Where all 30 teams stand on MLB trade deadline moves heading into the All-Star break
With only 20 days remaining before the trade deadline, the MLB season is heating up. As teams prepare for the All-Star break, the trade market is buzzing with activity. Every team is strategizing, evaluating their roster, and deciding whether to buy, sell or stand pat. The next few weeks will be crucial for teams looking to make a playoff push or rebuild for the future. Let’s take a look at where each team stands, their needs, and what players they could target in trades.
- Teams are evaluating their rosters and strategizing whether to buy, sell, or stand pat as the MLB trade deadline approaches.
- Philadelphia Phillies are targeting a center fielder and bullpen depth to strengthen their playoff push.
- Atlanta Braves are focusing on improving their outfield after Ronald Acuña Jr.’s injury and have already signed Eddie Rosario.
- New York Mets are considering both buying and selling at the deadline, with needs for a starting pitcher and relief depth.
- Washington Nationals are in a rebuilding phase and looking to sell veteran players like Patrick Corbin and Dylan Floro.
NL East
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are in a familiar position: vying for a playoff spot and looking to bolster their roster. Their biggest need is center field, where they have been linked to several players, including Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox, Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Marlins, Cody Bellinger of the Cubs, Jake McCarthy of the Diamondbacks, and Jacob Young of the Nationals. Landing a center fielder by the deadline is a top priority. The Phillies are also looking for additional depth in the bullpen, always a crucial aspect of a playoff run.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves are always a force to be reckoned with and are looking to maintain their dominance in the NL East. Their focus is on improving their outfield, a need that became more apparent after Ronald Acuña Jr.’s season-ending knee injury. They’ve already made moves, signing Eddie Rosario to a minor-league contract after his release from the Nationals. Potential trade targets include Jazz Chisholm Jr., Taylor Ward of the Angels, Randy Arozarena of the Rays, and Tommy Pham of the White Sox.
New York Mets
The Mets are in a tight race for a wild-card spot, making their approach to the trade deadline more complex. They are considering both buying and selling, depending on the opportunity. While they are holding onto Pete Alonso, they are open to making moves that could benefit the team long-term. Their primary needs include a starting pitcher and relief depth, crucial for making a playoff push.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals are embracing a rebuilding phase, positioning themselves for future success. They are prepared to sell at the deadline, seeking to move veteran players like Patrick Corbin, Dylan Floro, Hunter Harvey, and perhaps even closer Kyle Finnegan. They also hope to trade Jesse Winker, Joey Gallo, and Lane Thomas if the price is right. This strategy will allow them to acquire prospects and build a stronger foundation for the future.
Miami Marlins
The Marlins are in a clear sell mode, looking to reshape their roster. Their most likely trade candidates are Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Tanner Scott. They are also expected to move Josh Bell, another impending free agent. The Marlins are looking to rebuild their lineup and are open to acquiring players at any position, focusing on getting the best value in return for their assets.
NL Central
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers are in first place in the division and have already made a notable trade, acquiring Aaron Civale from the Rays to bolster their starting pitching. They are not done yet and will continue to seek ways to improve their pitching depth. They are likely to be active buyers in the trade market, aiming to solidify their position at the top of the division.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals have turned their season around, putting themselves in contention for a playoff spot. Their front office is focused on strengthening their starting rotation and is actively targeting veteran starters to add to their pitching mix. They have been linked to Yusei Kikuchi of the Blue Jays, Erick Fedde of the White Sox, and Cal Quantrill of the Rockies. Their recent success has made them a threat in the division, and they are willing to make moves to secure a playoff berth.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are in a rebuilding phase but are looking to make upgrades to their offense. They are committed to improving their lineup in both the infield and outfield, although they are not expected to make a major splash. They are looking for smaller deals that can add value and help them build for the future.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have been a surprise contender this year, despite facing numerous injuries. They are in a unique position, with the potential to both buy and sell. They recently acquired Austin Slater to improve their outfield depth and could be in the market for another bat. They are also open to trading from their strong prospect pool if the right opportunity arises. Their approach is balanced and flexible, reflecting their unexpected success and desire to maintain it.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are in a precarious position, sitting 3 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot. Their approach to the trade deadline is uncertain, as they could buy, sell, or stand pat. Their focus is on upgrading their bullpen and acquiring a better offensive catcher to make a playoff run. However, they could also decide to retool for the future if they fail to make a significant push.
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are always a contender, but they have been dealing with numerous injuries this season. Despite the challenges, they are still expected to be active buyers at the deadline. They are looking for outfielders, starting pitchers, and relievers to strengthen their roster and set themselves up for a deep playoff run. Their pursuit of talent is relentless, and they have been linked to several players, including Garrett Crochet, Luis Robert Jr., and Tommy Pham of the White Sox.
San Diego Padres
The Padres have already made significant moves this season, acquiring Dylan Cease and Luis Arraez. They are not done yet and are looking to add a right-handed reliever and a bench bat. They are also exploring potential trades for star players, including Garrett Crochet, one of the most sought-after starters on the market. Their aggressive approach is a hallmark of their organization, and they are determined to build a winning team.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks are hoping to get several key starting pitchers back from the injured list, which would be a boost for their playoff aspirations. They are always looking to add depth to their rotation and bullpen and are prepared to sell if their fortunes change after the All-Star break. They are a team to watch, as they could be active in both buying and selling roles depending on their performance in the second half of the season.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants are in a similar situation to the Diamondbacks, with several key starting pitchers expected to return from the injured list. They are also exploring potential trades, with their name linked to several players, including Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Marlins, Cody Bellinger of the Cubs, and Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox. Their approach is cautious but opportunistic, looking for ways to improve their team both through internal development and external acquisitions.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are in sell mode, with catcher Elias Díaz, starting pitchers Austin Gomber and Cal Quantrill, and several relievers likely to be moved at the deadline. They are open to trading Ryan McMahon despite his contract extension, but their primary focus is on moving players who can bring back valuable prospects for their future. Their rebuilding effort is in full swing, and their trade decisions reflect this strategy.
AL East
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles are a young team with a bright future, and they are looking to make a run for the playoffs. They have been hit by injuries to their starting pitching and are in the market for a veteran starter. They are not willing to trade any of their top prospects, demonstrating their confidence in their farm system. They are a team to watch, as they are likely to be aggressive in pursuing a starting pitcher. Their commitment to their long-term plan makes them a force to be reckoned with in the AL East.
New York Yankees
The Yankees are a perennial contender, but their starting pitching has struggled recently. They are looking to address their concerns in the rotation and bullpen and are also exploring options to improve their offense, particularly at second and third base. They are hoping for a strong return from Giancarlo Stanton, but they are also considering trading for a DH/outfield bat. They are a team with a history of making big moves at the deadline, and they are likely to be active once again this year, demonstrating their commitment to winning.
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have exceeded expectations this season, playing like a legit contender. They are looking to add a veteran starting pitcher and a right-handed power bat to solidify their roster. They are a team with a strong foundation, and they are looking to make a run for the playoffs. Their continued success under manager Alex Cora has made them a formidable force in the AL East.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are known for their innovative approach and their ability to find value in unexpected places. They have already made some moves, trading Aaron Civale and Phil Maton. They are expected to be active in the trade market, both buying and selling, as they look to remain competitive while also building for the future. They are a team to watch, as they are always looking for ways to improve their roster and maintain their success.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays are in a difficult position, as they are a team with high expectations but have struggled to meet them. They have publicly stated that they will not trade Bo Bichette or Vladimir Guerrero Jr., but they could be open to moving other players. They have a number of veteran players, including Yusei Kikuchi, Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman, Kevin Kiermaier, and several relievers, who could be attractive trade targets. Their approach is uncertain, but they are a team to watch closely, as they could make a significant impact on the trade market.
AL Central
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians are a young team with a strong core, and they are looking to make a deep playoff run. Their top priority is acquiring a proven veteran starter, and they are open to dealing from their strong bullpen to get it done. They are a team that always seems to find a way to compete, and they are likely to be aggressive in their pursuit of a starting pitcher. Their focus on both the present and the future demonstrates their commitment to building a sustainable winning culture.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are in a rebuilding phase, and they are likely to be sellers at the deadline. They have a number of players who could be attractive trade targets, including Luis Robert Jr., Garrett Crochet, Tommy Pham, and Yandy Díaz. They are looking to acquire prospects and reshape their roster for the future. Their approach is one of strategic rebuilding, aiming to build a strong foundation for years to come.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers are rebuilding and are looking to acquire prospects and young players. They are not expected to be major players in the trade market, but they could be open to moving veteran players if the right deal presents itself. Their focus is on developing their young talent and building a strong foundation for future success.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins are a team with a lot of potential, but they have struggled to be consistent. They are looking to add depth and experience to their roster, and they could be buyers or sellers depending on the opportunity. They are a team to watch, as they could make a move to acquire a player who can help them make a playoff push. Their approach is one of measured progress, looking for ways to improve their team and build for the future.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals are in a full-blown rebuild, and they are looking to acquire prospects and young players. They are not expected to be major players in the trade market, but they could be open to moving veteran players if the right deal presents itself. Their focus is on developing their young talent and building a strong foundation for future success.
AL West
Houston Astros
The Astros are the defending World Series champions, and they are always looking to improve. They are likely to be buyers at the deadline, looking to add depth to their roster and bolster their pitching staff. They are a team that has a proven track record of success, and they are not afraid to make moves to maintain their dominance. Their approach is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, aiming to stay at the top of the league.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers are a young team with a lot of potential, and they are looking to make a playoff run. They are likely to be buyers at the deadline, looking to add depth to their roster and bolster their pitching staff. They are a team that has a lot of momentum, and they are looking to take the next step and compete for a championship. Their approach is one of calculated risk-taking, aiming to make bold moves to propel them to the next level.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners are a team on the rise, and they are looking to make a deep playoff run. They are likely to be buyers at the deadline, looking to add depth to their roster and bolster their pitching staff. They are a team that has a lot of talent, and they are looking to take the next step and compete for a championship. Their approach is one of strategic investment, aiming to make moves that will maximize their potential for long-term success.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels are a team with a lot of star power, but they have struggled to put it all together. They are a team that has a lot of potential, but they have struggled to put it all together. They could be buyers or sellers at the deadline, depending on the opportunity. Their approach is uncertain, but they are a team to watch, as they could make a move to acquire a player who can help them make a playoff push. Their approach is one of measured progress, looking for ways to improve their team and build for the future.
Oakland Athletics
The Athletics are in a full-blown rebuild, and they are looking to acquire prospects and young players. They are not expected to be major players in the trade market, but they could be open to moving veteran players if the right deal presents itself. Their focus is on developing their young talent and building a strong foundation for future success.
