With the All-Star break now concluded and regular-season baseball reinstated, attention across Major League Baseball shifts to the impending trade deadline. After each team has played approximately 100 games, several clubs find themselves straddling the line between being contenders and non-contenders. This season has not produced a singularly dominant team; notably, the top team in this week's rankings marks the eighth different club to hold that position this year. As more teams remain in contention, there may be fewer available trade candidates, which could lead to a higher return for those players deemed available, possibly prompting sellers to be more aggressive in reshaping their rosters.

As the series of games unfolds, the coming days will significantly influence the direction of the remainder of the MLB season, with a definitive separation likely to occur between contenders and pretenders by August 1. Here is an updated assessment of where all 30 teams currently stand across the league: 30. Colorado Rockies (24-75) - In the bottom position this week, the Rockies are clearly sellers in the trade market but have a roster that lacks significant trade value. Third baseman Ryan McMahon could attract interest from contenders if Colorado agrees to absorb part of his salary. He notably performed well against the Minnesota Twins, going 4-for-11 with two doubles and two home runs in three games at the start of the second half.

29. Washington Nationals (39-60) - The Nationals have recorded a disappointing 2-10 over their last 12 games, following an unexpected series win against the Tigers at the beginning of July. In order to surpass last year's record of 71-91, they would need to achieve a 33-30 record in their final 63 games. Speculation surrounds the potential trade of MacKenzie Gore, who holds club control through 2027, suggesting that it would take a significant package to facilitate his departure from D.C.