Major League Baseball decision-makers are under intense pressure to finalize roster moves as the trade deadline approaches at 6 p.
m. Eastern Time on Aug.
3, 2026.
A crowded playoff race in both leagues has kept dozens of teams within striking distance of a postseason spot.
Six teams in each league entered the week within five and a half games of the final wild-card positions, leaving front offices to weigh buying or selling.
Key Executives and Their Needs
Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is seeking relief pitching, a back-end starter, and a right-handed hitting outfielder to bolster the team's postseason push.
In New York, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is evaluating trades involving rotation members Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes, along with bullpen assets Luke Weaver, A.
J. Minter, and Brooks Raley.
Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown, in the final year of his contract, has a team at . 500 and needs a left-handed hitting outfielder and starting rotation depth.
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is targeting a right-handed bat, a catcher, and relief pitching to help pursue the AL East title.
Baltimore Orioles executive vice president Mike Elias faces decisions on addressing pitching shortages to remain competitive in the AL wild-card race.
Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is searching for infield support after trade acquisition Curtis Mead suffered a wrist fracture.
Boston has shown interest in Miami Marlins infielders Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez, as well as Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto.
The Detroit Tigers are generating interest around ace pitcher Tarik Skubal while promoting top prospect Max Clark to the major league roster.
Clark, the third overall pick in the 2023 draft, earned the call-up after recording five home runs and a 1.086 OPS in Triple-A during July.
Second baseman Gleyber Torres has also drawn trade inquiry from clubs seeking infield additions.
The St. Louis Cardinals are weighing trade options for their catching group, which includes Ivan Herrera, Pedro Pagés, and Jimmy Crooks.
Rival executives note that interest centers heavily on Crooks as president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom evaluates potential prospect offers.
In Chicago, the White Sox are considering transitioning top pitching prospects Hagen Smith, Tanner McDougal, and Mason Adams into bullpen roles for the stretch run while continuing to survey the trade market for starting pitching options.
