With the All-Star break now behind and regular-season baseball back in full swing, attention across Major League Baseball shifts to the rapidly approaching trade deadline. As each team nears the completion of approximately 100 games, several clubs are navigating the fine line between being contenders and non-contenders. This season has not seen a single dominant team, as evidenced by the fact that the top team in this week's rankings is the eighth different club to occupy that position this year. Consequently, more teams on the playoff bubble might be inclined to buy or, at the very least, maintain their current roster composition as the deadline approaches. This trend suggests a potential decrease in available trade candidates, with the few players who do enter the market likely demanding a higher prospect return. This dynamic may encourage sellers to take a more aggressive approach toward reshaping their rosters and navigating through the season. The next few days will play a critical role in determining the course of the remainder of the season, particularly as a clear distinction is destined to be drawn between contenders and pretenders come August 1. Here is an updated assessment of where all 30 teams currently stand in the league.

30. Colorado Rockies (24-75) - Previous Rank: 30 - Last Week: 2-1 vs. MIN - Despite their obvious position as sellers, the Rockies' roster features a limited number of enticing trade assets. Third baseman Ryan McMahon stands out as a player who could assist a contender, provided Colorado is willing to assume part of his salary. McMahon had a commendable performance, going 4-for-11 with two doubles and two home runs in three games against the Twins to resume play after the break.

29. Washington Nationals (39-60) - Previous Rank: 28 - Last Week: 1-2 vs. SD - The Nationals have struggled recently, posting a dismal record of 2-10 over their last 12 games following a surprising series victory over the Tigers at the start of July. To improve on last season's 71-91 finish, they would need to conclude their remaining 63 games with a 33-30 record. Although there is speculation around MacKenzie Gore potentially being available this summer, acquiring him would require a considerable haul due to his club control extending through 2027.

28. Pittsburgh Pirates (39-61) - Previous Rank: 27 - Last Week: 0-3 vs. CWS - After suffering a three-game sweep at the hands of the White Sox, the Pirates find themselves open for business at the trade deadline. Currently, only their ace, Paul Skenes, and franchise icon Andrew McCutchen are off-limits in trade discussions, while late-inning relievers Dennis Santana and David Bednar are strong candidates to be moved this summer.

27. Chicago White Sox (35-65) - Previous Rank: 29 - Last Week: 3-0 @ PIT - Entering the All-Star break as the only team without a series sweep in 2025, the White Sox overcame this statistic with a sweep of the Pirates. Luis Robert Jr. notably went 5-for-10 with a home run against Pittsburgh, potentially generating trade interest in his talents.

26. Atlanta Braves (43-55) - Previous Rank: 26 - Last Week: 1-2 vs. NYY - The Braves commenced the second half of the season relying on Joey Wentz, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Davis Daniel as the starting pitchers behind Spencer Strider. This situation underscores the challenges confronting a team previously viewed as a contender for the division title. Their recent acquisition of Dane Dunning from the Rangers could provide much-needed depth in a swingman capacity.

25. Oakland Athletics (42-59) - Previous Rank: 25 - Last Week: 1-2 @ CLE - The Athletics have deployed an impressive 20 different rookies this season, among them Jacob Wilson, Nick Kurtz, Jacob Lopez, Max Muncy, and Denzel Clarke. The latter part of the season will focus on evaluating their young talent. In terms of trade discussions, veterans Luis Urías and Gio Urshela may attract attention from contenders, although a relatively quiet deadline is anticipated.

24. Baltimore Orioles (44-54) - Previous Rank: 24 - Last Week: 1-2 @ TB - Prior to the All-Star break, the Orioles experienced a brief surge with a winning stretch of 6-1. However, they extended their losing streak to four games before securing a win on Sunday. Rental starters Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano may find themselves on new teams come August. Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins could emerge as their most valuable trade pieces.

23. Kansas City Royals (48-52) - Previous Rank: 23 - Last Week: 1-2 @ MIA - The Royals remain plated among the lower ranks of the American League, sharing this distinction with the Guardians, White Sox, and Athletics since the beginning of May. Despite entering the playoffs the previous year, they have failed to meet the expectations set for this season, primarily due to a lackluster offense that has scored 343 runs, among the lowest in the league. Seth Lugo is expected to be on the move prior to the deadline, with a likely declined player option for 2026.

22. Minnesota Twins (48-51) - Previous Rank: 21 - Last Week: 1-2 @ COL - The Twins have displayed erratic performance in recent months, with records of 18-8 in May, 9-18 in June, and 8-7 in July. Their relievers Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax could become attractive trade assets if there is a decision to sell, yet a refusal to engage in trades would not be unexpected.

21. Miami Marlins (46-52) - Previous Rank: 20 - Last Week: 2-1 vs. KC - After finishing June with an impressive eight-game winning streak, the Marlins have cooled somewhat but still possess an 8-7 record in their last 15 games. The return of a healthy Eury Pérez excites fans, as he has posted a 3.18 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 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. OAK - Following a challenging start to July, having fallen as low as eight games under .500, the Guardians have since rebounded, recording an 8-2 mark in their last 10 games against notable opponents including the Astros and White Sox. Contextually, they possess the second-easiest remaining schedule in baseball, prompting speculation about their potential wild-card hopes.

19. St. Louis Cardinals (51-49) - Previous Rank: 14 - Last Week: 0-3 @ ARI - The Cardinals exceeded early-season expectations; however, a poor July record of 4-10 might compel them to consider selling at the trade deadline, which was a common anticipation when the season began. Key trade pieces for the Cardinals include closer Ryan Helsley and starter Sonny Gray, with Steven Matz and Phil Maton also likely candidates to be dealt.

18. Los Angeles Angels (49-50) - Previous Rank: 18 - Last Week: 2-1 @ PHI - The Angels are on track to improve upon last year's 63-99 performance, yet they remain significantly behind in the AL West standings, currently placing fourth and sixth in the wild-card race. The looming question is whether a push to achieve a winning record will motivate them to retain players such as Taylor Ward, Tyler Anderson, and Kenley Jansen or lead them to sell ahead of the trade deadline.

17. Arizona Diamondbacks (50-50) - Previous Rank: 19 - Last Week: 3-0 vs. STL - The Diamondbacks face a pivotal decision as they head into a stretch where 13 of their next 25 games will be contested against the Rockies, Pirates, and Athletics. Positioned 4.5 games back from the third NL wild-card spot, they have discerning eyes on All-Star slugger Eugenio Suárez as a potential addition should he become available.

16. Tampa Bay Rays (52-48) - Previous Rank: 16 - Last Week: 2-1 vs. BAL - The Rays were just a half-game back in the AL East standings as of June 28 but have since faltered to a 5-12 record in their last 17 games, resulting in a fall to fourth place in the division. Trade considerations for veterans Yandy Díaz, Brandon Lowe, and Zack Littell are expected as they seek to streamline their payroll while remaining competitive.

15. Cincinnati Reds (52-48) - Previous Rank: 15 - Last Week: 2-1 @ NYM - The Reds currently hold a solid record of 6-2 in their last eight games, placing them in a tie with the Giants just outside the wild-card positions. Austin Hays has made notable contributions with an .877 OPS, 10 home runs, and 40 RBIs in just 187 plate appearances, marking him one of the offseason's most impactful signings.

14. Texas Rangers (50-50) - Previous Rank: 17 - Last Week: 2-1 vs. DET - Amid increasing trade speculation surrounding their roster, the Rangers have re-entered the playoff conversation, displaying a 9-6 record and a significant plus-39 run differential in July. To attain playoff success, they must enhance their performance away from Globe Life Field, currently at 22-30 on the road.

13. San Francisco Giants (52-48) - Previous Rank: 11 - Last Week: 0-3 @ TOR - The Giants experienced a setback, dropping five consecutive games and six of their last seven, allowing the Padres to leapfrog them in the NL West standings. With an underwhelming .662 OPS and an average of 3.8 runs per game in July, they require additional offensive support following their previous acquisition of Rafael Devers from the Red Sox.

12. New York Mets (56-44) - Previous Rank: 8 - Last Week: 1-2 vs. CIN - The Mets have struggled recently with a 4-6 record and a challenging remaining schedule. Their upcoming West Coast road trip offers a critical opportunity to bolster their standing as they seek to enhance upon a subpar 22-28 away record while facing the Giants and Padres soon.

11. San Diego Padres (54-45) - Previous Rank: 13 - Last Week: 2-1 @ WAS - The Padres remain an enigma, posting a 23-36 record against teams with winning records despite possessing star power. Addressing critical needs via trades, particularly for an everyday left fielder, remains a priority to properly shift Gavin Sheets into the primary designated hitter role.

10. Boston Red Sox (54-47) - Previous Rank: 9 - Last Week: 1-2 @ CHC - Following a convincing 10-game winning streak, the Red Sox faced a formidable Cubs team upon entering the second half of the season, narrowly avoiding a sweep. Their pitching has seen significant improvement thanks to Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, and Lucas Giolito, all of whom have excelled in July.

9. New York Yankees (55-44) - Previous Rank: 12 - Last Week: 2-1 @ ATL - After facing a season-high six-game losing streak, the Yankees turned around their fortunes, boasting a 7-3 record in the last 10 games. Their top priorities at the trade deadline are to acquire upgrades at third base and a starting pitcher to compensate for the loss of Clarke Schmidt, with the AL East's competitive nature likely prompting them to be aggressive buyers.

8. Philadelphia Phillies (56-43) - Previous Rank: 6 - Last Week: 1-2 vs. LAA - In an effort to strengthen their beleaguered bullpen, the Phillies signed veteran David Robertson. Their upcoming stretch, with nine of the next 12 games against strong teams like the Red Sox, Yankees, and Tigers, will be pivotal in testing their lead in the NL East.

7. Houston Astros (57-42) - Previous Rank: 4 - Last Week: 1-2 @ SEA - With key players such as Isaac Paredes sidelined with injuries, the Astros find themselves in a position to prioritize adding offensive support during the trade deadline. Additionally, finding another reliable pitcher to complement Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez is crucial. With a limited farm system, their activity at the deadline remains uncertain.

6. Seattle Mariners (53-46) - Previous Rank: 10 - Last Week: 2-1 vs. HOU - The Mariners' offense has been prolific, generating 81 runs over their last 15 games. Their recent five-game winning streak against tough opponents cements their status as a legitimate contender in the AL. With the top-ranked farm system in baseball, they find themselves equipped for any trade maneuvering they wish to undertake.

5. Los Angeles Dodgers (58-42) - Previous Rank: 5 - Last Week: 0-3 vs. MIL - The Dodgers encountered difficulties as they succumbed to a sweep, and their challenges were compounded by the loss of first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is day-to-day after sustaining a wrist injury. Currently enduring a 2-8 stretch over their last 10 games, they remain in a favorable position, maintaining a 3.5-game lead in the NL West.

4. Toronto Blue Jays (58-41) - Previous Rank: 7 - Last Week: 3-0 vs. SF - The Blue Jays have exhibited impressive consistency, not enduring a losing streak longer than two games since mid-June and securing a 20-8 record since then. With impactful performances from players like Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes, their outfield concerns have been alleviated, although acquiring another bat and a late-inning bullpen arm remains a priority.

3. Detroit Tigers (60-40) - Previous Rank: 1 - Last Week: 1-2 @ TEX - The Tigers currently hold the largest division lead in MLB, bolstered by the exclusive presence of a winning record within the AL Central. They maintain the best record overall, but the strength of their bullpen that previously facilitated a remarkable late-season run last year now requires attention at the trade deadline.

2. Chicago Cubs (59-40) - Previous Rank: 2 - Last Week: 2-1 vs. BOS - The Cubs have strung together impressive series victories against top teams, placing them in an optimal position for the second half, supported by the easiest remaining schedule in MLB. Possessing both the depth in their farm system and the title-caliber talent, they are poised to make moves at the trade deadline, potentially acquiring one of the market's premier starting pitchers and top bullpen arms.

1. Milwaukee Brewers (59-40) - Previous Rank: 3 - Last Week: 3-0 @ LAD - Completing a series sweep against the Dodgers, the Brewers have now tied the Cubs atop the NL Central. Recent contributions from lower-order players like Isaac Collins, Caleb Durbin, Blake Perkins, and Joey Ortiz highlight the depth of their roster. Furthermore, Quinn Priester has emerged as a solid rotation option, embodying the essence of Brewers baseball through his impactful presence on the mound. Their three-game matchup against the Cubs slated for next Monday promises to be a thrilling encounter.