The 2026 MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and with it, a host of tough questions for every team. As we approach #TradeSZN, let's take a look at the key decisions facing each team, with a focus on the American and National Leagues. From the AL East to the NL West, we'll explore the potential moves and strategies that could shape the playoff picture. But first, let's set the stage with a personal reflection on the excitement and uncertainty of the trade deadline.
Personally, I think the trade deadline is one of the most thrilling times of the baseball season. It's a time when teams can make bold moves, shake up their rosters, and potentially change the course of their season. As a fan, it's a time when the possibilities are endless, and the anticipation of what could happen next is electric. But as an analyst, it's also a time when the stakes are high, and the decisions made can have a significant impact on a team's future.
Now, let's dive into the key questions facing each team, starting with the American League.
American League
AL East
Tampa Bay Rays: How big of a splash will they try to make?
The Rays are currently leading the American League in wins and are atop a competitive division. With a strong lineup and a solid bullpen, the question for president of baseball operations Erik Neander is whether to make a big swing. In my opinion, the Rays are likely to be in the rental market rather than trying to land a star like Ketel Marte, Byron Buxton, or Yordan Alvarez. However, with their financial flexibility, they could surprise us with a big move.
New York Yankees: Can they upgrade the infield?
The Yankees have some flexible pieces in the infield, but with Ryan McMahon struggling, they need to upgrade. If they acquire Marte to play second base, Chisholm could slide into a super-utility role. The question is whether CJ Abrams and Anthony Volpe can co-exist, and whether the Yankees will make a move to upgrade the infield.
Toronto Blue Jays: Just how aggressive will they be?
The Blue Jays are a few games under .500, but it's hard to imagine them selling. If they're hovering around the final wild-card spot in early August, will general manager Ross Atkins try to land a closer? The question is whether they'll make a move to strengthen their bullpen and increase their chances of making the playoffs.
Boston Red Sox: Would this team sell?
The Red Sox are trending towards being a seller, but with pressure on chief baseball officer Craig Breslow to get things right, it's unclear whether they'll make a move. With players like Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu struggling, the Red Sox may be selling low. The question is whether they'll make a move to strengthen their roster or hold onto their trade chips for the future.
Baltimore Orioles: Is Mike Elias in a position to be a seller again?
After a disastrous 87-loss season, the Orioles ownership may be tempted to sell. With players like Taylor Ward and Yennier Cano available, the question is whether president of baseball operations Mike Elias will make a move to strengthen his roster or hold onto his trade chips for the future.
AL Central
Cleveland Guardians: Can they add another bat?
The Guardians have a strong bullpen and a solid starting rotation, but they need another big bat. With Travis Bazzana and Steven Kwan struggling, the question is whether they'll make a move to upgrade their offense. If they do, Eugenio Suárez could be an interesting rental.
Chicago White Sox: Would they listen on any young core pieces?
The White Sox are not in playoff position, and with a power-needy team trying to overwhelm them, the question is whether general manager Chris Getz will make a move. The feeling is that Getz's best move would be to stand pat, but there will be temptation to sell.
Minnesota Twins: Is now the time to move Byron Buxton?
Buxton is healthy, hitting for power, and still capable in center field. With a guaranteed $30 million in salary on his incentive-laden contract, the question is whether now is the time to maximize the return for Buxton. The Twins may be tempted to trade him, but with a full no-trade clause, it's unclear whether he'll waive it.
Kansas City Royals: Will they trade from pitching?
The Royals are trending towards selling, and with a need for offense, the question is whether they'll trade from pitching. With players like Lucas Erceg and Matt Strahm available, the Royals may be able to target young outfielders in trade talks.
Detroit Tigers: Should they trade Tarik Skubal?
Skubal is the two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner, but with a free agency test in the winter, the question is whether the Tigers will trade him. The impact of a rental like Skubal could be significant, but with health concerns and a need to retain him, the Tigers may hold onto him.
AL West
Athletics: Do they care about making the playoffs while they're in Sacramento?
The Athletics are in first place in the AL West, but with questions about their pitching, the question is whether general manager David Forst will make a move. With John Fisher's focus on the future, the question is whether the A's will trade for a pitcher under control through at least 2028.
Seattle Mariners: Will veterans get back on track?
The Mariners are struggling, with key veterans like Cal Raleigh and Andrés Muñoz struggling. The question is whether president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto will make a move to strengthen his roster. With free-agent-to-be Randy Arozarena available, the Mariners may be tempted to make a move.
Texas Rangers: How much interest would veterans generate if they sold?
The Rangers are a few games under .500, but still in the race. The question is whether president of baseball operations Chris Young will make a move. With veterans like Corey Seager and Brandon Nimmo available, the Rangers may be able to strengthen their roster.
Houston Astros: Is there any price that could pry away Yordan Alvarez?
The Astros are struggling, but with Yordan Alvarez available, the question is whether general manager Dana Brown will make a move. With a manageable contract and a three-time All-Star, Alvarez could be a valuable trade chip.
Los Angeles Angels: Does Mike Trout want to be dealt to a contender?
Mike Trout is considering a trade, and with a full no-trade clause, the question is whether the Angels will honor his request. With a chance to pursue a World Series, Trout could be a valuable trade chip, but the Angels may choose to keep him.
National League
NL East
Atlanta Braves: How will they upgrade in left field?
The Braves lost a key middle-of-the-order bat in spring training, and with Michael Harris II in center field, the question is whether GM Alex Anthopoulos will make a move. With a need for a star left fielder, the Braves may be tempted to acquire a player like Byron Buxton.
Philadelphia Phillies: Can they land a right-handed middle-of-the-order bat?
The Phillies need more from their lineup, and with a need for a right-handed bat, the question is whether president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski will make a move. With a core running out of opportunities, the Phillies may be tempted to acquire a player like Ketel Marte.
Washington Nationals: Would they listen on James Wood?
The Nationals are a year away from having this conversation, but with a need for a star player, the question is whether they'll make a move. With a trade package like Juan Soto, they may be able to land a player like James Wood.
Miami Marlins: How much could veterans get in a trade?
The Marlins are not contending, and with a need to rebuild, the question is whether president of baseball operations Peter Bendix will make a move. With veterans like Sandy Alcantara and Pete Fairbanks available, the Marlins may be able to strengthen their roster.
New York Mets: Is selling a possibility?
The Mets are struggling, and with a need to rebuild, the question is whether president of baseball operations David Stearns will make a move. With a core that needs to be rebuilt, the Mets may be tempted to sell.
NL Central
Milwaukee Brewers: Can they upgrade the left side of the infield?
The Brewers are leading the NL Central, but with a need for offensive production, the question is whether president of baseball operations Matt Arnold will make a move. With a strong bullpen and a need for a star, the Brewers may be tempted to acquire a player like Trea Turner.
St. Louis Cardinals: Will they be buyers?
The Cardinals are seven games above .500, but with a need to rebuild, the question is whether president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom will make a move. With a talented roster, the Cardinals may choose to tread water and make minor additions.
Chicago Cubs: How much do they believe in their current starting pitching?
The Cubs need to evaluate their starting rotation, with key players like Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon struggling. The question is whether president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer will make a move to strengthen their roster.
Cincinnati Reds: What level of internal regression can they expect?
The Reds need to get more offensive production, and with a need to rebuild, the question is whether president of baseball operations Nick Krall will make a move. With a need for a star, the Reds may be tempted to acquire a player like Eugenio Suárez.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Do they try to make a splash?
The Pirates are in a rebuilding phase, but with a need to win, the question is whether general manager Ben Cherington will make a move. With a chance to win with a star like Yordan Alvarez, the Pirates may be tempted to acquire him.
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers: Can they land a star middle infielder?
The Dodgers need to strengthen their lineup, and with a need for a star, the question is whether president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman will make a move. With a chance to win a third consecutive World Series, the Dodgers may be tempted to acquire a player like CJ Abrams.
San Diego Padres: What level of internal improvement can be expected offensively?
The Padres need to strengthen their offense, and with a need to win, the question is whether they'll make a move. With key veterans struggling, the Padres may be tempted to acquire a player like Fernando Tatis Jr.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Do they have the starting pitching to be a playoff team?
The Diamondbacks need to strengthen their rotation, and with a need to win, the question is whether president of baseball operations Mike Hazen will make a move. With a chance to win with a star like Eduardo Rodríguez, the Diamondbacks may be tempted to acquire him.
San Francisco Giants: Would anyone take a big deal off their hands?
The Giants are struggling, and with a need to rebuild, the question is whether president of baseball operations Buster Posey will make a move. With key veterans available, the Giants may be tempted to acquire a player like Matt Chapman.
Colorado Rockies: Who will they listen on?
The Rockies need to strengthen their roster, and with a need to rebuild, the question is whether president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta will make a move. With key players available, the Rockies may be tempted to acquire a player like Hunter Goodman.
