With the All-Star break now behind and regular-season baseball back in full gear, Major League Baseball's attention turns to the impending trade deadline. With approximately 100 games completed for each team, several clubs find themselves on the verge of either contending or falling out of the race. This season has seen no singularly dominant team, as this week's top-ranked team is the eighth different squad to hold that position this year. As a result, more teams may be persuaded to acquire talent or at least maintain their current rosters as the deadline approaches. This dynamic could lead to fewer trade candidates being available, yet it may also mean that those players who are placed on the market will demand a greater return in prospects, potentially prompting sellers to more aggressively dismantle their rosters. In the coming days, decisive movements could significantly influence the remainder of the season, as clear distinctions between contenders and pretenders will emerge by August 1. For the time being, an updated assessment of all 30 MLB teams is warranted.

30. Colorado Rockies (24-75) - Previous Rank: 30 - Last Week: 2-1 vs. MIN. As clear sellers, the Rockies find themselves with a sparse selection of viable trade assets. However, third baseman Ryan McMahon may be appealing to contenders, provided Colorado agrees to cover some of his salary. McMahon showcased his potential by going 4-for-11 with two doubles and two home runs during three games against the Twins, signaling his capability to contribute to a playoff race.

29. Washington Nationals (39-60) - Previous Rank: 28 - Last Week: 1-2 vs. SD. The Nationals have struggled recently, posting a 2-10 record over their last 12 games since an unexpected series victory against the Tigers in early July. They will need to achieve a 33-30 record in their final 63 games to surpass last year's 71-91 finish. There are rising rumors regarding MacKenzie Gore possibly being available in trades, but significant compensation would be necessary to acquire him considering he is under club control until 2027.

28. Pittsburgh Pirates (39-61) - Previous Rank: 27 - Last Week: 0-3 vs. CWS. The Pirates experienced a disappointing start to the second half, suffering a three-game sweep against the White Sox. They are expected to be active at the trade deadline, with only ace Paul Skenes and franchise legend Andrew McCutchen off-limits in potential trade discussions. Late-inning relievers Dennis Santana and David Bednar are strong candidates to be moved this summer, as Pittsburgh makes adjustments to its roster.

27. Chicago White Sox (35-65) - Previous Rank: 29 - Last Week: 3-0 @ PIT. The White Sox entered the All-Star break still seeking their first series sweep of the season. However, they managed to secure their first sweep of 2025 with a clean performance against the Pirates. Luis Robert Jr. had a productive series, going 5-for-10 with a home run, which might attract trade interest as the deadline approaches.

26. Atlanta Braves (43-55) - Previous Rank: 26 - Last Week: 1-2 vs. NYY. The Braves kicked off the second half with an uncertain rotation, relying on Joey Wentz, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Davis Daniel to fill in behind Spencer Strider. Their recent acquisition of Dane Dunning from the Rangers may help bolster their pitching depth as they aim for a division title.

25. Oakland Athletics (42-59) - Previous Rank: 25 - Last Week: 1-2 @ CLE. The Athletics have fielded an impressive 20 different rookies this season, including Jacob Wilson and Max Muncy, focusing on evaluating their young talent during the second half. In terms of trade possibilities, veterans Luis Urías and Gio Urshela could pique a contender's interest, but a quiet deadline is anticipated.

24. Baltimore Orioles (44-54) - Previous Rank: 24 - Last Week: 1-2 @ TB. After showing flashes of improvement with a 6-1 stretch, the Orioles ended the first half poorly, extending their losing streak to four games before securing a win on Sunday. Rental starters Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano might be pitching elsewhere by August when trade discussions ramp up, with Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins seen as their most compelling trade assets.

23. Kansas City Royals (48-52) - Previous Rank: 23 - Last Week: 1-2 @ MIA. Among American League teams, only the Guardians, White Sox, and Athletics have worse records than the Royals since May. Despite high hopes following their playoff appearance last season, the offense has faltered, ranking 29th in the majors with just 343 runs scored. Look for Seth Lugo to be moved at the deadline, as he could decline his player option for 2026.

22. Minnesota Twins (48-51) - Previous Rank: 21 - Last Week: 1-2 @ COL. The Twins have experienced a rollercoaster season thus far, displaying an 18-8 record in May, a 9-18 record in June, and an even closer 8-7 in July. If they opt to sell, relievers Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax could attract attention. However, they might also decide to remain still and not make dramatic changes.

21. Miami Marlins (46-52) - Previous Rank: 20 - Last Week: 2-1 vs. KC. The Marlins recently impressed with an eight-game winning streak that spanned the end of June into July. Although they have since cooled off, they still hold a respectable 8-7 record in their last 15 games. Fans are particularly excited about the return of a healthy Eury Pérez, who has recorded a 3.18 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 34 innings since his debut on June 9.

20. Cleveland Guardians (48-50) - Previous Rank: 22 - Last Week: 2-1 vs. ATH. After dipping to a season-low eight games below .500 on July 6, the Guardians quickly rebounded with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games, securing series wins over the Astros, White Sox, and Athletics. They face the second-easiest remaining schedule, meaning they remain very much in contention for a wild-card spot.

19. St. Louis Cardinals (51-49) - Previous Rank: 14 - Last Week: 0-3 @ ARI. Despite a strong first half of the season, the Cardinals have struggled with a 4-10 record in July, which could prompt them to consider selling at the trade deadline after initially being viewed as a playoff contender. Closer Ryan Helsley and starter Sonny Gray may attract significant interest, as well as Steven Matz and Phil Maton if they seek to make adjustments.

18. Los Angeles Angels (49-50) - Previous Rank: 18 - Last Week: 2-1 @ PHI. The Angels are on pace to surpass last year's disappointing 63-99 record, even though they currently stand fourth in the AL West. They face a decision at the trade deadline as to whether they will retain potential trade assets like Taylor Ward and Tyler Anderson or make aggressive moves to restructure their roster.

17. Arizona Diamondbacks (50-50) - Previous Rank: 19 - Last Week: 3-0 vs. STL. With 13 of their next 25 games against the Rockies, Pirates, and Athletics, the Diamondbacks find themselves at a critical juncture regarding their trade strategy, as they trail by 4.5 games for the third NL wild card spot. There is considerable interest in All-Star slugger Eugenio Suárez, should he be made available.

16. Tampa Bay Rays (52-48) - Previous Rank: 16 - Last Week: 2-1 vs. BAL. After a promising start to the season, the Rays have faltered with a 5-12 record in their last 17 games, resulting in a drop to fourth in the AL East standings. Veterans Yandy Díaz, Brandon Lowe, and Zack Littell are potential trade candidates as the team evaluates ways to enhance its performance while managing payroll considerations.

15. Cincinnati Reds (52-48) - Previous Rank: 15 - Last Week: 2-1 @ NYM. The Reds have been on a hot streak, going 6-2 in their last eight games, and they are now vying for a wild-card berth. Austin Hays has made a significant impact in his role, boasting an .877 OPS and 10 home runs this season, demonstrating his value on a one-year contract.

14. Texas Rangers (50-50) - Previous Rank: 17 - Last Week: 2-1 vs. DET. Although rumors swirled around a potential fire sale, the Rangers have quickly reasserted themselves in the playoff conversation with a solid 9-6 performance and a positive run differential in July. As they balance home and away success, improvements are needed to enhance their road performance moving forward.

13. San Francisco Giants (52-48) - Previous Rank: 11 - Last Week: 0-3 @ TOR. Currently on a five-game losing streak, the Giants have seen their playoff position suffer as a result. Their offensive output has not been sufficient, averaging just 3.8 runs per game during July. Despite a notable acquisition in Rafael Devers from the Red Sox, the team appears to require further offensive reinforcement, especially at first base and second base.

12. New York Mets (56-44) - Previous Rank: 8 - Last Week: 1-2 vs. CIN. The Mets have encountered some difficulties lately, including a 4-6 record over their last 10 games, as they prepare to face one of the most challenging stretches in the schedule. Their upcoming West Coast road trip will be pivotal as they seek to improve on their subpar away record while contending against both the Giants and Padres.

11. San Diego Padres (54-45) - Previous Rank: 13 - Last Week: 2-1 @ WAS. The Padres have faced inconsistent performance this season, with a perplexing 23-36 record against teams above .500. Despite their star-studded roster, they must identify and rectify glaring needs ahead of the trade deadline, particularly in securing an everyday left fielder to strengthen their lineup.

10. Boston Red Sox (54-47) - Previous Rank: 9 - Last Week: 1-2 @ CHC. The Red Sox began the second half of the season following a 10-game winning streak but were halted by a formidable Cubs team. However, the resurgence of their pitching rotation, highlighted by Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, and Lucas Giolito, has alleviated previous concerns surrounding their staff.

9. New York Yankees (55-44) - Previous Rank: 12 - Last Week: 2-1 @ ATL. After experiencing a difficult start to July with a six-game losing streak, the Yankees have rebounded with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games. Looking ahead to the trade deadline, they aim to bolster their roster, particularly at third base and in the starting pitching department as they navigate a competitive AL East landscape.

8. Philadelphia Phillies (56-43) - Previous Rank: 6 - Last Week: 1-2 vs. LAA. The Phillies bolstered their bullpen with the signing of veteran David Robertson, recognizing it as a persistent weakness. With their upcoming series against top contenders, including the Red Sox and Yankees, this stretch will be crucial for maintaining their position atop the NL East standings.

7. Houston Astros (57-42) - Previous Rank: 4 - Last Week: 1-2 @ SEA. Following injuries to players such as Isaac Paredes, the Astros appear to require additional offensive support as they eye the trade deadline. Strategizing for roster improvements, the team must also consider depth options behind starters Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez in the rotation.

6. Seattle Mariners (53-46) - Previous Rank: 10 - Last Week: 2-1 vs. HOU. The Mariners' offensive prowess has shone through in July, as they collectively amassed 81 runs in just 15 games, demonstrating their capability to contend. With the top-ranked farm system in the league, they possess significant flexibility in making trades as the deadline approaches.

5. Los Angeles Dodgers (58-42) - Previous Rank: 5 - Last Week: 0-3 vs. MIL. The Dodgers encountered a rough outing to close out the week, facing a sweep at the hands of the Brewers while also dealing with an injury to first baseman Freddie Freeman. Despite recent struggles, they currently hold a 3.5-game lead in the NL West standings.

4. Toronto Blue Jays (58-41) - Previous Rank: 7 - Last Week: 3-0 vs. SF. The Blue Jays have demonstrated remarkable consistency, not experiencing a losing streak longer than two games since mid-June. With stellar contributions from Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes, they continue to solidify their outfield while also considering adding another impact bat for depth and a bullpen arm ahead of the trade deadline.

3. Detroit Tigers (60-40) - Previous Rank: 1 - Last Week: 1-2 @ TEX. The Tigers have established the largest division lead across MLB, claiming the best record in the league as well. However, their bullpen, once a strength during their last-season surge, appears in need of reinforcement as they approach the trade deadline.

2. Chicago Cubs (59-40) - Previous Rank: 2 - Last Week: 2-1 vs. BOS. The Cubs have maintained momentum following impressive series victories over both the Yankees and Red Sox, positioning themselves for the easiest second-half schedule in the league. With ample resources at their disposal, they are well-situated to pursue upgrades at the trade deadline, particularly targeting top-tier pitchers and relief arms.

1. Milwaukee Brewers (59-40) - Previous Rank: 3 - Last Week: 3-0 @ LAD. The Brewers capped off a series sweep of the Dodgers, tying the Cubs for first place in the NL Central standings. Emerging offensive contributors, including Isaac Collins, have bolstered their lineup, while Quinn Priester has gained recognition as a dependable starter. The upcoming series against the Cubs promises to be a significant moment as the playoff race intensifies.