With the All-Star break behind the league and regular-season baseball returning, the focus of Major League Baseball is now shifting toward the impending trade deadline. After completing roughly 100 games, many teams find themselves straddling the line between being contenders and non-contenders. This season has not seen a singularly dominant team; indeed, the top team in this week’s rankings is the eighth different team to hold that position this year. The landscape suggests that more teams could be inclined to buy or at least maintain their current rosters as the deadline approaches. This scenario may lead to fewer trade candidates being available while also driving up the value of those players who do hit the market, potentially encouraging sellers to act more decisively in reshaping their rosters. The next few days could significantly influence the outcome of the season, as a firm distinction will be drawn between contenders and pretenders on August 1. Here’s an updated overview of where all 30 teams stand in Major League Baseball.

30. Colorado Rockies (24-75) Previous Rank: 30 Last Week: 2-1 vs. MIN. As clear sellers, the Rockies find their roster lacking in tradeable assets. Third baseman Ryan McMahon could provide help to a contender if Colorado is willing to absorb some of his salary; he performed well against the Twins, 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 recently, posting a 2-10 record over their last 12 games following a surprising series victory against the Tigers at the start of July. They would need to achieve a 33-30 mark in their remaining 63 games to better last year’s 71-91 finish. There is growing speculation that MacKenzie Gore could be available, although it would require a substantial offer to persuade the team 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 with a disappointing three-game sweep at the hands of the White Sox, signaling their willingness to be active as the trade deadline approaches. Only ace Paul Skenes and franchise staple Andrew McCutchen are considered untouchable in trade discussions, while late-inning relievers Dennis Santana and David Bednar are likely to be on the move. 27. Chicago White Sox (35-65) Previous Rank: 29 Last Week: 3-0 at PIT. The White Sox were the only team in baseball without a series sweep in 2025 until they completed a three-game sweep of the Pirates to commence the second half. Luis Robert Jr. showcased potential trade value, hitting 5-for-10 with a home run against the Pirates. 26. Atlanta Braves (43-55) Previous Rank: 26 Last Week: 1-2 vs. NYY. The Braves entered the second half with a starting rotation that included Joey Wentz, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Davis Daniel behind Spencer Strider, raising questions about their competitive aspirations. They recently acquired Dane Dunning in a trade with the Rangers, who can contribute as a swingman.

25. Athletics (42-59) Previous Rank: 25 Last Week: 1-2 at CLE. The Athletics have called up an impressive 20 different rookies this season, including Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz. The remainder of the season will focus on evaluating these young talents. In terms of potential trades, veterans Luis Urías and Gio Urshela may attract interest from contenders, though a quiet deadline is anticipated. 24. Baltimore Orioles (44-54) Previous Rank: 24 Last Week: 1-2 at TB. The Orioles displayed potential before the All-Star break with a 6-1 stretch but face a four-game losing streak after their back-to-back losses. They have valuable trade chips in rental starters Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano, alongside Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins. 23. Kansas City Royals (48-52) Previous Rank: 23 Last Week: 1-2 at MIA. The Royals are one of the few teams in the American League with a dismal record since early May and have fallen short of expectations following last year's postseason appearance. They rank 29th in the majors in runs scored, which has undermined their otherwise solid starting rotation. Player Seth Lugo could soon be on the move, given his player option for 2026.

22. Minnesota Twins (48-51) Previous Rank: 21 Last Week: 1-2 at COL. The Twins have shown inconsistency this season, recording an 18-8 mark in May followed by a 9-18 showing in June, and a modest 8-7 in July. Relievers Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax could be in demand if the Twins opt to sell. 21. Miami Marlins (46-52) Previous Rank: 20 Last Week: 2-1 vs. KC. The Marlins enjoyed an impressive eight-game winning streak heading into July, and although their momentum has cooled, they remain 8-7 in the last 15 games. The emergence of a healthy Eury Pérez is a major reason for excitement, with a 3.18 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 34 innings since his season debut on June 9. 20. Cleveland Guardians (48-50) Previous Rank: 22 Last Week: 2-1 vs. ATH. After falling to a season-low eight games under .500 earlier in July, the Guardians have rebounded impressively with an 8-2 record in their last ten games, which included series victories over the Astros and White Sox. They have a favorable schedule ahead, keeping them in contention for a wild-card spot.

19. St. Louis Cardinals (51-49) Previous Rank: 14 Last Week: 0-3 at ARI. Despite an encouraging first half, the Cardinals have not fared well recently, posting a 4-10 record in July. This downturn may prompt them to consider selling at the trade deadline. Their most obvious trade candidates include closer Ryan Helsley and starter Sonny Gray. 18. Los Angeles Angels (49-50) Previous Rank: 18 Last Week: 2-1 at PHI. The Angels are set to exceed last year's 63-99 record but still find themselves trailing in the AL West. The question remains whether they will retain potential trade assets like Taylor Ward and Kenley Jansen as they pursue a winning record. 17. Arizona Diamondbacks (50-50) Previous Rank: 19 Last Week: 3-0 vs. STL. With the upcoming schedule featuring several games against lower-performing teams (including the Rockies and Athletics), the Diamondbacks face critical decisions at the trade deadline as they pursue a wild-card spot. Many contenders are hoping that star slugger Eugenio Suárez becomes available.

16. Tampa Bay Rays (52-48) Previous Rank: 16 Last Week: 2-1 vs. BAL. The Rays, once closely trailing in the AL East, have faltered recently, posting a 5-12 record over their last 17 games. To revitalize their efforts, potential trade candidates include veterans Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe. 15. Cincinnati Reds (52-48) Previous Rank: 15 Last Week: 2-1 at NYM. The Reds have turned their fortunes around recently, boasting a 6-2 record over their last eight games. They now stand on the brink of playoff contention, driven partly by the standout performance of Austin Hays, who has excelled since joining the team. 14. Texas Rangers (50-50) Previous Rank: 17 Last Week: 2-1 vs. DET. Trade speculation surrounded the Rangers earlier in the month, but they have surged back into playoff contention with a positive record in July. They must improve their away performance if they aim to secure a postseason spot.

13. San Francisco Giants (52-48) Previous Rank: 11 Last Week: 0-3 at TOR. The Giants have struggled recently, losing five straight games and allowing teams like the Padres to surpass them in the standings. With an underwhelming offensive showing this month, they will need to bolster their lineup as they remain competitive in their division. 12. New York Mets (56-44) Previous Rank: 8 Last Week: 1-2 vs. CIN. The Mets' recent performance has been mixed, leading to significant challenges as they head into a tough segment of their schedule. Their ability to improve on a subpar road performance could dictate their playoff fate. 11. San Diego Padres (54-45) Previous Rank: 13 Last Week: 2-1 at WAS. Despite harboring significant talent, the Padres encounter challenges in their competitive division. They will need to address their roster shortcomings, particularly in left field, ahead of the trade deadline to enhance their chances.

10. Boston Red Sox (54-47) Previous Rank: 9 Last Week: 1-2 at CHC. The Red Sox entered the All-Star break riding a 10-game winning streak but faced a formidable Cubs team post-break. The pitching rotation has faced revitalization, with several hurlers excelling in July, alleviating earlier concerns. 9. New York Yankees (55-44) Previous Rank: 12 Last Week: 2-1 at ATL. The Yankees began July on a poor note with a six-game losing streak, but they have rebounded well in recent weeks. Upgrading positions such as third base and securing additional starting pitching will be priorities leading into the deadline. 8. Philadelphia Phillies (56-43) Previous Rank: 6 Last Week: 1-2 vs. LAA. In light of a struggling bullpen, the Phillies have signed veteran David Robertson, signaling their intent to reinforce their pitching staff as they face a rigorous upcoming schedule against strong opponents.

7. Houston Astros (57-42) Previous Rank: 4 Last Week: 1-2 at SEA. The Astros’ injury battles continue with significant players like Isaac Paredes and Yordan Alvarez sidelined. Prioritizing offense by acquiring additional bats will be crucial as they look to solidify their postseason hopes. 6. Seattle Mariners (53-46) Previous Rank: 10 Last Week: 2-1 vs. HOU. The Mariners have demonstrated offensive prowess in July, indicating their capacity to compete among the best teams in the AL. Their depth in minor league talent provides them with options as they approach the trade deadline. 5. Los Angeles Dodgers (58-42) Previous Rank: 5 Last Week: 0-3 vs. MIL. The Dodgers faced a tough series against the Brewers, failing to secure a win and also losing first baseman Freddie Freeman to injury, albeit without severe consequence. Their performance in recent games has raised questions, despite maintaining a lead in their division.

4. Toronto Blue Jays (58-41) Previous Rank: 7 Last Week: 3-0 vs. SF. The Blue Jays have continued to exhibit strong performance, avoiding losing streaks longer than two games since mid-June. Their success is bolstered by impactful contributions from young players in the outfield, although further offensive bolstering remains a priority. 3. Detroit Tigers (60-40) Previous Rank: 1 Last Week: 1-2 at TEX. The Tigers boast the largest division lead in the league and have emerged as a powerhouse this season. Evaluating their bullpen for potential upgrades as the trade deadline approaches could prove beneficial. 2. Chicago Cubs (59-40) Previous Rank: 2 Last Week: 2-1 vs. BOS. The Cubs have performed remarkably, maintaining the easiest schedule in the second half of the season. Their adept farm system puts them in prime position to pursue impactful trades at the deadline.

1. Milwaukee Brewers (59-40) Previous Rank: 3 Last Week: 3-0 at LAD. The Brewers completed a series sweep of the Dodgers, tying them with the Cubs for the top spot in the NL Central standings. Their recent success stems from contributions throughout their lineup, with players such as Isaac Collins, Caleb Durbin, Blake Perkins, and Joey Ortiz stepping up. The Brewers will look to build on this momentum as they host the Cubs in a pivotal three-game series commencing next Monday.