The MLB trade deadline is just a couple of days away. Some teams have moved early to get ahead of the market, with the Detroit Tigers picking up Chris Paddack and the Philadelphia Phillies signing David Robertson.
It’s a sellers’ market across the majors, with far more teams looking to add than to move major-league pieces. Here are the key trade needs for the current World Series contenders:
Blue Jays – Proven Starter
A team on a 47–24 run doesn’t need anything at the trade deadline. The Blue Jays have been the best offense in baseball for several weeks and won’t be desperate to upgrade their lineup.
The pitching staff has proven veterans, but the trio of José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, and Chris Bassitt doesn’t offer the same upside as many other contenders. It would help to add another reliable arm for depth, or go all-in for someone like Joe Ryan. The bullpen could also use another late-inning option.
Yankees – Veteran Right-Hander
Like the team they’re chasing, the Yankees lack rotation depth. A lot rides on Max Fried and Carlos Rodón, so it would make sense for them to pick up a right-hander to slot into the third or fourth spot in a playoff rotation.
Merrill Kelly is a possible fit. Brian Cashman might also look to reinforce the bullpen. The lineup is solid following the trade for Ryan McMahon.
Red Sox – Any Reliable Starting Pitcher
There’s a pattern forming in the AL East. Like the two teams ahead of them, the Red Sox need starting pitching. Only a handful of teams have had less productive rotations this season.
Garrett Crochet is their only truly reliable starter. The bullpen has been excellent in July, with one of the lowest ERAs in baseball, but the rotation has cost Boston too many games.
Tigers – A Bit of Everything
It’s amazing how quickly perceptions change. The Tigers looked nearly flawless a few weeks ago. Now, they need an extra bat, a rotation arm, and at least one more reliever. And this is even after adding Randy Dobnak and Chris Paddack.
With Reese Olson out for the year, the rotation has cratered in July, and the bullpen ranks among the worst in baseball over the same span. Detroit is well-positioned to make a multi-player deal thanks to its deep farm system.
Astros – First Baseman
Despite their aversion to long-term contracts, the Astros have consistently been aggressive at the deadline. Eugenio Suárez and Taylor Ward have been linked to Houston, while Christian Walker and Brendan Rodgers are both struggling at their current positions.
José Altuve could move back to second base if the Astros acquire an outfielder. If not, the former MVP might stay in the outfield while Houston adds a second or first baseman. Suárez could play third, with Isaac Paredes shifting over to first.
Mariners – Left-Handed Reliever
After acquiring Josh Naylor from Arizona, the Mariners should now focus on the pitching staff. The rotation remains one of the best in baseball, but the bullpen has become a glaring weakness in recent weeks.
Seattle ranks 20th in bullpen ERA for July. Gabe Speier is their only reliable lefty reliever, so adding another southpaw is a clear priority.
Phillies – Late-Game Reliever
Eugenio Suárez and Luis Robert Jr. have been mentioned as potential fits, but the Phillies’ bullpen remains the bigger concern, even after adding David Robertson.
Philadelphia’s relief corps has improved in July, but still lacks late-inning firepower. A hard-throwing right-hander like David Bednar could make a significant impact.
Mets – Center Fielder
Tyrone Taylor’s 62 OPS+ in center field isn’t enough for a team with World Series aspirations. The Mets should be calling the White Sox about Luis Robert Jr.
With a solid playoff position already in hand, it’ll be interesting to see how aggressive the Mets are. The roster has enough talent to go on a deep run, but will the front office invest further in the pitching staff?
Cubs – Rotation Arm
The Cubs needed to enter the pitching market the moment Justin Steele went down. Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and Cade Horton have stepped up, but if the Cubs want to keep pace with the red-hot Brewers, they need another trusted starter.
Sandy Alcantara has long been rumored. Joe Ryan could be the splashy move, or they might explore a trade for Michael Soroka.
Brewers – Middle Infielder
Winners of 23 of their last 31 games, the Brewers are the hottest team in baseball. Their rotation is elite, the bullpen is steady, and the lineup is well-rounded except at shortstop.
Joey Ortiz has struggled, and Danny Jansen was a smart addition behind the plate. A middle infielder like Brendan Donovan or Brandon Lowe could be a perfect finishing touch.
Dodgers – Corner Outfielder
Upgrading on Michael Conforto is the easiest path for the Dodgers to improve. They could also look for pitching help with so many arms currently on the injured list.
The bullpen has a bottom-10 ERA in July. But offensively, replacing Conforto with Harrison Bader, Steven Kwan, or Bryan Reynolds could be a meaningful upgrade.
Padres – Anything Is Possible
San Diego might buy or sell. Or both. There are rumors of Dylan Cease being flipped for win-now pieces. Behind Nick Pivetta, the rotation lacks depth, and A.J. Preller is always looking to add another outfielder.
Anything is possible with this flawed roster and Preller at the helm. They could pursue Joe Ryan, or trade the farm for multiple players under team control through 2026.
Giants – Starting Pitcher and Lefty Reliever
On a season-altering slide, the Giants need a starting pitcher, a left-handed reliever, and potentially another impact bat. The recent addition of Rafael Devers helps offensively, but the pitching staff remains thin.
Robbie Ray and Logan Webb have been inconsistent. Landen Roupp’s workload is being monitored, Justin Verlander has struggled, and Hayden Birdsong was recently sent to Triple-A.
*World Series favorites chosen according to BetMGM’s odds on July 25.
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