2026 MLB Trade Deadline Guide: Who’s Buying and Who’s Selling?

Welcome to your one stop shop for everything you need to know about this years MLB trade deadline. Buyers, sellers, and teams stuck in the middle are all covered with the same level of detail highlighting the possible trade targets and team needs. As team needs evolve and change so will this resource so keep coming back and we’ll have updates frequently.

The American League having a down year has made for a wide open Wild Card race. Throw in the possible changes coming to the CBA and we are lining up for one of the more unique deadlines in recent history.

Time will tell what ultimately happens but for now, sit back and read about every possibility and avenue each team could go down.

MLB Trade Deadline: August 3rd, 6:00 PM EST

Who Will Be Sellers at the Trade Deadline

New York Mets

Trade Candidates: Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, Luke Weaver, A.J. Minter, Brooks Raley, Luis Robert Jr., Tyrone Taylor, Francisco Alvarez, Luis Torrens, Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio

The New York Mets are open for business at this year’s deadline, and with a lack of sellers on the market, teams are going to come a calling.

Freddy Peralta is the biggest name who is set to be moved, but his struggles this season may limit the value the Mets can expect in return. Considering how Clay Holmes was pitching prior to hitting the IL, there is a chance a contender will pay just as much for him, as the right-hander could return from a fractured fibula at some point around the deadline.

Left-handed set-up men A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley are set to be hot commodities, and since both are rentals, they will surely be moved. If healthy, Luis Robert Jr. is a rental that some contender will talk themselves into, especially if the Mets eat the remainder of his salary to juice their return.

Tyrone Taylor is another rental who could slot in somewhere as a fourth outfielder, which would open up a roster spot for prospect Nick Morabito down the stretch to see if he can fill that role for the Mets in 2027.

The Athletic reported that the Mets catching tandem of Luis Torrens and Francisco Alvarez will garner some interest at the deadline, but the Mets may be hesitant to give up on the upside of Alvarez, or the stellar defense of Torrens. Struggling infielders Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio are change-of-scenery candidates that could be moved for marginal returns if the Mets are ready to move on.

The best trade chip David Stearns has, though, is Luke Weaver, who has been on a tear lately and is locked into an affordable $12.5 million salary for 2027. The Mets would like to keep Weaver as a key cog in their bullpen, but the return may be too good for them to pass up.

Kansas City Royals

Trade Candidates: Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Vinnie Pasquantino, John Schreiber, Matt Strahm, Daniel Lynch IV

Royals fans, I’m sorry. After a unexpect surge two seasons ago, you are right back trending in the wrong direction. In many ways, I think it will get worse before it gets better. Wacha and Lugo were great free agent finds but are nearing the end of their careers and can bring back a much-needed boost to the farm system. Pasquantino is another option I would consider moving even if that hurts to hear.

The moves of the past two offseasons have not panned out as you would have hoped. Luckily, you still have Bobby Witt Jr. and a couple of young pieces blossoming before our eyes. There’s light at the end of the tunnel, but for 2026, close your eyes, move the veteran starters, and look towards Chiefs football.

Los Angeles Angels

Trade Candidates: Jose Soriano, Reid Detmers, Kirby Yates, Jo Adell, Jose Siri, Oswald Peraza

Historically, the Angels have done the opposite of what made sense at the deadline. Recklessly buying in on Ohtani’s last season was risky, but I get it. Did it work out? Nope. Not much has for the Angels, which is why Perry Minasian was fired, giving fans hope that this deadline could be different.

A proper rebuild has yet to happen and I think it’s time to face the facts. A complete organizational change in process needs to happen, and there’s no better starting point than now. Soriano and Detmers are pieces that carry value and should be moved to help improve a farm system that’s lived near the bottom of the league. Anything you can get for Adell will be worth it. Darker days are ahead in Anaheim.

Cincinnati Reds

Trade Candidates: JJ Bleday, Brady Singer, Nick Lodolo, Caleb Ferguson, Nathaniel Lowe, Tyler Stephenson, Brock Burke, Tejay Antone, Sam Moll, Pierce Johnson

Cincinnati has been one of the worst teams since the start of May. A perpetual cycle of rebuilding has resulted in advancing in the playoffs zero times since 1990. After firing their manager two years ago, the clock is ticking on the front office, and I think it’s about to hit zero.

Nathaniel Lowe and JJ Bleday were value signings that have overperformed and could return a mid-level prospect. Cash in. Nick Lodolo has one more year of team control and should be moved if the value is there. Someone wants Spencer Steer? Move him. An organization in a difficult position with a middling farm system cannot get too picky.

San Francisco Giants

Trade Candidates: Luis Arraez, Matt Chapman, Robbie Ray, JT Brubaker, Sam Hentges

What has happened in San Francisco is nothing short of a mess. Buster Posey, a franchise icon who knew winning, is already on his heels. The Devers trade has not propelled them to the top of the division, and neither have the other significant investments they have made.

Luis Arraez is suddenly a solid defender at second and back to being one of the better bat-to-ball players in the game. On an expiring deal, there should be a number of suitors for him.

While Willy Adames and his contract might not be movable, is Matt Chapman’s? I think they should find out. While not a complete tear down, listening on any of the veterans is not out of the question.

Colorado Rockies

Trade Candidates: Hunter Goodman, Mickey Moniak, Jake McCarthy, Ryan Feltner, Antonio Senzatela, Jose Quintana, Brennan Bernardino, Jimmy Herget, Michael Lorenzen

A new front office and organizational philosophy has been refreshing to see in Colorado. They have improved since last season and are headed in the right direction, but still a few years away from being contenders. Capitalizing on their projects, they have turned around players such as Moniak, McCarthy, and Senzatela, who should be at the top of the to-do list.

I’m sure Hunter Goodman will be on contenders’ radar. To me, he’s simply too good to move at this year’s deadline with three years of control. Not only is that a tough message to sell to fans, but with three more years of control, finding a trade partner willing to match value will be difficult.

Who Will Be Buyers at the Trade Deadline

Tampa Bay Rays

Trade Deadline Needs: 1-2 outfielders, 1 catcher, 1 middle infielder, 1 starting pitcher, bullpen help

Like always, the Rays are stacking wins despite having a lineup mostly made up of Jimmys and Joes. Although they continue to win, upgrades would be welcomed. Finding a solution at second base or shortstop while upgrading at catcher would be a good starting point. A few more arms couldn’t hurt, either.

Tampa has one of the best farm systems not only based on top-end talent but depth. While it is not typically their cup of tea to swing for big names in trades, I do think they have the ammo to do so this season.

Why not go after Skubal + Torres? While it feels uncharacteristic, at some point the Rays need to take the calculated risk and realize they need a bit more star power once October arrives.

Expect a more aggressive deadline than usual from Tampa. At least we hope.

New York Yankees

Trade Deadline Needs: Two bats (one on the left side of the infield, one in the outfield), 1 starting pitcher, bullpen help

I think we are at a point where the Yankees understand the prime Judge years won’t last forever. Any chance they have to truly push for a World Series needs to come with aggression, and 2026 is one of those years. Injuries to Judge, Fried, and Rodon have weakened the team but not to the point of losing hope.

New York’s farm system plus young players with control is to a point where they could pull off a significant trade. After a few years of criticism for not behaving like the old Yankees, I think they will push for a major move.

Jazz Chisholm playing below his standard while Austin Wells is sinking has made the need for impactful bats that much more crucial. Don’t let another year go by where you are left wishing you had done more.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Trade Deadline Needs: Luxury Shopping for Tarik Skubal or a high-leverage reliever

The Los Angeles Dodgers don’t really need much to win another World Series title. In fact, they’d be the favorites even if they stand pat.

The Dodgers rotation has been solid all year, and they are about to get Blake Snell back, with Tyler Glasnow still in play to return for the stretch run. With the depth they have in place, there really is no need for the Dodgers to go all-in on trading for Tarik Skubal. But with a new CBA on the horizon, landing Skubal is the type of home run swing a team should take when they are eyeing a third-straight title.

With all of that said, there is no guarantee that Skubal is going to be on the block. So the Dodgers will likely cast a wide net, and will look to land any high-octane arms they can find. Whether that be starting pitchers or relief aces that they can add to their stable.

Milwaukee Brewers

Trade Deadline Needs: Rental infielder at short or third, right-handed outfielder, veteran starting pitcher

You can almost copy and paste what I said about the Rays and place it here. A team that always is a well-oiled machine, once again finding themselves atop the division but still having needs.

Significant injuries to their rotation have made starting pitching a clear need, while upgrading the left side of the infield could boost the lineup.

Some say the Brewers farm system is the best they have seen in years. High-end talent with tons of depth makes pulling off the most impactful move at the deadline possible. I’ll even throw Skubal on the list of potential moves. We all remember the C.C. Sabathia trade; why not try with a big lefty again?

Milwaukee has whatever the seller needs from major league-ready arms to controllable bats to teenage stars.

Philadelphia Phillies

Trade Deadline Needs: Starting caliber outfielder, backup catcher, utility bench piece, lefty bullpen arm, middle reliever

I was guilty of thinking this Phillies era was all but over heading into the season, yet here they are chasing down the Braves. Bringing back J.T. Realmuto is not looking like the right move, and Trea Turner’s struggles have emphasized the need for another bat. You can live with Justin Crawford in center if you have to, but upgrading right field, which has been a problem all year, is a must.

Once you find a clear upgrade to the lineup, focusing on getting innings out of a five-starter, rounding out the bench, and adding to the bullpen should become easier. We all know Dave Dombrowski is not scared of a risky trade, but having enough young pieces to pull on off could be the problem.

Atlanta Braves

Trade Deadline Needs: Shortstop, corner outfielder, high-end starter, righty reliever

The Braves need for a left fielder, and a shortstop tends to pop up every season. Mauricio Dubon has done a great job filling in and could be the answer at either position, but not both.

A top-heavy lineup with an injured Ronald Acuna Jr. and struggling Austin Riley needs some juice injected, preferably a righty bat. Their wave of younger arms who were supposed to step up landed on the IL, making the need for a starter that much more important.

A significant move will likely cost Atlanta Cam Caminiti and/or JR Ritchie, but Eric Hartman making a huge leap this season gives them another prospect with legit value. In the past, Atlanta has not had the prospect power to pull off the biggest moves, but they might now.

Chicago Cubs

Trade Deadline Needs: Lefty bat (corner OF or DH), high-end starter or two quality starters, bullpen help, bench outfielder

Chicago’s lineup has depth, power, speed, bat-to-ball, and an Alex Bregman that could get back on track at any moment. I’m sure keeping Conforto in the mix in the corners and DH is perfectly fine, but the Cubs would welcome an upgrade or platoon partner to their bench. However, the main focus is on the rotation.

Injury after injury after injury forced the Cubs into quickly acquiring David Peterson, but we all know that will not be a major answer to their problem. I can’t get the Casey Mize fit off of my mind.

Chicago has the young major league-ready talent to pull off a big move and still find supplemental pieces to improve on the edges. I think arms will be their deadline focus, and considering how good the lineup is they should not be afraid to be aggressive.

Miami Marlins

Trade Deadline Needs: rotation depth, third base

Originally, we had the Marlins grouped as one of the teams that is caught in the middle between buyer and seller, but if you have been watching them lately, it is hard to see anything but a buyer.

The Marlins have been the hottest team in baseball, and are in prime playoff position right now. They are at least a year early in their rebuild cycle, so the time might not be right to aggressively buy, but at worst they should stand pat and let the team play out their season.

If the Marlins do decide to buy, there is a clear hole over at third base they should look to fill. Recently, Javier Sanoja has been receiving a lion’s share of the playing time at third base, but he is best-suited for a utility role.

In the perfect world, the Marlins could find a young third baseman with some years of control, giving them a solution not only for 2026, but for the future as well. The Marlins could also use some rotation help, as they have been hit hard with injuries this season.

Which Teams Are Caught in the Middle?

Pittsburgh Pirates

Trade Deadline Needs: Catcher depth, utility bench option, bullpen help

Trade Candidates: Brandon Lowe, Mitch Keller, Dennis Santana, Carmen Mlodzinski

Pittsburgh’s lineup from top to bottom has been well above average. Currently, all nine of their starters have a wRC+ over 100, but injuries to Oneil Cruz, Spencer Horwitz, and Konnor Griffin will make staying alive in the Wild Card hunt difficult. Paul Skenes not showing the best version of himself will also lower their ceiling.

Considering the amount of prospects and young arms they have, I do see a path where they can buy without getting reckless. In fact, I think that’s exactly what they should do. The players, and fans, deserve it. The Pirates are one of the few teams in this category that have needs that are reasonable to acquire with a system that can pull it off without depletion.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Trade Deadline Needs: Rotation help, two bullpen lefties, first baseman, Outfielder

Trade Deadline Candidates: Eduardo Rodriguez, Paul Sewald, Kevin Ginkel, potentially Ketel Marte

While many teams are stuck in the land of in between, I think no team is as stuck as Arizona. Floating around .500 works in the AL, but not the NL. Considering how many needs they have, from lineup depth to multiple starters finding reasonable solutions, piecing together trades that don’t hit their system too hard will be challenging.

What’s also challenging is finding teams that value what they have to sell. Gallen has been a shell of what he once was, Kelly is near the end of his career and looking like it, and Rodriguez’s ERA does not match his value. Will they really move Marte? I wouldn’t be shocked, but the percent chance is low, in my opinion.

San Diego Padres

Trade Deadline Needs: Bats (wherever they can put them), starting pitching

Trade Deadline Candidates: Adrian Morejon, Michael King, Ty France, Gavin Sheets

The San Diego Padres may be best served selling at this year’s trade deadline, but that is so far out of their character, we have to assume they are going to try to buy. The Padres lineup has been pretty awful across the board this season, as their core players have been underwhelming to say the least.

The Padres can’t find anything at the deadline that will move the needle more than Jackson Merrill, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado getting going, but they can try to find a few complimentary pieces to round things out. Luis Arraez might look good back in a Padres uniform, especially if it pushes Jake Cronenworth and his 64 wRC+ to the bench.

Along with their need for some life offensively, the Padres rotation is not nearly strong enough to make a deep run. Adding a frontline arm would go a long way for San Diego, but they may not have the ammunition in the farm to pull that off.

Now, on the off-chance the Padres fall out of the race enough that A.J. Preller decides to sell, San Diego does have a top rental reliever in Adrian Morejon, and they could even dangle Michael King.

Chicago White Sox

Trade Deadline Needs: Right-handed bullpen arms, Bench infielder, Frontline starter

Trade Deadline Candidates: Nothing of impact

Chicago has been one of the best stories in baseball. A young team that is blossoming together as Miguel Vargas, Colson Montgomery, and Sam Antonacci have all turned into legit producers in the lineup.

With Murakami about to come back, the lineup not only has upside, but more depth than anyone anticipated. The White Sox have earned the opportunity to be buyers for the first time in years. Plus, they really do not have much to sell, making the decision easier.

The most obvious need is in the rotation. Davis Martin and Sean Burke have taken a step forward, and Anthony Kay is a fine backend arm, but you need someone you trust to take the ball in a playoff game. I doubt they will invest in many rentals, but trading for someone with control, say Reid Detmers, is a fun fit.

They have the prospect capital to pull off a trade that truly changes the team from a fun story to one that could make some noise.

Cleveland Guardians

Trade Deadline Needs: Outfield (RH), bat to fill DH, fifth starter

Trade Deadline Candidates: Steven Kwan, Rhys Hoskins, Colin Holderman

We all know that Cleveland is not afraid to make a move you would not expect. Last season there were rumors about Kwan swirling, but they ultimately held on to him, which is looking like the wrong move. Will they be willing to sell low? IF not, they really do not have much else to move unless they are willing to deal a high-end bullpen arm with three more years of control.

Buying is possible, but something about this year’s team doesn’t feel like they will make much impact at the deadline. Which is fine because every year the Guardians find a way to get into the playoffs regardless of what their roster looks like on paper.

Of the teams caught in the middle, Cleveland feels like the one to stay most stagnant.

Toronto Blue Jays

Trade Deadline Needs: Starting pitching, any offense they can find

Trade Deadline Candidates: Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Dalton Varsho

The Toronto Blue Jays are unlikely to sell, as the American League is wide-open right now, and they are technically still the reigning league champions. If they did fall out of the race by the deadline, they have some intriguing rentals in Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber and Dalton Varsho.

Gausman has been up and down this year, but would still be one of the best veteran starters on the block. Bieber has not been healthy, but that didn’t stop him from being traded last year. Varsho’s power potential and defensive prowess in center would make him a highly-coveted target as well.

Assuming the Blue Jays try to make a run this year, they need to find a way to jumpstart their offense. With versatile players like Ernie Clement on the roster, the Blue Jays should aim to find the best bat they can at either second base or in a corner outfield spot.

Baltimore Orioles

Trade Deadline Needs: Bullpen help, infield bench upgrades, corner outfield

Trade Deadline Candidates: Adley Rutschman, Taylor Ward, Trevor Rogers, Keegan Akin, Ryan Helsey, Leody Taveras

Baltimore is in an extremely difficult spot. A team under .500 that doesn’t have many lineup spots they would replace, a rotation that is pitching pretty well and part of next year’s team, and a bench that is difficult to move.

I don’t think they will move assets to upgrade Dylan Beavers while Tyler O’Neil is on the team, making legit money and Taveras is performing. Jackson Holiday will continue to get reps at second, and Blaze Alexander has been a quality player at third.

They could use some bullpen help, but who couldn’t? It’s a difficult roster to convince me to be buyers, but the idea of them being sellers could be true. Rutschman has one more year of control, and Samuel Basallo makes moving him easier to stomach.

Taylor Ward is an expiring contract with value, and the same could be said about Rogers. The reality is it’s once again not the O’s year.

Minnesota Twins

Trade Deadline Needs: Infielder, corner outfield, starter, significant bullpen help

Trade Deadline Candidates: Joe Ryan, Trevor Larnach, Victor Carantini, Ryan Jeffers

Minnesota has had a surprisingly good season and is still in the mix for a wild card spot. Buxton, Larnach, and Clemens have all been great, while Ryan Kreidler is looking like a good utility find. The reality is, Minnesota fits the sellers mold much better than the buyers.

Buxton has said he wants to stay, so I’ll leave him off the list. Several teams need catchers and if Jeffers is healthy, he’ll be a top option with Carantini as a nice plan B.

Joe Ryan is the big name that should fit on many teams, but don’t be surprised if Larnach brings back a decent return. I think the Twins will have a difficult time not being attracted to the idea of selling.

St. Louis Cardinals

Trade Deadline Needs: Third base, outfielder or DH, rotation help

Trade Deadline Candidates: Lars Nootbar, Pedro Pages, Dustin May, JoJo Romero, Riley O’Brien

St. Louis has been better than most expected, although their winning record is mostly due to a hot start in April before playing around .500 since. They are still more focused on continuing to build a long-term winning team than chasing short-term success, making their deadline approach, perhaps, a bit stale.

I wouldn’t think we would see much movement. Dustin May and Riley O’Brien have cooled off after a great start, taking a hit to what once looked like significant deadline assets.

JoJo Romero has been a reliable lefty for years and should fetch a decent prospect, while capitalizing on a (for now) healthy Lars Nootbaar might not be the worst idea.

Detroit Tigers

Trade Deadline Needs: Right-handed outfielder, third baseman or shortstop, short-side platoon bench piece, young starting pitching, leverage bullpen arm

Trade Deadline Candidates: Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, Jack Flaherty, Gleyber Torres, Jake Rogers, Kenley Jansen

Although the Tigers are within striking distance of a wild card spot and playing better baseball, I doubt they will miss out on an opportunity to cash in on Tarik Skubal’s trade value. Moving Skubal and still trying to be competitive is possible, but the temptation to also cash in on Mize and his stellar season might be too much to pass up.

Detroit will look to compete in 2027, so I expect the return for their pieces to either be young big leaguers or players who could factor in as early as next season. Mize and Skubal could pull a return they are happy with and allow them to hold Torres who’s injury has weakened his value.

Unless the Tigers have a remarkable post-All-Star break run, they could control the market.

Athletics

Trade Deadline Needs: 1-2 starting pitchers, infield help either at third or second, high-leverage reliever, bullpen depth especially left-handed

Trade Deadline Candidates: Luis Medina, Hogan Harris, Aaron Civale, Jeff McNeil, Luis Severino, Carlos Cortes

Injuries have been an anchor to this team. Brent Rooker, Jacob Wilson, Zack Gelof, Luis Severino, and others have missed significant time, causing the A’s to pull further and further away from the .500 mark.

The AL being weak makes buying tempting, but has this team proven enough to convince a stingy organization to roll the dice?

Selling is an option, although they lack impact pieces to move. Capitalizing on the found gold that is Carlos Cortes makes sense, especially with Henry Bolte, Lawrence Butler, and Tyler Soderstrom looking like the outfield group moving forward.

Washington Nationals

Trade Deadline Needs: Outfielder, backup catcher, DH, back of rotation arm, as many bullpen arms as they can get

Trade Deadline Candidates: Foster Griffin, Luis Garcia Jr., CJ Abrams

Similar to the White Sox, the Nationals have taken a bigger leap than many were expecting. However, in year one of a new front office, I doubt they will change course and become buyers to chance playoff success this season. They are still trying to build a system with players the current front office wants, and moving someone like Foster Griffin makes too much sense.

Where things get interesting is when teams call on Abrams (FA ’29) and Garcia Jr. (FA ’28). Garcia Jr. has newly found power and is currently having, by far, his best season.

Do the Nationals see him as part of their future, or will they capitalize on his 2026 success?

Abrams will have plenty of interest, but moving him at this point in time doesn’t make much sense. Ride it out, see how 2026 goes, and maybe a taste of winning will interest him in a long-term deal.

Boston Red Sox

Trade Deadline Needs: First base/DH, middle infield, rotation depth

Trade Deadline Candidates: Jarren Duran, Willson Contreras, Sony Gray, Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Wittlock

Boston has found itself in a weird spot with about 10 rostered players all on the IL, although they continue to stack wins. Making up ground and climbing back to .500 will be difficult, but if they keep up the current pace, selling will not be much of an option even if it is the best path forward.

Could they buy? Convincing themselves that getting healthy is “their deadline buy” might be corny but accurate. Although having a chance to cash in on Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray, and Aroldis Chapman might be too juicy for their robot front office to pass up. If teams are still interested in Duran during his down season, will they sell low? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.