significant margin, the Tigers also hold the best record in Major League Baseball. Nevertheless, they seek improvements to their bullpen as they aim to sustain their momentum.
2. Chicago Cubs (59-40) - The Cubs are benefiting from a favorable second-half schedule, positioning themselves for potential trade deadline moves aimed at securing a leading pitcher and strengthening their roster.
1. Milwaukee Brewers (59-40) - Following a successful series against the Dodgers, the Brewers have tied for the NL Central lead, showcasing incredible depth and contributions across their lineup. Their next series against the Cubs will provide further insights into their title contention.
Complete Rankings: 1. Milwaukee Brewers, 2. Chicago Cubs, 3. Detroit Tigers, 4. Toronto Blue Jays, 5. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6. Seattle Mariners, 7. Houston Astros, 8. Philadelphia Phillies, 9. New York Yankees, 10. Boston Red Sox, 11. San Diego Padres, 12. New York Mets, 13. San Francisco Giants, 14. Texas Rangers, 15. Cincinnati Reds, 16. Tampa Bay Rays, 17. Arizona Diamondbacks, 18. Los Angeles Angels, 19. St. Louis Cardinals, 20. Cleveland Guardians, 21. Miami Marlins, 22. Minnesota Twins, 23. Kansas City Royals, 24. Baltimore Orioles, 25. Athletics, 26. Atlanta Braves, 27. Chicago White Sox, 28. Pittsburgh Pirates, 29. Washington Nationals, 30. Colorado Rockies.
Hitter of the Week: Eugenio Suárez, Arizona Diamondbacks - Stats: 5-for-10, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R. Suárez is now the National League leader in home runs and RBIs, contributing significantly to the Diamondbacks’ recent success.
Pitcher of the Week: Quinn Priester, Milwaukee Brewers - Stats: 1 GS, W, 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K. Priester is enjoying a breakout season, showcasing impressive performances.
Rookie of the Week: Cade Horton, Chicago Cubs - Stats: 1 GS, ND, 5.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K. Horton’s performances have been key as the Cubs push for a playoff spot.








