With the All-Star break now complete and the regular-season schedule resuming, Major League Baseball is focusing on the upcoming trade deadline. With approximately 100 games played for each team, several clubs are currently positioned between being contenders and non-contenders. The 2023 season has not featured a single dominant team, as this week's top-ranked team marks the eighth different club to hold the No. 1 spot this season. This parity suggests that many teams on the cusp may decide to be active buyers or simply maintain their current rosters as the trade deadline approaches. The reduced number of available trade candidates could lead to higher demands for the players who are put on the market, potentially motivating sellers to pursue aggressive roster reconfigurations. The coming days will be critical in establishing the landscape for the remainder of the season, as a definitive line between contenders and pretenders will form by August 1. Now, let's examine the standing of all 30 teams across the league.

30. Colorado Rockies (24-75) | Previous Rank: 30 | Last Week: 2-1 vs. MIN: The Rockies are firmly in seller mode, yet their roster lacks significant trade assets. Third baseman Ryan McMahon remains a potential asset for a contender, especially if the Rockies agree to cover part of his salary. He demonstrated solid form, going 4-for-11 with two doubles and two homers during the recent series against the Twins.

29. Washington Nationals (39-60) | Previous Rank: 28 | Last Week: 1-2 vs. SD: The Nationals have struggled, recording a 2-10 record over their last 12 games following a surprising series victory against the Tigers earlier in July. They must finish 33-30 over their final 63 games to better last year’s 71-91 record. There are rumors circulating about the availability of MacKenzie Gore, but it would take a significant offer to part with him given his club control through 2027.

28. Pittsburgh Pirates (39-61) | Previous Rank: 27 | Last Week: 0-3 vs. CWS: The Pirates began the second half of the season on a disappointing note, suffering a three-game sweep at the hands of the White Sox. They are willing to listen to trade offers, with only ace Paul Skenes and veteran Andrew McCutchen considered untouchable. Late-inning relievers Dennis Santana and David Bednar are also expected to be moved as the trade deadline approaches.

27. Chicago White Sox (35-65) | Previous Rank: 29 | Last Week: 3-0 @ PIT: The White Sox entered the All-Star break as the only team in the league without a series sweep in 2025, but they corrected that with a three-game win against the Pirates. Luis Robert Jr. played a key role, recording a 5-for-10 performance with a home run, which could spark trade interest.

26. Atlanta Braves (43-55) | Previous Rank: 26 | Last Week: 1-2 vs. NYY: The Braves commenced the second half with several pitchers including Joey Wentz, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Davis Daniel set to start following Spencer Strider. This underscores the challenges faced by a team expected to contend for the division.

25. Oakland Athletics (42-59) | Previous Rank: 25 | Last Week: 1-2 @ CLE: The Athletics have utilized 20 different rookies this season, aiming to evaluate youthful talent during the second half. Regarding potential trades, veterans such as Luis Urías and Gio Urshela might attract contenders, though a quiet trade deadline is anticipated.

24. Baltimore Orioles (44-54) | Previous Rank: 24 | Last Week: 1-2 @ TB: The Orioles exhibited signs of improvement prior to the break with a 6-1 record but faltered with back-to-back losses before finally breaking a four-game losing streak. Key rental starters Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano may be pitched elsewhere in August, while Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins stand as valuable potential trade assets.

23. Kansas City Royals (48-52) | Previous Rank: 23 | Last Week: 1-2 @ MIA: The Royals find themselves in a tough position, performing poorly since May compared to their elevated expectations from last year's playoff appearance. Their offense ranks 29th in the majors with 343 runs, which has underutilized a strong starting rotation. Seth Lugo may be a candidate on the move with a declining player option for 2026.

22. Minnesota Twins (48-51) | Previous Rank: 21 | Last Week: 1-2 @ COL: The Twins experienced fluctuations in performance, recording an 18-8 month of May followed by a 9-18 June, and finishing July at 8-7. Relievers Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax are anticipated to attract attention if they decide to sell, although standing pat could also be an option.

21. Miami Marlins (46-52) | Previous Rank: 20 | Last Week: 2-1 vs. KC: The Marlins captured attention with an eight-game winning streak in late June and early July, yet have since cooled to 8-7 in their last 15 games. Eury Pérez's return to health is creating excitement amongst fans, as he logged a 3.18 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 35 strikeouts over 34 innings since his debut.

20. Cleveland Guardians (48-50) | Previous Rank: 22 | Last Week: 2-1 vs. ATH: Following a season-low eight games beneath .500 on July 6, the Guardians have responded with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games, including series victories over the Astros, White Sox, and Athletics. Their remaining schedule is the second-easiest in the league, presenting opportunities to engage in the wild-card race.

19. St. Louis Cardinals (51-49) | Previous Rank: 14 | Last Week: 0-3 @ ARI: The Cardinals began the season exceeding expectations, but a poor 4-10 record in July raises questions about their long-term plans, potentially setting them up to sell before the trade deadline. Key assets include closer Ryan Helsley and starter Sonny Gray, with Steven Matz and Phil Maton also likely trade candidates.

18. Los Angeles Angels (49-50) | Previous Rank: 18 | Last Week: 2-1 @ PHI: While the Angels are on track to outperform their 63-99 record from last season, they still sit fourth in the AL West and sixth in the wild-card standings. The decision on whether to retain Taylor Ward, Tyler Anderson, and Kenley Jansen as trade options may hinge on their pursuit of a winning record.

17. Arizona Diamondbacks (50-50) | Previous Rank: 19 | Last Week: 3-0 vs. STL: Facing a significant decision at the trade deadline, the Diamondbacks will take on 13 of their next 25 games against weaker opponents including the Rockies (x7), Pirates (x3), and Athletics (x3), as they strive to close a 4.5-game gap for a wild-card spot. There is anticipation of potential interest in All-Star slugger Eugenio Suárez.

16. Tampa Bay Rays (52-48) | Previous Rank: 16 | Last Week: 2-1 vs. BAL: The Rays were half a game behind the AL East standings on June 28 but have struggled to a 5-12 record over their last 17 games. They currently sit fourth in the division, and veterans Yandy Díaz, Brandon Lowe, and Zack Littell could be trade candidates as they take steps to improve their payroll flexibility while remaining competitive.

15. Cincinnati Reds (52-48) | Previous Rank: 15 | Last Week: 2-1 @ NYM: The Reds hold a 6-2 record over their last eight games and are now tied for the first position just outside of the NL wild-card spot. Austin Hays has emerged as a significant contributor with an .877 OPS, 10 home runs, and 40 RBIs in just 187 plate appearances, showcasing his value on a one-year deal.

14. Texas Rangers (50-50) | Previous Rank: 17 | Last Week: 2-1 vs. DET: Following willful speculation about trades in June, the Rangers have reclaimed a position in the playoff picture, going 9-6 with a plus-39 run differential this month. Their home record stands at 28-20, but improving their performance on the road will be crucial if they hope to reach the postseason.

13. San Francisco Giants (52-48) | Previous Rank: 11 | Last Week: 0-3 @ TOR: The Giants have experienced a downturn, losing five consecutive games, and have dropped six of their last seven, allowing the Padres to overtake them in the NL West rankings. Their offense has struggled with a .662 OPS and an average of just 3.8 runs per game in July. While they made a notable acquisition in Rafael Devers, additional offensive support is needed.

12. New York Mets (56-44) | Previous Rank: 8 | Last Week: 1-2 vs. CIN: The Mets have turned in a 4-6 record over their last 10 games and face one of the most arduous remaining schedules. Their upcoming West Coast road trip will be pivotal as they strive to improve their 22-28 record away from home against the Giants and Padres.

11. San Diego Padres (54-45) | Previous Rank: 13 | Last Week: 2-1 @ WAS: With a record of 23-36 against teams with a winning record, the Padres present a complex case among contenders. There is substantial star power within the lineup, but glaring deficiencies remain, emphasizing the need for a reliable left fielder to allow Gavin Sheets to assume the primary designated hitter role.

10. Boston Red Sox (54-47) | Previous Rank: 9 | Last Week: 1-2 @ CHC: Entering the All-Star break on a 10-game winning streak, the Red Sox faced a strong Cubs team coming out of it but managed to avoid a sweep. The starting rotation, previously deemed a weakness, has demonstrated improvement with Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, and Lucas Giolito performing well in July.

9. New York Yankees (55-44) | Previous Rank: 12 | Last Week: 2-1 @ ATL: The Yankees have rebounded from a six-game losing streak to achieve a 7-3 record in their last ten contests. They are seeking to bolster their lineup, specifically focusing on upgrading third base and addressing the rotation following the loss of Clarke Schmidt, with an aggressively competitive AL East race in sight.

8. Philadelphia Phillies (56-43) | Previous Rank: 6 | Last Week: 1-2 vs. LAA: In an attempt to fortify a struggling bullpen, the Phillies signed veteran David Robertson. More bullpen additions are anticipated before the trade deadline. The upcoming games against the Red Sox, Yankees, and Tigers will be crucial for maintaining their lead in the NL East.

7. Houston Astros (57-42) | Previous Rank: 4 | Last Week: 1-2 @ SEA: With injuries affecting several key players, including Isaac Paredes, Yordan Alvarez, Jeremy Pena, and Jake Meyers, the Astros face an imperative to add offensive depth. Enhancing their rotation behind Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez is also a consideration, particularly with a shallow farm system.

6. Seattle Mariners (53-46) | Previous Rank: 10 | Last Week: 2-1 vs. HOU: The Mariners offense has been prolific, scoring 81 runs over 15 games in July. Their recent five-game winning streak against the Tigers and Astros has solidified their position among the AL's leading teams. With the best farm system in baseball, they hold considerable leverage this trade deadline.

5. Los Angeles Dodgers (58-42) | Previous Rank: 5 | Last Week: 0-3 vs. MIL: The Dodgers were swept over the weekend and also experienced an injury to first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is considered day-to-day following a pitch to his wrist. Despite a 2-8 record in their last 10 games, they maintain 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 displayed consistency, having not endured a losing streak greater than two games since mid-June. They possess the best record in the AL since then and continue to find contributions from Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes, alleviating concerns regarding the outfield. They may still pursue additional depth in both offense and the bullpen.

3. Detroit Tigers (60-40) | Previous Rank: 1 | Last Week: 1-2 @ TEX: The Tigers boast the largest division lead in baseball, benefiting from their status as the only AL Central team above .500, along with the best overall record in the league. Areas of focus for improvement before the trade deadline include their bullpen, a crucial component of their successful run last year.

2. Chicago Cubs (59-40) | Previous Rank: 2 | Last Week: 2-1 vs. BOS: The Cubs have recorded impressive series victories over the Yankees and Red Sox surrounding the All-Star break, positioning themselves for the easiest second-half schedule in baseball. Their depth in the farm system, coupled with a pressing need for upgrades, leaves them poised to be active before the trade deadline.

1. Milwaukee Brewers (59-40) | Previous Rank: 3 | Last Week: 3-0 @ LAD: The Brewers capped off a series sweep of the Dodgers, equaling the Cubs atop the NL Central standings. Contributions from unexpected lower-order hitters such as Isaac Collins, Caleb Durbin, Blake Perkins, and Joey Ortiz have bolstered their offense. Quinn Priester’s emergence as a reliable starter is an exciting development for the team. A critical three-game matchup against the Cubs awaits at American Family Field next Monday.