As the All-Star break concludes and the regular MLB season resumes, attention turns to the trading deadline, which is swiftly approaching. With approximately 100 games played by each team, several clubs find themselves at a crossroads between contention and rebuilding. This season has yet to showcase a truly dominant team, evidenced by the fact that the top spot in this week's rankings has been claimed by the eighth different team already this year. Consequently, several teams hovering around the playoff bubble may be compelled to pursue trades or at least maintain their current rosters. This dynamic could lead to fewer available trading candidates; however, those who do find themselves on the market may command a higher return in prospects, potentially encouraging sellers to reshape their rosters aggressively. The coming days are likely to be pivotal in determining the teams' trajectories as a definitive line will be drawn between contenders and non-contenders by August 1.

The Colorado Rockies currently sit at the bottom of the rankings with a record of 24-75. Despite being in a selling position, the Rockies roster lacks numerous trade pieces. Third baseman Ryan McMahon could attract interest from contenders if Colorado agrees to absorb part of his salary, particularly after his recent performance against the Minnesota Twins, where he went 4-for-11 with two doubles and two home runs.

Holding the 29th spot are the Washington Nationals, who have struggled of late, achieving just a 39-60 record. Following a surprise series victory over the Detroit Tigers at the beginning of July, the Nationals have since gone 2-10 in their last 12 games. Speculation has emerged that starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore could be available at the trade deadline, although obtaining him would require a significant return given his club control extending through 2027.

In the 28th position, the Pittsburgh Pirates have fallen to a 39-61 record. Their recent three-game sweep at the hands of the Chicago White Sox was an unfavorable start to the second half of the season, leading the Pirates to signal that they will be active buyers at the trading deadline. Notably, ace Paul Skenes and veteran Andrew McCutchen are considered untouchable amid trade discussions, while relievers Dennis Santana and David Bednar are likely to be moved in the near term.

The Chicago White Sox currently rank 27th with a record of 35-65. Entering the All-Star break having not secured a series sweep throughout the 2025 season, the team successfully achieved this feat by sweeping the Pirates in three games. Luis Robert Jr. impressed with a 5-for-10 showing, including a home run against Pittsburgh, which may pique the interest of teams looking for trade options.

Ranking 26th are the Atlanta Braves, who hold a 43-55 record. They have begun the second half with a starting rotation filled out by Joey Wentz, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Davis Daniel behind their ace, Spencer Strider. This situation reflects the significant challenges facing a team that was anticipated to compete for the division title. The Braves recently traded for Dane Dunning, who could contribute valuable innings for the club.

The Oakland Athletics, in 25th place with a 42-59 record, have used an impressive 20 different rookies this season. Players such as Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz have gained valuable experience, making the second half an opportunity to evaluate young talent. As for trading possibilities, veterans Luis Urías and Gio Urshela could entice contenders, but a quiet trade deadline is expected overall.

The Baltimore Orioles sit at 24th place (44-54) after showing slight improvement before the All-Star break, winning six out of seven games. However, they have now lost four consecutive games, ending with a victory on Sunday. Rental pitchers like Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano may be on the move, along with potential trade assets Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins.

In 23rd place are the Kansas City Royals with a record of 48-52. The team has struggled since a surprising playoff appearance last season, positioning themselves among the worst in the American League. Their offense ranks only 29th in the majors with 343 runs scored, leaving their dependable starting rotation underutilized. It is anticipated that pitcher Seth Lugo will be available for trade as he heads into free agency after the season.

The Minnesota Twins, ranking 22nd with a record of 48-51, have had an inconsistent season, evidenced by their 18-8 performance in May followed by a 9-18 performance in June. Relievers Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax may attract trade interest if the team opts to sell, but standing pat could also be a feasible option for the Twins.

In 21st place, the Miami Marlins hold a record of 46-52. They captivated fans with an eight-game winning streak at the close of June, though they have since cooled off, achieving an 8-7 record in their last 15 games. The excitement around the Marlins centers around Eury Pérez's return, who boasts a 3.18 ERA and impressive strikeouts since his debut in June.

The Cleveland Guardians currently nestle in 20th place with a record of 48-50. After facing their lowest point of the season on July 6, they have experienced a turnaround with an 8-2 mark over the last 10 games, defeating notable teams such as the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox. Given their relatively easy remaining schedule, they may still be in the mix for a wildcard spot.

The St. Louis Cardinals, now at 51-49, find themselves in 19th place. The team began the season exceeding expectations but has struggled in July with a 4-10 record, prompting considerations of potential trades as the deadline approaches. Key players like Ryan Helsley and Sonny Gray may become trade candidates as the Cardinals reevaluate their direction.

With a record of 49-50, the Los Angeles Angels rank 18th. They are projected to surpass last year's disappointing finish, although they remain a distant fourth in the AL West. The decision to retain or trade players like Taylor Ward and Tyler Anderson largely hinges on their ability to pursue a winning record in the second half.

The Arizona Diamondbacks, now in 17th place with a 50-50 record, face critical decisions as they gear up for the trade deadline. Their remaining schedule presents opportunities against lower-tier teams, thus placing them in a crucial position to capitalize on potential trades despite being 4.5 games behind for the third NL wild card spot.

Ranked 16th are the Tampa Bay Rays with a 52-48 record. After a strong start in late June, the Rays have faltered, holding a 5-12 record in their last 17 games. This downturn puts significant pressure on them to explore trade options among veterans like Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe while needing to maintain competitiveness.

The Cincinnati Reds, positioned 15th with a 52-48 record, have surged recently with a 6-2 record in their last eight games, putting them in close competition for the wild card. Austin Hays has made a substantial contribution with an impressive OPS and home run total since joining the team.

The Texas Rangers rank 14th with a 50-50 record. Following trade speculation earlier in the season, their recent 9-6 stretch has placed them back in playoff contention. However, their performance on the road remains a concern as they strive to improve.

The San Francisco Giants currently stand at 52-48 and rank 13th. The team is in the midst of a struggling stretch, having lost five consecutive games, allowing other teams to catch up in the NL West standings. With scoring challenges, the Giants may look to secure additional offensive help.

The New York Mets occupy the 12th position with a record of 56-44. The Mets have encountered difficulties, achieving a 4-6 mark over their last 10 games, compounded by a challenging schedule ahead. Their performance on an upcoming West Coast trip could be pivotal to their playoff ambitions.

Sitting at 11th are the San Diego Padres with a 54-45 record. The team struggles against higher-tier opponents despite their star lineup, prompting a need for trades to bolster their roster, particularly in finding a consistent left fielder.

With a record of 54-47, the Boston Red Sox are ranked 10th. After entering the All-Star break on a winning streak, they faced stiff competition against the Chicago Cubs. Their pitching has shown improvement lately, with key performances from Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello enhancing their overall effectiveness.

The New York Yankees have rebounded to rank ninth with a record of 55-44. Following a rough patch early in July, the Yankees have bounced back, showcasing a strong desire to compete in the AL East. The upcoming trade deadline may prompt them to secure upgrades in their lineup.

The Philadelphia Phillies are positioned eighth with a 56-43 record. Recent acquisitions, such as veteran David Robertson, strengthen their beleaguered bullpen as they head into a challenging series against the division's top competitors.

The Houston Astros, now ranking seventh with a record of 57-42, are dealing with key injuries among their star players, necessitating a focus on strengthening their roster before the trade deadline. The effectiveness of their farm system will likely play a pivotal role in their trading strategy.

The Seattle Mariners are in sixth place with a record of 53-46. Their explosive offense has positioned them among the best in their division, supported by a robust farm system that grants them flexibility heading into the trade deadline.

The Los Angeles Dodgers currently hold the fifth position with a record of 58-42. Despite challenges, including injuries to key players, the Dodgers maintain a commanding lead in the NL West standings and aim to recapture their winning momentum.

In fourth place, the Toronto Blue Jays hold a record of 58-41, displaying remarkable consistency since mid-June. Their impactful rookie additions have helped solidify their lineup, while they remain intent on addressing other needs through potential trades.

Ranked third are the Detroit Tigers, boasting a record of 60-40. The Tigers lead their division while maintaining the best overall record in MLB, though they may still seek to enhance their bullpen at the trade deadline.

The Chicago Cubs are positioned second with a record of 59-40. Following impressive series victories, they are in a strong position to exploit the upcoming trade market and solidify their playoff aspirations.

The Milwaukee Brewers sit atop the rankings at first with a record of 59-40. Following a successful series sweep of the Dodgers, they are experiencing significant contributions from unexpected sources, indicative of a robust, cohesive team dynamic. Their upcoming series against the Cubs promises to be a critical test.