As Major League Baseball approaches the halfway point of the 2026 season, teams face critical decisions ahead of the trade deadline on August 3. With around 70 games remaining, organizations find themselves deliberating whether to buy or sell as the competition heats up. What if they had to commit now, however? This article explores the buying or selling strategies of each team in the MLB, categorized by division, as they navigate this vital point in their seasons.
American League East
Tampa Bay Rays (28-14): Buying Offense Up the Middle The Rays might be sitting atop the AL East, but their offense lacks depth, particularly up the middle. Tampa Bay has recorded only five home runs from crucial positions—catcher, second base, shortstop, and center field—this season. With stars like Junior Caminero and Yandy Díaz proving their worth, the Rays might consider targeting Colorado's Mickey Moniak, a potentially cost-effective solution with just $4 million left on his contract and one year of arbitration eligibility remaining.
New York Yankees (27-17): Buying Bullpen Arms The Yankees have an impressive starting rotation, highlighted by Gerrit Cole’s return from Tommy John surgery, but their bullpen has become a liability. The club could look for a reliable setup man who can handle closing duties. The acquisitions of Camilo Doval and Jake Bird last summer haven’t panned out, making this a priority area for upgrades.
Baltimore Orioles (20-24): Buying Starting Pitching Despite injuries to key players like Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg, the Orioles' offense has held its own. However, their starting pitching has struggled dramatically, evidenced by a 5.04 ERA. To bolster their chances, expect Baltimore to aggressively pursue experienced arms that can stabilize their rotation as they aim for an improved season.
Toronto Blue Jays (19-24): Threading the Buy/Sell Needle The Blue Jays are at a crossroads, with several star players heading for free agency. If they had to choose a direction now, they would likely adopt a conservative approach, not veering too far into either buying or selling territory. Their significant financial commitments make their position tricky, but they may look for improvements if opportunities arise.
Boston Red Sox (18-24): Buying Runs While their pitching has been reasonably effective, the Red Sox offense needs a boost, particularly at second base, third base, and shortstop, where they’re underperforming. With a mere 3.8 runs per game, adding offensive power, possibly revisiting offseason talks about Isaac Paredes, could be a strategic move to enhance their run production.
American League Central
Cleveland Guardians (24-21): Buying Some Offense Currently leading their division, the Guardians face a dilemma. Their approach typically involves frugality, but they might dip into the trade market for offensive help. With struggling production from their first base tandem, they may inquire about available options like Atlanta’s Dominic Smith.
Chicago White Sox (21-21): Buying A Postseason Arm Should the White Sox remain competitive in the weeks leading to the trade deadline, expect them to pursue pitching reinforcements. With a modest payroll, they’re in a good position to acquire a quality starter if someone like Robbie Ray or Sandy Alcantara becomes available.
Detroit Tigers (19-24): Buying Outfield Help The Tigers boast a promising starting rotation, but their outfield has been lackluster aside from Riley Greene. As they await the return of Casey Mize and Justin Verlander, adding a reliable outfielder could enhance their lineup’s effectiveness.
Kansas City Royals (19-24): Buying Bullpen Arms The Royals have faced challenges throughout their season, leading to questions about their future. However, if they were to commit right now, improving their bullpen would be key, especially given the struggles faced early on without closer Carlos Estévez.
Minnesota Twins (19-24): Potential Fire Sale With their early-season momentum fading, the Twins may be considering a fire sale as the deadline approaches. Their roster includes several impending free agents like Ryan Jeffers and Taylor Rogers, potentially leading to significant trades.
American League West
Texas Rangers (21-22): Buying A Bat That Works The Rangers’ offensive woes are evident, as they rank near the bottom in scoring. To invigorate their lineup, targeting any available bats could be vital to their success, especially with several spots needing improvement.
Seattle Mariners (21-23): Buying A Versatile Bat/Glove Despite a positive run differential, the Mariners' offense hasn't kept pace. Acquiring a versatile player who can bolster both offense and defense could alleviate struggles, particularly given the poor performance of some key hitters.
Houston Astros (17-27): Potentially Selling The Astros are facing an unprecedented situation with Carlos Correa's injury concerns potentially prompting a sell-off at the deadline. Key players might be placed on the trade block as they reshape for the future.
Los Angeles Angels (16-28): Selling Their Stockpile While a trade involving superstar Mike Trout is improbable, the Angels may be looking to offload several impending free agents as they reassess their future direction.
National League East
Atlanta Braves (30-13): Buying Left Fielder Leading the majors in runs scored, the Braves could solidify their dominance by adding another corner outfielder, improving further as they approach the trade deadline.
Washington Nationals (21-22): Selling High on Foster Griffin The Nationals are in a precarious position, boasting a strong offense but a beleaguered pitching staff. They may look to sell high on veteran pitcher Foster Griffin, whose performance could net valuable assets.
Philadelphia Phillies (20-23): Buying Outfield Assistance With the need for defensive upgrades in the outfield, Philadelphia might pursue options that could bolster their roster, including possibly a reunion with Mickey Moniak.
Miami Marlins (20-23): Slightly Selling The Marlins may not have many impending free agents, but names like Sandy Alcantara could attract interest if they need to make moves as the deadline approaches.
New York Mets (17-25): Letting It Ride Despite a slow start, the Mets seem committed to making a push rather than selling off pieces, banking on health and performance improvements from key players.
National League Central
Chicago Cubs (27-16): Buying Healthy Starting Pitchers Injuries have decimated the Cubs' pitching staff, pushing them to seek out healthy arms as they enter the crucial stretch of the season.
Milwaukee Brewers (23-17): Buying Some Pop The Brewers excel at manufacturing runs but lack power at key positions. They could look to add a player who brings home run capabilities to diversify their offensive approach.
St. Louis Cardinals (24-18): Buying Pitching As a surprising contender, the Cardinals may seek controllable pitching options to enhance their rotation ahead of the deadline.
Pittsburgh Pirates (23-20): Buying Right-Handed Relievers Although Pittsburgh's bullpen showcases excellent left-handed talent, they find themselves in need of right-handed options as they refine their playoff prospects.
Cincinnati Reds (22-21): Buying Bats If the Reds decide to buy, a decisive focus on adding impactful bats could help support their postseason ambitions, especially with the current inconsistency in their lineup.
National League West
San Diego Padres (25-17): Buying Starting Pitching Despite leading their division, the Padres recognize the need for starting pitching depth. Pursuing quality options could solidify their strength heading into the second half of the season.
Los Angeles Dodgers (25-18): Taking It Easy With little to address in their injury-laden roster, the Dodgers may not look to make significant moves unless absolutely necessary.
Arizona Diamondbacks (20-22): Decision Paralysis Operating in a precarious position, the Diamondbacks may hesitate to make moves, holding intriguing options for both buying and selling as they gauge their competitive status.
San Francisco Giants (18-25): Selling If They Can Unwilling to part with long-term investments, the Giants may look to unload less critical pieces to gather prospects for future endeavors, balancing between present needs and future goals.
Colorado Rockies (17-26): Selling High, Left and Right With valuable assets like Jose Quintana and Mickey Moniak, the Rockies could consider trading veterans to bolster their future, with a possible fire sale if the right offers arise.
As we approach the trade deadline, the decisions made by each team will reflect their long-term strategies, competitiveness, and willingness to capitalize on opportunities.
