With the All-Star break behind them, Major League Baseball teams are shifting their focus towards the impending trade deadline. With approximately 100 games completed for each team, many organizations find themselves on the dividing line between being contenders and non-contenders. This season has seen no singularly dominant team, as evidenced by the fact that the top-ranked team this week is the eighth different franchise to hold that spot in 2023. Consequently, more teams on the playoff bubble might decide to buy or at least maintain their current rosters as the deadline approaches. This could lead to a decreased number of available trade candidates, while those who do become available may command a higher return in terms of prospects. The coming days are pivotal for shaping the remainder of the season, as the clear distinction between contenders and pretenders will begin to crystallize around August 1. For now, an updated overview of all 30 teams in the league is warranted.

30. Colorado Rockies (24-75) - Previous Rank: 30. Despite their clear intent to sell at the trade deadline, the Rockies possess a roster lacking in viable trade assets. Third baseman Ryan McMahon could appeal to a contender if Colorado is willing to negotiate his salary. McMahon performed well against the Minnesota Twins, going 4-for-11 with two doubles and two home runs in three games - an encouraging sign as the second half of the season commences.

29. Washington Nationals (39-60) - Previous Rank: 28. The Nationals have struggled, recording just a 2-10 record over their past 12 games following a surprising series win against the Tigers. To improve on last season's 71-91 finish, they need to win 33 of their final 63 games. Speculation has arisen about potential trades involving MacKenzie Gore, although acquiring him would likely require a significant prospect haul due to his club control through 2027.

28. Pittsburgh Pirates (39-61) - Previous Rank: 27. The Pirates began the second half poorly, losing three straight games to the White Sox. As the trade deadline nears, they are open to business, with ace Paul Skenes and franchise icon Andrew McCutchen deemed untouchable in trade discussions. However, relief pitchers Dennis Santana and David Bednar are expected to be moved as part of a potential roster reshuffle.

27. Chicago White Sox (35-65) - Previous Rank: 29. The White Sox ended the first half of the season as the only team without a series sweep but managed to break that streak by sweeping the Pirates in three games. Luis Robert Jr. made an impact at the plate, going 5-for-10 with a home run, perhaps rekindling some trade interest in his talents.

26. Atlanta Braves (43-55) - Previous Rank: 26. The Braves exhibited relative instability in their starting rotation behind Spencer Strider, with Joey Wentz, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Davis Daniel among those expected to contribute. They recently acquired Dane Dunning from the Rangers, who can provide depth in the rotation as a swingman.

25. Oakland Athletics (42-59) - Previous Rank: 25. The Athletics have utilized an astonishing 20 different rookies this season, making the latter half of the year an opportunity for ongoing evaluation of young talent. In terms of trade possibilities, veterans Luis Urías and Gio Urshela may be attractive to contenders, but a quiet deadline is anticipated overall.

24. Baltimore Orioles (44-54) - Previous Rank: 24. The Orioles showcased some life prior to the All-Star break with a 6-1 stretch but have since endured a four-game losing streak, which they broke with a victory on Sunday. Potential rental starters Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano could be dealt, with Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins presenting the most valuable possible trade chips.

23. Kansas City Royals (48-52) - Previous Rank: 23. Since early May, only the Guardians, White Sox, and Athletics have posted a worse record than the Royals, who have struggled to meet expectations after last year’s playoff berth. The offense ranks 29th in the majors with 343 runs, undermining a solid starting rotation. Seth Lugo is expected to be on the move at the deadline, as he could decline his player option for 2026.

22. Minnesota Twins (48-51) - Previous Rank: 21. Following a strong May and a slump in June, the Twins are currently 8-7 in July, leaving their trajectory uncertain. If the Twins decide to sell, relief pitchers Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax are likely to garner interest, although a decision to remain pat is also possible.

21. Miami Marlins (46-52) - Previous Rank: 20. After an impressive eight-game winning streak, the Marlins have cooled but still sport an 8-7 record over their last 15 games. The return of Eury Pérez, who has recorded a 3.18 ERA and 0.91 WHIP since his season debut, provides fans with a positive development to watch.

20. Cleveland Guardians (48-50) - Previous Rank: 22. The Guardians have rebounded from a low point, going 8-2 in their last 10 games with series wins against the Astros, White Sox, and Athletics. They possess the second-easiest remaining schedule, presenting them with an opportunity in the wild-card race.

19. St. Louis Cardinals (51-49) - Previous Rank: 14. Although the Cardinals began the season exceeding expectations, they have struggled with a 4-10 July record. This may prompt them to become sellers at the trade deadline, with closer Ryan Helsley and starter Sonny Gray viewed as potential trade assets.

18. Los Angeles Angels (49-50) - Previous Rank: 18. While the Angels appear to be on track to outperform last year's 63-99 finish, they still sit fourth in the AL West and sixth in the wildcard rankings. The organization faces a decision on whether pursuing a winning record justifies holding onto trade pieces like Taylor Ward and Tyler Anderson.

17. Arizona Diamondbacks (50-50) - Previous Rank: 19. With an ample schedule ahead, including several games against lower-ranked teams, the Diamondbacks must determine their trading strategy while sitting 4.5 games out of the wildcard spot. All-Star slugger Eugenio Suárez may attract interest if he becomes available.

16. Tampa Bay Rays (52-48) - Previous Rank: 16. Once contending for the AL East lead, the Rays have faltered with a 5-12 record in their last 17 games. Potential trade pieces include veterans Yandy Díaz, Brandon Lowe, and Zack Littell as they navigate their path forward.

15. Cincinnati Reds (52-48) - Previous Rank: 15. The Reds have seen recent success, including a 6-2 record in their last eight games. With key offensive performers like Austin Hays stepping up, they are well positioned in the race for a wildcard berth.

14. Texas Rangers (50-50) - Previous Rank: 17. The Rangers have shown signs of regaining footing in the playoff picture, boasting a plus-39 run differential in July. Their home record has been impressive at 28-20, though they need to bolster their road performance.

13. San Francisco Giants (52-48) - Previous Rank: 11. After a challenging stretch losing six of their last seven games, the Giants have seen their position in the NL West standings slip. Though they made a noteworthy acquisition in Rafael Devers, they require additional offensive support.

12. New York Mets (56-44) - Previous Rank: 8. The Mets have struggled recently, going 4-6 and facing a daunting schedule against contenders. Their upcoming West Coast trip is crucial in their bid to improve upon their current standing.

11. San Diego Padres (54-45) - Previous Rank: 13. The Padres, despite having a star-studded roster, struggle against winning teams. As the trade deadline approaches, they must evaluate their needs, specifically in the left field and pitching positions.

10. Boston Red Sox (54-47) - Previous Rank: 9. Following a strong 10-game winning streak, the Red Sox faced a tough matchup against the Cubs. The pitching rotation has seen significant improvement with contributions from Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, and Lucas Giolito.

9. New York Yankees (55-44) - Previous Rank: 12. The Yankees experienced a rocky start to July but have rallied since with a 7-3 record in recent games. Their top trade priorities include finding a starting pitcher and third baseman, especially given the competitive nature of the AL East.

8. Philadelphia Phillies (56-43) - Previous Rank: 6. The Phillies bolstered their bullpen by signing veteran David Robertson, aiming to reinforce a struggling area. They face a challenging schedule ahead, with multiple games against contenders.

7. Houston Astros (57-42) - Previous Rank: 4. With key players joining the injured list, the Astros may need to prioritize acquiring a bat at the deadline amid waning offensive production. Balancing roster needs while managing a thin farm system will be a key challenge.

6. Seattle Mariners (53-46) - Previous Rank: 10. The Mariners have proven their offensive strength, scoring heavily in July and attaining a five-game winning streak. With the best-ranked farm system, they hold significant trading leverage as the deadline nears.

5. Los Angeles Dodgers (58-42) - Previous Rank: 5. Despite losing a series to the Brewers, the Dodgers maintain a firm lead in the NL West. However, a recent slump poses questions about their current form as they head into the latter half of the season.

4. Toronto Blue Jays (58-41) - Previous Rank: 7. The Blue Jays have not experienced a losing streak of more than two games since mid-June and are riding high with the best record in the AL. As they continue to succeed, adding another late-inning arm remains a priority.

3. Detroit Tigers (60-40) - Previous Rank: 1. The Tigers have solidified their position with the largest division lead in baseball, thanks to a robust performance through the season. Adding to their bullpen could be a focus as they approach the trade deadline.

2. Chicago Cubs (59-40) - Previous Rank: 2. The Cubs excelled with series wins over strong teams and now confront the softest second-half schedule in baseball. With a combination of depth and need, they might be inclined to make bold moves at the deadline.

1. Milwaukee Brewers (59-40) - Previous Rank: 3. After sweeping the Dodgers, the Brewers have claimed a share of the top spot in the NL Central. Recent performances highlight unexpected contributions across the lineup, showcasing their depth heading into a series against the Cubs next week.