The 2026 MLB Trade Deadline is almost here, and the final days before the cutoff could reshape the playoff race across both leagues.
MLB teams have until Monday, August 3 at 6 p.m. ET to complete trades involving players on 40-man rosters. With several division and Wild Card races still tightly contested, front offices must decide whether to chase a championship, sell valuable pieces or take a more flexible approach.
Starting pitching, bullpen depth and lineup help are expected to drive the market. Here are the biggest buyers and sellers to watch at the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline.
Top Buyers at the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are no longer simply a surprising contender. They are in position to compete for the American League East and could be one of the deadline’s most aggressive buyers.
Tampa Bay could pursue another impact hitter, late-inning reliever or frontline starter. The Rays also have enough prospect depth to make a meaningful move without completely sacrificing their long-term future.
Adding another proven bat or high-end pitcher could help Tampa Bay move from playoff contender to legitimate World Series threat.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have several areas they could address before the deadline.
Catching and bullpen depth remain two of the clearest needs. Ryan Jeffers has been mentioned as a possible catching target, while a dominant reliever such as Mason Miller would immediately improve the back end of the bullpen.
Injuries to Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger could also push New York to explore another hitter. Even if both return quickly, the Yankees may want more lineup protection for the final stretch of the season.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies remain one of the strongest teams in the National League, but their roster is not without weaknesses.
Philadelphia could use a dependable fifth starter and another high-leverage reliever. A right-handed bat may also be on the shopping list as the Phillies prepare for another postseason run.
The challenge will be balancing immediate needs with a farm system that may limit how aggressive the front office can be.
Atlanta Braves
Starting pitching should be Atlanta’s top priority.
The Braves need another playoff-caliber starter who can stabilize the rotation and reduce pressure on the rest of the staff. Another bullpen arm could also help the team manage close games down the stretch.
Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return should strengthen the offense, although Atlanta may still consider another bat for the designated-hitter role.
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners already have a strong pitching foundation, but another reliable late-inning reliever could make the team much more dangerous.
A power arm to pair with Andrés Muñoz would give Seattle more flexibility in close games and shorten the path to victory during the postseason.
The Mariners may also explore another right-handed hitter, but bullpen depth appears to be the more immediate need.
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros remain close enough in the American League West race to operate as buyers.
Houston could use a left-handed hitter, another starting pitcher and bullpen help. Addressing all three needs may be difficult, especially without one of baseball’s deepest farm systems.
The Astros may focus on smaller, targeted additions rather than one major blockbuster. Even a few modest upgrades could keep them in the playoff race.
Top Sellers at the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline
New York Mets
The New York Mets could become one of the most active sellers at the deadline.
Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes and several relievers could interest contenders looking for pitching. Francisco Alvarez and Luis Robert Jr. may also attract attention because of their long-term value.
The Mets do not have to move every player receiving interest, but they have enough trade pieces to influence several playoff races.
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are positioned to sell veterans and pending free agents.
Luis Arraez and Robbie Ray are among the most logical trade candidates. Arraez would give a contender an elite contact hitter, while Ray could provide rotation depth and postseason experience.
Heliot Ramos may also draw interest because he offers offensive upside and team control beyond this season.
Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels could move several veterans before the deadline.
Jorge Soler, Kirby Yates and Brent Suter are logical candidates because they could help contenders without requiring massive prospect packages.
Reid Detmers and José Soriano would carry greater trade value because both remain under team control. The Angels would likely need a strong return to move either pitcher.
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies should continue searching for young pitching and prospects.
Veterans such as Michael Lorenzen, Tomoyuki Sugano and Mickey Moniak could become available. Colorado may benefit from a market with relatively few obvious sellers and several teams looking for depth.
The Rockies’ goal should be adding players who can support their long-term rebuild rather than simply clearing veteran contracts.
