With the All-Star break behind and the regular season resuming, the focus across Major League Baseball now shifts to the impending trade deadline. Approaching the 100-game mark for most teams, several clubs find themselves straddling the line between contenders and non-contenders. In a season characterized by a lack of a runaway dominant team—illustrated by the fact that this week's top-ranked slot is held by the eighth different team to top the rankings—the landscape is ripe for potential movement as the deadline nears. While a compressed number of trade candidates may arise, the scarcity could lead to higher asking prices and encourage sellers to be more proactive in reshaping their rosters. The next few days will play a critical role in determining the direction teams will take leading up to August 1, effectively delineating contenders from pretenders. For now, here is an updated assessment of where all 30 teams in Major League Baseball stand.

30. Colorado Rockies (24-75) Previous Rank: 30 Last Week: 2-1 vs. MIN Despite being clear sellers, the Rockies roster lacks significant trade assets. Third baseman Ryan McMahon has potential value for contenders, especially if Colorado is willing to absorb some of his salary. In their recent series against the Minnesota Twins, McMahon showcased his capability, going 4-for-11 with two doubles and two home runs.

29. Washington Nationals (39-60) Previous Rank: 28 Last Week: 1-2 vs. SD The Nationals have struggled, posting a 2-10 record over their last 12 games following an unexpected series win against the Tigers to start July. They would need to finish strong, with a 33-30 record in their last 63 games, to improve on their 71-91 performance from the previous season. Speculation persists around the availability of pitcher MacKenzie Gore on the trade market, although it would require a substantial offer to entice the Nationals, given his team control extending through 2027.

28. Pittsburgh Pirates (39-61) Previous Rank: 27 Last Week: 0-3 vs. CWS The Pirates opened the second half in a disappointing manner, enduring a three-game sweep at the hands of the White Sox. They are positioned as active participants in trade discussions, with only their ace Paul Skenes and franchise icon Andrew McCutchen deemed untouchable. Pitchers Dennis Santana and David Bednar are likely candidates to be moved this summer.

27. Chicago White Sox (35-65) Previous Rank: 29 Last Week: 3-0 @ PIT The White Sox ended the All-Star break as the only team without a series sweep and made amends by sweeping the Pirates to start the second half. Luis Robert Jr. impressed, going 5-for-10 with a home run against Pittsburgh, potentially attracting trade interest.

26. Atlanta Braves (43-55) Previous Rank: 26 Last Week: 1-2 vs. NYY The Braves faced an uphill battle at the beginning of the second half, with a pitching rotation featuring Joey Wentz, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Davis Daniel after Spencer Strider. Recently acquiring Dane Dunning from the Rangers, they aim to bolster their rotation amidst underperformance.

25. Athletics (42-59) Previous Rank: 25 Last Week: 1-2 @ CLE The Athletics fielded an impressive 20 different rookies this season. With young talents like Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz being evaluated, potential trade activity remains subdued. Veterans such as Luis Urías and Gio Urshela might attract interest, but a quiet deadline is anticipated.

24. Baltimore Orioles (44-54) Previous Rank: 24 Last Week: 1-2 @ TB After a promising 6-1 run leading up to the All-Star break, the Orioles ran into a four-game losing streak post-break, which concluded with a win this past Sunday. Rental pitchers Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano may be on the move, while Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins could draw substantial trade attention.

23. Kansas City Royals (48-52) Previous Rank: 23 Last Week: 1-2 @ MIA The Royals find themselves in a challenging position, recording the fourth-worst record in the American League since May. With an offense that ranks poorly in runs scored, they have wasted the opportunity afforded by a solid starting rotation. Look for pitchers like Seth Lugo to be on the trading block as the deadline approaches.

22. Minnesota Twins (48-51) Previous Rank: 21 Last Week: 1-2 @ COL The Twins have exhibited inconsistent performance, a theme that complicates their projected trajectory. They have quality relievers like Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax, who could draw interest if they decide to sell, although maintaining the status quo also remains a possibility.

21. Miami Marlins (46-52) Previous Rank: 20 Last Week: 2-1 vs. KC The Marlins garnered attention with an eight-game winning streak but have since cooled off. Nonetheless, they maintain a positive record of 8-7 in their past 15 games. The return of Eury Pérez has been a bright spot, posting a 3.18 ERA and strong strikeout numbers since returning from injury.

20. Cleveland Guardians (48-50) Previous Rank: 22 Last Week: 2-1 vs. ATH The Guardians have turned things around after a rough start in July, posting an 8-2 record in their last ten games against formidable opponents. With an easier remaining schedule, they should not be dismissed from the wild-card race.

19. St. Louis Cardinals (51-49) Previous Rank: 14 Last Week: 0-3 @ ARI Following a strong first half, the Cardinals are struggling with a 4-10 record in July that could influence their trade strategy. They have notable trade assets in closer Ryan Helsley and starter Sonny Gray, amidst others.

18. Los Angeles Angels (49-50) Previous Rank: 18 Last Week: 2-1 @ PHI Positioned to surpass last year's poor record, the Angels remain distant in the AL West standings and contend for a wild-card spot. How they proceed with potential trade chips like Taylor Ward and Tyler Anderson remains to be seen.

17. Arizona Diamondbacks (50-50) Previous Rank: 19 Last Week: 3-0 vs. STL With a favorable schedule ahead, the Diamondbacks, sitting 4.5 games back, face key decisions regarding their roster ahead of the trade deadline. Star slugger Eugenio Suárez is drawing significant interest from multiple contending teams.

16. Tampa Bay Rays (52-48) Previous Rank: 16 Last Week: 2-1 vs. BAL The Rays started strong but fell to fourth in the AL East following a tough 5-12 stretch. With several veterans potentially available, including Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe, they seek ways to remain competitive while managing payroll.

15. Cincinnati Reds (52-48) Previous Rank: 15 Last Week: 2-1 @ NYM The Reds are on an upswing, tied with the Giants for the first NL wild-card spot. Austin Hays has emerged as a key player, contributing significantly in his limited appearances this season.

14. Texas Rangers (50-50) Previous Rank: 17 Last Week: 2-1 vs. DET The Rangers have rebounded, aided by a solid July record. With a home advantage, they aim to improve their away performance to stay competitive.

13. San Francisco Giants (52-48) Previous Rank: 11 Last Week: 0-3 @ TOR The Giants have stumbled, allowing the Padres to surpass them in the standings. Their offense has struggled, emphasizing the need for further reinforcements, particularly in the batters' lineup.

12. New York Mets (56-44) Previous Rank: 8 Last Week: 1-2 vs. CIN The Mets are grappling with injuries and a challenging schedule ahead. Their upcoming West Coast road trip could prove pivotal in defining their postseason aspirations.

11. San Diego Padres (54-45) Previous Rank: 13 Last Week: 2-1 @ WAS With a checkered record against winning teams, the Padres find themselves in complex discussions as they approach the trade deadline, particularly regarding their outfield and left-field positions.

10. Boston Red Sox (54-47) Previous Rank: 9 Last Week: 1-2 @ CHC The Red Sox were met by the formidable Cubs after a strong winning streak. Their rotation, which had been a concern, has seen new life with talented pitchers stepping up.

9. New York Yankees (55-44) Previous Rank: 12 Last Week: 2-1 @ ATL The Yankees began July on a shaky note but have rebounded quickly. Finding improvements at third base is key as the trade deadline approaches, potentially paving the way for an aggressive approach.

8. Philadelphia Phillies (56-43) Previous Rank: 6 Last Week: 1-2 vs. LAA The Phillies are addressing weaknesses within their bullpen as they enhance their chances within the tough NL East, particularly with daunting matchups ahead.

7. Houston Astros (57-42) Previous Rank: 4 Last Week: 1-2 @ SEA With several players nursing injuries, the Astros must prioritize enhancing their lineup moving forward, alongside adding reliable pitching options to strengthen their rotation.

6. Seattle Mariners (53-46) Previous Rank: 10 Last Week: 2-1 vs. HOU The Mariners have proven offensive capabilities and an impressive recent record that places them firmly in discussions regarding potential playoff aspirations.

5. Los Angeles Dodgers (58-42) Previous Rank: 5 Last Week: 0-3 vs. MIL The Dodgers are currently facing challenges, yet they continue to lead the NL West amid a poor run of form. The injury to first baseman Freddie Freeman adds to their complexity.

4. Toronto Blue Jays (58-41) Previous Rank: 7 Last Week: 3-0 vs. SF The Blue Jays have been consistently strong since mid-June. Their outfield depth is improving, though adding further talent remains a priority.

3. Detroit Tigers (60-40) Previous Rank: 1 Last Week: 1-2 @ TEX The Tigers possess the largest lead in their respective division thanks to their dominant performance. Their bullpen, previously a strength, now raises questions ahead of the trade deadline.

2. Chicago Cubs (59-40) Previous Rank: 2 Last Week: 2-1 vs. BOS The Cubs have demonstrated impressive form and are poised to leverage their advantageous schedule for a strong second half.

1. Milwaukee Brewers (59-40) Previous Rank: 3 Last Week: 3-0 @ LAD The Brewers secured a series sweep against the Dodgers, underscoring their competitive edge as they align with the Cubs for the top position in the NL Central. Key contributions from unexpected players affirm their strategic depth.

Hitter of the Week: Eugenio Suárez, Arizona Diamondbacks Stats: 5-for-10, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R Suárez has emerged as the NL leader in home runs and RBI following a strong performance, highlighting his importance ahead of potential trade discussions.

Pitcher of the Week: Quinn Priester, Milwaukee Brewers Stats: 1 GS, W, 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K Priester's performance evidences his potential breakout this season as he continues to excel post-trade from the Pirates.

Rookie of the Week: Cade Horton, Chicago Cubs Stats: 1 GS, ND, 5.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K Horton remains a bright prospect demonstrating shutout abilities, pivotal for the Cubs as they aim for a playoff berth.