The 2026 MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, with contending teams deciding what they need to add before 6 p.m. ET on Monday.
Could Tarik Skubal be on the move from the Detroit Tigers? Will the New York Mets deal Clay Holmes and Freddy Peralta to contenders? And who among the Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies will go all-in to boost their 2026 World Series hopes?
Whether your team is looking to add or deal away stars -- or lands somewhere in between -- here's the latest intel we're hearing, reaction to completed deals and what to know for every club as trade season unfolds.
More: Top trade candidates | Passan: Perfect moves | Grades
Jump to: Latest intel | Completed deals
MLB trade deadline buzz
July 30
Could Reds trade their ace? The odds of Reds pitcher Hunter Greene being traded before the deadline are 50-50, according to one evaluator, even in this crowded starting pitching market. Greene occupies a unique space in the market in that not only is he under team control beyond this year, but he also is playing under a multiyear deal that could fit nicely for any team of any market size, no matter the outcome of the upcoming labor negotiations.
With uncertainty about what baseball's economic system will look like after this year, some teams have been reluctant to take on money. But not only is Greene relatively young -- he'll be 27 years old next week -- but he's playing under a moderate salary of $8.333 million this year, with salaries of $15.33 million in 2027 and $16.33 million in 2028; the Reds hold a team option of $21 million for 2029.
Perhaps the greatest questions about Greene are related to his health. He has missed most of this season following surgery for the removal of loose bodies in his throwing arm, and in four starts this year, he has a 7.06 ERA, with 29 strikeouts in 21⅔ innings.
But in 2024 and 2025, Greene had a 2.76 ERA, with 301 strikeouts in 258 innings. If the Reds deal him -- at a time when the Rays, Cubs, Phillies, Braves and others are hell-bent on adding a starting pitching -- they presumably will be looking for players who could help them in the immediate future, rather than prospects in the low minor leagues. -- Buster Olney
Latest on Nats' deadline plan: The Nationals are exploring the possibility of a contract extension with Foster Griffin, who is one of the most coveted starting pitchers in the trade market. Griffin, 31, is eligible for free agency in the fall, and Monday's deadline provides a window for Washington to talk about Griffin's future. His situation is similar to that of Seth Lugo last year: With the trade deadline looming, the Royals weighed the possible trade return for Lugo vs. the option of signing Lugo to an extension, and in the end, Lugo signed a multiyear deal to stay in Kansas City.
Griffin has a 2.76 ERA in 21 starts, with a 1.032 WHIP, in his first season in the big leagues after pitching in Japan the last three seasons.
Rival executives say the Nationals have been in listen mode to overtures for shortstop CJ Abrams, but say the asking price would be extremely high -- to the degree that it's very unlikely he'll be dealt before Monday's deadline. -- Olney
July 29
Are the Angels open for business? Rival executives have noted in recent days that dealing with the Angels as the trade deadline approaches feels far different from recent years. They listen. They're open. They actually engage on controllable players. The first hard evidence of that occurred Wednesday, when the Angels sent catcher Logan O'Hoppe (controllable through 2028) and reliever Chase Silseth (2030) to the Texas Rangers for low-level infield prospect Angel Arredondo.
Arredondo is not a highly rated prospect, prompting some evaluators to believe they did not get enough. Regardless of whether that ends up being the case, though, one thing seems clear: Interim general manager John Mozeliak has more leeway from owner Arte Moreno to make drastic changes that impact the immediate future. Whether that lends itself to Reid Detmers, Jose Soriano or Zach Neto being traded remains to be seen, but it is very much a possibility. -- Alden Gonzalez
New York's deadline priorities: The Yankees are looking for catching help, a bullpen arm and perhaps another bat as they navigate around a number of injuries to their stars. -- Jesse Rogers
How Cubs are approaching pitching need: Like a lot of teams, the Cubs are looking to add a starter and are willing to part with a higher-ranked prospect for a pitcher under team control for several more years. Otherwise, they'll go the rental route with a lower-ranked prospect. In other words, this won't be like 2016 when they traded their No.1 prospect (Gleyber Torres) for two months of Aroldis Chapman. -- Rogers
Would a Springer reunion make sense? An industry source mentioned an intriguing match, if the two teams -- who have been frequent trade partners -- pursue a deal: Toronto's George Springer back to the Houston Astros. Houston has been outspoken about its need for a right-handed-hitting outfielder, and while Springer has not performed as well this season as he did in 2025, his numbers have spiked in recent weeks: Over his past 27 games, he's batting .299/.347/.537.
One potential roadblock to such a deal is that Springer has played just seven innings in the outfield this season, and with Yordan Alvarez manning the DH spot, Springer probably would have to play left field. But keep in mind that Houston's left field is smaller than in most ballparks, and of course, Springer knows the park, the team and the community. And the Astros know all about his leadership.
Springer, who turns 37 in September, was drafted 11th overall by the Astros in 2011, was a three-time All-Star for Houston and helped it win a World Series in 2017. He signed a six-year, $150 million deal that will expire at the end of this season, and Toronto is currently in offload mode, according to rival executives.
Will St. Louis deal an impact bat? The Cardinals are willing to listen to offers on anybody on their big league roster not named Jordan Walker or JJ Wetherholt, sources told ESPN. That includes veteran outfielder Lars Nootbaar and All-Star designated hitter/catcher Ivan Herrera, who has drawn interest from at least the Yankees and Red Sox. Both clubs seek catching and offensive help. Herrera has caught only 40 games this season -- and started 66 at DH -- and grades out as a below-average catcher, but the right-handed hitter owns a career 121 OPS+.
Clubs have also expressed interest in right-handed relievers Riley O'Brien and Ryne Stanek and left-handed reliever JoJo Romero. The cost for the 31-year-old O'Brien, a first-time All-Star this season, would be steep since he is under team control through 2030. Stanek and Romero, however, are free agents after the season. The Yankees are among the clubs that have shown interest in the Cardinals relievers. -- Jorge Castillo
Could latest loss push O's into deal mode? After Baltimore's 14-0 loss in Detroit on Tuesday night, rival officials are waiting to see if the Orioles' wave the white flag of surrender on their season, because the numbers are stark: According to FanGraphs, their chances for making the playoffs are down to 18%, and more importantly, they just aren't playing well. They're 52-56, with middling offense and pitching. If they decide to deal away in a year in which Mike Elias, the team's head of baseball operations, has been under increasing pressure from the fanbase to win, the most obvious trade pieces are pitcher Trevor Rogers and outfielder Taylor Ward, who are both eligible for free agency in the fall. -- Buster Olney
Latest on Dodgers deadline status, including Skubal pursuit: The Dodgers got some encouraging news on their every-day catcher, Will Smith, who has been out since June 5 with a neck injury. Smith started baseball activities on Tuesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, and has been symptom-free for about a week. And though he still has several steps to clear before rejoining their lineup, the Dodgers feel good enough about his health that they are not currently pursuing catching help ahead of the trade deadline, a source familiar with the situation said.
Rival executives continue to view the Dodgers as the favorites for Tarik Skubal -- an even stronger possibility, perhaps, with Shohei Ohtani's left knee continuing to prevent him from pitching -- but L.A. is also expected to shed from its major league roster. With Enrique Hernandez activated on Tuesday, the Dodgers' bench leans very right-handed, and outfielder Alex Call has been made available in talks. The Dodgers will probably also part ways with Eric Lauer, who would lose his spot in the rotation once Blake Snell is activated -- perhaps as early as next week. -- Alden Gonzalez
What will Mariners do at the deadline? The Seattle Mariners are in a tough spot, coming off losing three of four to the division-rival Texas Rangers to put them three games below .500. When they arrived in Los Angeles to start a series against the first-place Dodgers, the Mariners had fallen to third place in the American League West while sitting three games out of first.
But regardless of how this week goes, the Mariners will approach the deadline looking to add, sources familiar with their thinking said.
The Mariners are among the worst in the majors at hitting left-handed pitching and are aggressively seeking another impact right-handed bat. They'll also look to supplement the back end of their bullpen. And because they are operating with a six-man rotation, they will look to trade either veteran Luis Castillo, who's owed $22.75 million next year and has a $25 million vesting option for 2028, or Emerson Hancock, who's controllable through 2030. -- Gonzalez
July 28
Prices for pitching remain high: That's what two "adding" teams have said six days out from the deadline. Asking prices to acquire starting pitchers -- for the next few months or otherwise -- remain sky high. It's the norm for this time of year, which is mostly why everything happens so late. This year is no different. From pitchers like Brady Singer on cheap, expiring contracts to more controllable starters like the Los Angeles Angels duo of Jose Soriano and Reid Detmers, there's not much of an opening for a deal that doesn't involve a really good prospect going back. The one exception might be the pitchers with expensive expiring deals -- such as Robbie Ray and Kevin Gausman. Pick up their entire contract and the prospect return won't hurt as much. The waiting game continues. Eventually those prices should drop. -- Jesse Rogers
Red Sox interested in Marlins shortstop: The Boston Red Sox are searching for a shortstop, and one name that has come up in conversations is the Miami Marlins' Otto Lopez, who was part of the National League All-Star team earlier this month. "He'd be a great player for them," said one rival executive with knowledge of Boston's interest. Lopez is a contact hitter, which would make him a fit for the sort of player Craig Breslow has targeted in the past. The 27-year-old leads the majors with a .331 batting average, has 22 steals and is regarded as a positive personality.
If the Marlins do move Lopez, they will be trading a player on the upswing: He had an OPS under .700 in 2024 and 2025, his age 25 and 26 seasons, and he'll have three-plus years of service time after this season. -- Olney
Potential Toronto pitchers on the market: The Toronto Blue Jays are prepared to trade veterans such as Kevin Gausman and Jeff Hoffman, among others, but to date, they are not dangling All-Star reliever Louis Varland, who has had a spectacular season. Varland, 28, was acquired from Minnesota last summer and was an ironman of sorts for the Jays as they played to Game 7 of the World Series. When Hoffman faltered early this season, Varland took over as the closer, and he has excelled. If the Jays trade him, they'll get a prospect haul; he will finish this season with two-plus years of service time, and any acquiring team would have at least two more years of control. But the Jays are apparently not interested in dealing him. -- Olney
Astros eyeing outfield help: The Astros began the week with a combined .664 OPS from their outfielders, the worst mark in the majors. Astros GM Dana Brown is on the record saying he expects to be a buyer leading up to the trade deadline, and a source said that will be the case so long as the team remains within striking distance of a playoff spot heading into its weekend series against the division-leading Rangers. If so, they'll target an outfielder above all else.
Given that their farm system is one of the worst in the industry, though, securing a quality one in this market could be a major challenge. The Astros prefer a left-handed hitter, but that doesn't have to be the case. More important, according to a source, is that the player is controllable beyond this season. The Astros do not want a pending free agent. Teams will undoubtedly ask about shortstop Jeremy Pena, but the Astros would probably have to go winless this week for them to even consider moving him. -- Gonzalez
July 27
When will the deals heat up? The trade deadline is only a week away, but it seems as if most of the action is on hold. Entering Monday, all but eight teams were within four games of a playoff spot, with many of the others hoping this week provides them the clarity they seek.
"Next handful of games is really important for everyone," a front office executive said. But even some of the clear sellers seem reluctant to engage in substantive trade talks at this juncture and might use the threat of the deadline to pressure teams into meeting their terms.
"I think this may be a year where everything is pushed until the 11th hour," a longtime scout said.
This year's market has several teams that are trying to add and subtract simultaneously, especially contenders looking to capitalize on the dearth of offense available (like the Nationals did by trading Curtis Mead to the Red Sox over the weekend). But the lack of clarity on the adding side is muddling teams' plans and, as one executive fears, could "create pure chaos" at the end. -- Gonzalez
Where Cincy stands entering deadline: Spencer Steer is an experienced right-handed hitter with positional versatility, and in some respects, he might've been the Reds' best trade asset. But he suffered a hand/wrist injury in Sunday's game that will prompt Cincinnati to place him on the injured list, and he's going to miss a significant period of time.
The Reds, in the midst of a disappointing season, have seven pending free agents they could potentially move, from Brady Singer to Eugenio Suarez, and could be among the more active teams before next week's deadline. -- Olney
Could Boston swing a blockbuster deal for a shortstop? The Red Sox added a badly needed right-handed hitter over the weekend in Curtis Mead, but rival officials report that Boston has been looking for a shortstop in a market thin in shortstops. The Nationals will listen to overtures about CJ Abrams, but many in the industry believe Washington will keep him. And although Zach Neto of the Angels has been mentioned in the rumor mill, he's under team control for three more seasons; under the current CBA rules, there's nothing really compelling Los Angeles to move him, short of an overwhelming offer.
Interestingly, veteran shortstop Trevor Story is under contract through 2027 and is working his way back from injury, and as recently as last year, Marcelo Mayer was viewed as a possible long-term solution at shortstop -- but rival evaluators were underwhelmed by his play there earlier this year. -- Olney
When Tigers could make Skubal decision -- and what it means for the entire deadline: The starting pitching market is flush with possibilities, from Robbie Ray to Kevin Gausman to Freddy Peralta to Clay Holmes. But at least some of the teams that could be landing spots for those players will likely wait for the Tigers to decide whether they're keeping Tarik Skubal before dealing for a starting pitcher. Skubal is clearly the best option in the market. And even if the Phillies, Braves, Cubs or Dodgers don't land Skubal, they'll want to remain in the market for as long as possible to help push the potential cost for a rival team.
Rival executives remain uncertain about what the Tigers will do before the deadline, and they can see the logic behind either path. Detroit is six games under .500 and still 3½ games behind in the race for the third wild card, and if the Tigers -- thin in pitching prospects -- decide to trade Skubal, the decision will reflect the team's currently reality.
On the other hand, the Tigers have played very well since the start of June, and in a wide open American League, they could dream of playing into the World Series if they can make the playoffs. "If they wait until Friday to make that decision, that'll leave them plenty of time to make a deal," one official said. "Three full days, plus Monday -- that's an eternity." -- Olney
What are Seattle's biggest needs? The disappointing Mariners continue to struggle to score runs, and though they're hoping to get Brendan Donovan back soon, he has gone 2-for-31 with 10 strikeouts and one walk on his rehab assignment in the minors. But they also need a high-leverage right-handed reliever with Matt Brash still sidelined with a lat strain. Eduard Bazardo is that guy right now, but he has struggled in July with a 6.23 ERA and three home runs allowed. Right-handed batters have a .721 OPS against him on the season, so he's far too hittable as a vital right-on-right reliever. -- David Schoenfield
July 26
Which Yankees reliever could be on the move? While the New York Yankees are looking to add a leverage reliever or two, they're also open to trading reliever Camilo Doval, sources told ESPN. The right-hander, an All-Star in 2023, has floundered since the Yankees acquired him from the San Francisco Giants at last year's trade deadline with a 4.85 ERA in 63 appearances entering Sunday.
The struggles are perplexing. Doval has elite stuff, with a cutter that regularly touches 101 mph, and he can dominate when clicking. But left-handed hitters are batting .371 with a 1.018 OPS against him and he's crumbled in non-low-leverage situations; hitters have a .976 OPS against him in medium-leverage and a 1.043 OPS in high-leverage situations. The ineffectiveness has resulted in Doval tumbling down the bullpen hierarchy in the Bronx. Still, his electric arm and club control through 2027 could make him an attractive add-low candidate. -- Jorge Castillo
Texas looking for bullpen depth: The Texas Rangers' playoff chances largely hinge on the performance of their rotation, as well as the status of shortstop Corey Seager, who has been out with a back injury longer than the team initially expected. But one way or another, Texas is expected to add help to a bullpen that went into play Sunday ranked 19th among 30 teams in ERA, at 4.21. Jacob Latz made the All-Star team because of his work at closer, but more depth is need with the bullpen group as the Rangers attempt to separate themselves from the Seattle Mariners, et al, in the AL West.
The Rangers are not expected to take on much payroll with their deadline acquisitions -- if any -- which could limit the range of options for them, unless their trade partners can absorb some of the salary costs of players going to Texas. -- Olney
July 24
Could the Pirates make a big move? The Pittsburgh Pirates have taken a big step forward this year, fielding one of the league's most prolific offenses, and some rival evaluators believe they will be one of the most aggressive teams in adding talent before the trade deadline. If San Diego winds up dealing Mason Miller, the Pirates certainly have the type of young starting pitching to anchor a deal for a reliever who would transform the back end of their bullpen -- but like other small-market teams, they would have to decide whether they're willing to cut into their pipeline to make a big deal like that. There will be other less expensive options available in the trade market, such as Adrian Morejon. Either way, there will be pressure on the front office to improve the team. -- Olney
July 23
Why Dodgers are in/out on Skubal: If the Detroit Tigers ultimately put Skubal on the market, it's clear the Los Angeles Dodgers will be the overwhelming favorites to land the ace. Their farm system -- with a glut of highly regarded outfielders in the upper levels, plus a handful of young starting pitchers ready to lock down a rotation spot in the major leagues -- makes them a perfect fit for what Detroit would seek in a potential trade.
Whether the Dodgers ultimately pull the trigger, though, is a different question. In recent weeks, they've signaled that they don't need any help. Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are trending toward returning to their rotation in August, and Shohei Ohtani, who had his last start scratched because of a troublesome left knee, is already throwing bullpen sessions again. Those three plus Yoshinobu Yamamoto would make for a devastating playoff rotation -- the same one they rode to a World Series last October.
It's easy for the Dodgers to talk themselves out of adding Skubal -- but it is just as easy for them to talk themselves into it. Because they have the prospect capital. Because acquiring him would mean not having to face him on another contender in the playoffs. And because they have an opportunity to be the first National League team to ever win three straight championships -- and it's clear they'll stop at nothing in pursuit of that goal. -- Gonzalez
Chicago's biggest need: The Chicago Cubs' pre-deadline trade need is simple: Pitching, pitching and more pitching. "It's not like it's a secret," one source said earlier this week. The Cubs have had 30 injured list stints this year and 26 of those have been pitchers, with everyone from Cade Horton to Justin Steele to Edward Cabrera going down. And here's the good news for the Cubs: There should be a range of starting pitching options available, from Robbie Ray to Clay Holmes to Freddy Peralta to Kevin Gausman. -- Olney
Could Goodman move at the deadline? The Colorado Rockies, owners of the worst record in the majors, are just one of three declared unloaders at the trade deadline. On paper, they have plenty to offer. The question is: How aggressively will their new front office operate? This is the first trade deadline for a Rockies regime led by president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and general manager Josh Byrnes. Early indications are they'll be active; they've already made a trade, sending reliever Seth Halvorsen to the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor leaguers.
Colorado has five impending free agents they'll look to move, highlighted by right-handed reliever Antonio Senzatela and right-handed starter Tomoyuki Sugano. Beyond that, utility man Willi Castro, outfielders Mickey Moniak and Jake McCarthy, right-hander Jimmy Herget and left-hander Brennan Bernardino are available.
The most intriguing case is catcher Hunter Goodman. A two-time All-Star with tons of power and a high strikeout rate, Goodman could fetch the Rockies a haul since he has three years of club control after this season, there's a dearth of available right-handed hitters on the market, and a few contenders could use an upgrade at catcher. Teams, including the New York Yankees, have inquired. The Rockies could decide to keep Goodman for their rebuild, but his value might not climb any higher. -- Castillo
The latest on the Tigers' Skubal plan: The Tigers think they can win the division and will hold out as long as possible in deciding whether to trade Tarik Skubal. Some rivals believe they can as well, casting further doubt that he'll be moved. Cutting their deficit in half by the deadline would make the decision a lot easier. There's also a trade-Skubal-but-still-compete scenario, but would the air coming out of that big of a balloon deflate the room? Detroit will take this to nearly the last minute before making -- or not making -- a move. -- Rogers
Reds pitcher a perfect fit for the White Sox? The White Sox are looking for pitching in just about any form. They have room for a playoff-caliber starter or one who simply rounds out a rotation that features Erick Fedde and rookie Noah Schultz at the back end. Either or both could be moved down a notch or removed from the rotation altogether. Reds starter Brady Singer fits that bill and is extremely likely to get moved. An experienced reliever would also shorten the game for Chicago. That's a need as well but not as much as a starter. -- Rogers
What the Yankees are eyeing at the deadline: New York's wish list includes a catcher, a leverage reliever or two, and a right-handed-hitting outfielder. Catcher and reliever take precedent over an outfielder, but with uncertainty surrounding Aaron Judge's status, the Yankees could opt for some insurance.
Adding a catcher midseason is never ideal, but the Yankees' production from the position has been the worst in the majors.
As for the relief crop, the Yankees have several moving players on its staff, with at least two starters potentially moving to the bullpen once the rotation is fully healthy and Clarke Schmidt slated to return from Tommy John surgery down the stretch, perhaps as a reliever. So, at least one top-tier reliever to partner with David Bednar, Fernando Cruz and Brent Headrick in the back end is preferred over simply a depth player. -- Castillo
Will the Angels trade away Neto, Detmers or Soriano? John Mozeliak had a reputation for being exceedingly conservative on the trade front while leading the St. Louis Cardinals' baseball operations department over the past 18 years -- but that is not the expectation as he approaches his first trade deadline with the Los Angeles Angels.
Mozeliak, brought in as a consultant and interim general manager about a month ago, is very open to trading controllable players if the right offers materialize, according to people who have spoken with him in recent days. That includes starting pitchers Reid Detmers and Jose Soriano, and that includes shortstop Zach Neto, the three Angels players who would fetch the best return.
Of course, Mozeliak is under no pressure to part with any of them. Detmers and Soriano are controllable through the 2028 season, Neto through 2029. But Mozeliak could be tempted to take advantage of what is expected to be a major sellers' market, especially with the knowledge that the Angels are not a year away -- or two, or potentially even three -- from legitimate contention.
But the same question still lingers: Will Angels owner Arte Moreno ultimately sign off? Will he have to? -- Gonzalez
Where Padres stand entering deadline: The San Diego Padres' new ownership group, led by billionaire couple Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones, has submitted the final documentation needed to move the franchise's sale to a vote, a source confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday.
But there is still more administrative work to iron out, the source cautioned, and a vote, which has not been formally scheduled, will not take place until some time after Aug. 3. In other words: The Padres will remain in this state of transition through the trade deadline.
That, however, is not expected to impact general manager A.J. Preller's strategy. Preller would still like to buy, and the expectation is he would be allowed to from a payroll standpoint -- but first, his team needs to give him a reason. The Padres entered Thursday two games below .500 and three games back of a wild-card spot, with five teams to jump.
If they don't make up serious ground over this next week and a half -- with series against the Marlins, Rockies and Giants -- Preller might start trading players from his dominant bullpen, with Mason Miller the clear headliner. -- Gonzalez
Completed deal tracker
Click here for grades for every major deal
July 29
The Texas Rangers are acquiring right-handed reliever Chase Silseth and catcher Logan O'Hoppe from the Los Angeles Angels, sources tell ESPN.
July 26
The Boston Red Sox have acquired infielder Curtis Mead from the Washington Nationals for left-handed pitcher Connelly Early.