MLB trade deadline approaches with potential for significant team changes

By Emily Turner — 23 July 2026 — 5 min read

Teams eye major acquisitions as deadline nears

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, several teams are positioned to make significant moves that could reshape their seasons. While not every imagined blockbuster trade materializes, this year is anticipated to produce at least three deals substantial enough to influence the postseason.

The Cubs are reportedly considering a move for Kevin Gausman. His current team, Toronto, is reportedly moving towards a sale of players, and Gausman is seen as a clear veteran candidate for a trade. The Cubs are in need of a reliable starting pitcher for a postseason series and possess the prospect depth that could interest Toronto. Gausman is also not on an eight-team no-trade list, which could facilitate a deal. Adding Gausman would provide an experienced arm capable of pitching deep into games, potentially reducing pressure on the bullpen.

The Phillies are also looking to address their pitching needs, specifically a fifth starter. Philadelphia, with championship aspirations, cannot afford to lose regular-season games due to pitching inconsistencies. Reid Detmers is a potential target, offering more than a temporary solution. He is under team control through 2028, has a high strikeout rate, and still has development potential. Acquiring Detmers would likely come at a considerable cost, but Dave Dombrowski has a history of building contenders without protecting every prospect. The Angels appear open to discussions regarding Detmers, and Philadelphia could be the team to finalize a trade.

In a more speculative move, the Yankees could pursue Mason Miller. This potential trade is considered the boldest prediction and one that could dominate deadline day. The Padres have not ruled out trading Miller, and the Yankees have previously been linked to the elite closer. While New York’s bullpen is strong, the postseason often demands exceptional late-game pitching. Miller would provide significant late-game power and protection alongside David Bednar. His team control through 2029 makes him an attractive long-term asset rather than just a rental.

Shifting team strategies ahead of the deadline

With the trade deadline less than two weeks away, the landscape of buyers and sellers remains fluid. The expanded playoffs and a degree of mediocrity in the American League mean that only a few teams entered the week with less than 10 percent playoff odds. This situation has resulted in relatively few clear sellers and only a handful of teams positioned to be aggressive buyers.

Teams are being categorized into various tiers based on their playoff aspirations and potential trade strategies. The most aggressive buyers are typically those with a legitimate chance to win a championship or those on the fringes of contention needing a significant boost. The Yankees, for instance, are seen as aggressive buyers, viewing the mediocre American League as an opportunity for a second pennant in three years. The injury status of Aaron Judge adds pressure for them to make a move to challenge the Rays in the AL East. The Brewers, who finished last year with baseball’s best record, are also considered strong contenders, and a major addition could help them against the Dodgers.

The Phillies and Cubs are a step below Milwaukee but face a time crunch with their current rosters, suggesting this might be a prime opportunity for them to contend in the coming seasons. The Pirates are also in the race for the third wild card and could buy aggressively to reach the postseason, especially given the ticking clock of Paul Skenes’ team control.

Other teams are categorized as typical buyers, possessing at least 70 percent postseason odds and legitimate chances to win their divisions. These teams are expected to add one or two pieces to solidify a postseason berth. A larger group of teams is trending towards buying, including the Rangers and White Sox, who lead their divisions, and the Red Sox and Orioles, who have seen recent winning streaks improve their playoff chances. The Marlins and Diamondbacks also have legitimate playoff shots.

Teams on the fence and potential sellers

A significant number of teams are currently on the fence, navigating between buying and selling. The Padres, despite being in the wild-card hunt, have had a losing record every month since April. The Nationals have exceeded expectations but are hovering around .500. The Blue Jays are in last place in the AL East with key players like Kevin Gausman, Daulton Varsho, and George Springer approaching free agency, making them a hinge team.

The Tigers are another hinge team; despite recent good play, a poor performance in May leaves them below .500. Their decision in the next week and a half could determine whether they pursue a championship run with their strong starting pitchers or trade assets like Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, Jack Flaherty, and Gleyber Torres.

Only two teams are clearly trending towards selling: the Cardinals and the Reds. The Cardinals were initially trending to buy but have performed poorly in July, making a buy-and-sell approach a potential best-case scenario. The Reds, despite an early-season playoff race, have fallen to the bottom of the NL Central and are reportedly open to listening to offers from interested teams.

The Athletics have shifted from being slight buyers to typical sellers after losing 10 consecutive games and 15 of 17. They now join other typical sellers who are unlikely to make the playoffs and do not possess the high-value trade chips for aggressive deadline moves. The most aggressive sellers include the Mets, Giants, and Angels. The Mets moved to this tier after losing seven of 11 games and are reportedly open to offers for nearly all of their players. While trading Francisco Lindor is unlikely, players like Clay Holmes and Freddy Peralta are considered obvious trade chips, and opportunities exist with others such as Luke Weaver.

These potential blockbuster trades are expected to be costly, reflecting the high stakes for teams aiming to win now before August 3.

Source: sports.yahoo.com