{"id":765559,"date":"2026-07-30T17:06:32","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T17:06:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/765559\/"},"modified":"2026-07-30T17:06:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T17:06:32","slug":"2026-mlb-trade-deadline-every-contenders-biggest-need-player-fits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/765559\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 MLB Trade Deadline: Every Contender&#8217;s Biggest Need, Player Fits"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Get ready for a wild weekend ahead.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">As the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches, a plethora of teams still remain on the bubble between buying, selling or doing a little of both. That\u2019s what happens when only nine teams are more than three games out of a playoff spot. The other 21 clubs are all jockeying for position.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Over the next few days, though, they\u2019ll all have to make their decisions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">As teams figure out what direction they want to go, below is each contender\u2019s biggest need and one possible target who could fit the mold.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">(For the purposes of this exercise, all teams within three games of a playoff spot entering Thursday are included.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">THE TOP CONTENDERS<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/los-angeles-dodgers-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dodgers.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Los Angeles Dodgers\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Los Angeles Dodgers<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: \u2026 None\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target: LHP Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">They don\u2019t\u00a0need to do anything at the deadline. Edwin D\u00edaz and Kik\u00e9 Hern\u00e1ndez are back.\u00a0 Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are working their way back. Will Smith has resumed baseball activities. And yet\u2026can you really see them standing pat, especially if Skubal becomes available? As much as the Dodgers are publicly downplaying their desire to add, they have everything they need \u2014\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/stories\/mlb\/shohei-ohtani-injuries-impact-dodgers-deadline-strategy-stretch-run\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the surplus of outfield prospects<\/a>, the big-league depth and the motivation to win a third straight title \u2014 to get this done.<\/p>\n<p><img  width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>(Photo by Duane Burleson\/Getty Images) <\/p>\n<p> <a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/milwaukee-brewers-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Brewers.vresize.200.200.medium.1.png\" alt=\"Milwaukee Brewers\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Milwaukee Brewers<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need:\u00a0Starting pitching\/impact talent<br \/>Possible Target: RHP Freddy Peralta, New York Mets\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Last year\u2019s NLCS should be a deadline wake-up call, and the Brewers should absolutely push the chips in to add a star, be it in the rotation to pair with Jacob Misiorowski or in the middle of the lineup to better contend with the elite arms they\u2019ll see in October. Tarik Skubal? CJ Abrams? Zach Neto? They should all be options\u2026Only, that\u2019s not the Brewers\u2019 usual way of operating. So, even though my heart says Skubal to the Brewers, my brain does not. Perhaps a reunion with Peralta is in the cards. They would at least have as good of a chance as any team to get him back to his productive ways.<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/atlanta-braves-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Braves.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Atlanta Braves\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Atlanta Braves<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need:\u00a0Starting pitching\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target: RHP Kevin Gausman, Toronto Blue Jays\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Atlanta\u2019s rotation exceeded expectations through the first couple months of the season, but the group has fallen back down to earth since. Braves starters have an ERA close to 5.00 since the start of June, a tally that ranks 25th in MLB over that stretch. Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach remain out, and while AJ Smith-Shawver returned from injury, it\u2019s hard to know what to expect there. They could really use another starter that they can trust alongside Chris Sale in October. They should at least be placing calls for all of the top arms on the market.<\/p>\n<p><img  width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>(Photo By Winslow Townson\/Getty Images) <\/p>\n<p> <a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/tampa-bay-rays-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Rays.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Tampa Bay Rays\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Tampa Bay Rays<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: Impact bat<br \/>Possible Target: 2B Luis Arraez, San Francisco Giants\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Tampa Bay might be the most interesting buyer at the deadline, considering both its playoff position (they have the best record in the American League) and its needs at multiple spots. The Rays could use an upgrade offensively at every spot up the middle. They might want another starter to ease workload concerns and raise the October ceiling. They might look for another high-leverage reliever to help a bullpen that has an ERA over 4.00. The AL is there for the taking; why not seize this opportunity?\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/new-york-yankees-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Yankees.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"New York Yankees\"\/><\/a>New York Yankees<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: Catcher<br \/>Possible Target: C Tyler Stephenson, Cincinnati Reds\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">The Yankees could use help anywhere while Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton are down, but they\u2019ve needed more offensive production behind the plate all season. The catching market will be interesting to monitor. Just a week ago, it seemed robust. Now, the options are dwindling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">A\u2019s All-Star Shea Langeliers is done for the year. Ryan Jeffers is a rental that seemed to be a perfect fit in the Bronx, but the contending Twins could choose to keep him. The Reds\u2019 Tyler Stephenson or the A\u2019s Jonah Heim are among the other rental options. Stephenson\u2019s hot last couple months \u2014 entering Wednesday, he had an .842 OPS since the start of June \u2014 could make him one of the more appealing candidates for the Yankees, unless they\u2019re willing to pay up for someone like Colorado\u2019s Hunter Goodman, who leads all catchers in home runs and is under team control for three more seasons.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img  width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>(Photo by Dustin Bradford\/Getty Images) <\/p>\n<p> <a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/chicago-cubs-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Cubs.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Chicago Cubs\"\/><\/a>Chicago Cubs<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: Pitching\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target: RHP Jos\u00e9 Soriano, Los Angeles Angels\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Are you a productive big-league pitcher? Congrats, the Cubs should be interested. They have four starters and seven relievers on the injured list. The good news is that most of them are expected to return in some capacity in the second half. Still, it\u2019s hard to know what to expect from those injured players. The Cubs could use immediate help to bolster a middling rotation and bullpen for the stretch run as they try to cut into the Brewers\u2019 sizable division lead, but they could also use a more reliable option to start games in October. Someone like Soriano, a groundball pitcher who can also miss bats and benefit from the Cubs\u2019 elite defense, would make a lot of sense.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/philadelphia-phillies-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Phillies.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Philadelphia Phillies\"\/><\/a>Philadelphia Phillies<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need:\u00a0Right-handed outfielder? Reliever? Starter? All three?\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target: OF Jo Adell, Los Angeles Angels<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">You could make the case that a high-leverage reliever or another depth starter is more important in Philadelphia, but it\u2019s hard to feel great about an offense that entered Wednesday with a lower OPS than the Rays and the Reds. Phillies outfielders have the lowest wRC+ in baseball, and that\u2019s despite Brandon Marsh being an All-Star this year. They could use another right-handed bat to feel more comfortable about this offense against the elite arms it will see in October.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">HERE THEY COME\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/boston-red-sox-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/RedSox.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Boston Red Sox\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Boston Red Sox<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need:\u00a0Infield bat\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target: SS Zach Neto, Boston Red Sox\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Boston is surging, but the Red Sox are already 0-for-1 at the deadline. Curtis Mead, acquired over the weekend in exchange for pitcher Connelly Early, fractured his wrist in his first game with his new club and is now on the injured list. That should only increase the urgency for the hottest team in baseball to find more infield pop.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">The Red Sox seem to be interested in finding a right-handed-hitting shortstop, but the best ones potentially available (Neto, Otto Lopez, Jeremy Pe\u00f1a) are controllable and would cost an exorbitant amount. If they\u2019re not willing to pay up but still are seeking an infield bat, maybe they won\u2019t care as much about handedness or position and pivot to a rental such as Gleyber Torres.<\/p>\n<p><img  width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>(Photo by Joe Scarnici\/Getty Images) <\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">THE TURNAROUNDS<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/chicago-white-sox-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/WhiteSox.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Chicago White Sox\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Chicago White Sox<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: Starting pitching\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target: LHP Reid Detmers, Los Angeles Angels\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">It\u2019s a party on the South Side. Chicago\u2019s young, powerful offense has slowed down a bit in July, but there\u2019s enough pop in place to envision the White Sox holding on for their first division title in five years\u2026as long as more pitching help arrives. The White Sox rank 17th in starters&#8217; ERA, and their best pitcher this year, Davis Martin, has a 6.00 ERA in July. Sean Burke has helped pick up the slack, but they need another arm if they want the festivities to continue to and through October. With Kyle Teel hurt again, it also wouldn\u2019t be surprising to see them add a catcher.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/pittsburgh-pirates-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Pirates.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Pittsburgh Pirates\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Pittsburgh Pirates<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: Relief pitching\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target: RHP Luke Weaver, New York Mets\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">The Pirates have gone from the worst offense in baseball last year to one of the best this season. Their rotation, while not quite performing to expectations, has two All-Stars in Paul Skenes and Braxton Ashcraft, plus talented arms behind those two. The clear need is in the bullpen, and they should be shopping at the high end of the market as they attempt to reach the postseason for the first time since 2015.<\/p>\n<p><img  width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>(Photo by Ishika Samant\/Getty Images) <\/p>\n<p> <a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/washington-nationals-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Nationals.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Washington Nationals\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Washington Nationals<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: Relief pitching\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target: RHP Ryan Zeferjahn, Los Angeles Angels\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">The upstart Nationals\u2019 offense leads MLB in slugging and home runs. The pitching\u2026is another story, and this is a team that still could end up selling despite the unexpectedly strong start. All-Star Foster Griffin and Cade Cavalli give the rotation a solid starting point, but their starters rank 24th in ERA as a team. The bullpen, which ranks 28th in ERA and has the lowest strikeout rate in MLB, is an even bigger problem that needs to be addressed if Washington wants to buy and capitalize on an auspicious start to the Paul Toboni era.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">THE WILD WEST\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/washington-nationals-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Nationals.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Washington Nationals\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Texas Rangers<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: Relief pitching\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target:\u00a0RHP Huascar Brazob\u00e1n, New York Mets\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">The Rangers have yet to recapture the offense that guided them to their 2023 World Series title, but the bats have been better compared to the last couple years. They need to keep Wyatt Langford healthy and get Corey Seager and Josh Jung back on the field, but the biggest need is another relief arm to help fix a bullpen that has an ERA close to 6.00 in July. They already made their first move of the deadline, acquiring catcher Logan O\u2019Hoppe and reliever Chase Silseth from the Angels. But it wouldn\u2019t be surprising to see them get another right-handed high-leverage reliever to pair with lefty All-Star closer Jacob Latz.<\/p>\n<p><img  width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>(Photo by Brett Davis\/Getty Images) <\/p>\n<p> <a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/seattle-mariners-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Mariners.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Seattle Mariners\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Texas Rangers<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: Right-handed bat<br \/>Possible Target: OF Tyrone Taylor, New York Mets\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">The Mariners could use another high-leverage reliever, too, but they entered this week last in MLB in OPS against left-handed pitching. Unfortunately for them, there aren\u2019t many right-handed impact bats on the market.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">If the Marlins decide to sell, Heriberto Hern\u00e1ndez could be a fit here. If not, Taylor or the Dodgers\u2019 Alex Call could be platoon options against lefties. If the Mariners want to go bigger, they could trade some of their surplus of starting pitching. Whatever they do at the deadline, though, their biggest problem is that their best players aren\u2019t producing consistently enough. That needs to change quickly.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/houston-astros-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Astros.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Houston Astros\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Houston Astros<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need:\u00a0Outfield\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target: OF Jake McCarthy\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">In the final season under contract, general manager Dana Brown is going to look for any reason to buy. Yordan Alvarez, the MVP frontrunner, has provided one all year. Now, the rest of the team is, too, with better play to start the second half. The rotation could use more help, but the bigger need might be an outfield that entered Wednesday with the lowest OPS in MLB. A match with Colorado, either for McCarthy or Mickey Moniak, would seem to be an obvious fit.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">CENTRAL CHASING\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/cleveland-guardians-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Guardians.vresize.200.200.medium.1.png\" alt=\"Cleveland Guardians\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Cleveland Guardians<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: More offense<br \/>Possible Target: OF Luis Robert Jr, New York Mets<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Another year, same story. Rookies Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana have given Cleveland a lift, yet the Guardians still have the lowest OPS in MLB as a team. Getting Jose Ramirez back is obviously huge, but this team still needs to find more offense if it wants to do anything of note.<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/minnesota-twins-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Twins.vresize.200.200.medium.2.png\" alt=\"Minnesota Twins\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Minnesota Twins<img  width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>NEW YORK, NEW YORK &#8211; JULY 24: Luis Robert Jr. #88 of the New York Mets celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the second inning during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field on July 24, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Brandon Sloter\/Getty Images) <\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need:\u00a0Relief pitching\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target: LHP Brock Burke, Cincinnati Reds<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">A couple of weeks ago, everyone was trying to concoct Joe Ryan and Byron Buxton deals (no matter how many times Buxton, who has a no-trade clause, has made it clear he wants to stay). Now, the Twins, on the cusp of the wild-card picture, have declared themselves buyers. That\u2019s unfortunate news for the catching-needy teams who could have used Ryan Jeffers. Maybe the Twins ultimately do a little buying and selling, but after last deadline\u2019s reliever sell-off, there\u2019s a lot of work ahead to repair a bullpen that ranks 26th in ERA.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">WILD-CARD HOPEFULS\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/arizona-diamondbacks-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Diamondbacks.vresize.200.200.medium.1.png\" alt=\"Arizona Diamondbacks\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Arizona Diamondbacks<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: First base\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target: 1B Luis Garcia Jr, Washington Nationals\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Wait, not pitching? Sure, the D-backs could use help both in the rotation (4.27 ERA) and bullpen (4.15), but the most glaring weak spot on the team is first base, where they rank last in MLB in both OPS and wRC+. The problem is there aren\u2019t many impact players available at the position. Perhaps someone like Nathaniel Lowe will be the answer\u2026or, maybe they can convince the Nationals to part with Garcia, who would represent a significant upgrade and is under team control for one more season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/san-diego-padres-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Padres.vresize.200.200.medium.1.png\" alt=\"San Diego Padres\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>San Diego Padres<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: Starting pitching<br \/>Possible Target: RHP Emerson Hancock, Seattle Mariners\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">The Padres are one of the toughest teams to figure out. Their star hitters are finally starting to perform, but they still have a lot of needs and entered Wednesday with 21.9% odds to make the postseason, according to FanGraphs. Then again, this is AJ Preller we\u2019re talking about. It wouldn\u2019t be surprising to see both some buying and some selling. If they do the former, starting pitching has to be a priority. Maybe they find a way to use some of their bullpen arms to get rotation help and a bat.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">ON THE BUBBLE\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/miami-marlins-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Marlins.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Miami Marlins\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Miami Marlins<img  width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>(Photo by Scott Taetsch\/Getty Images) <\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: Third base\/bullpen\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target: UTIL Nick Loftin, Kansas City Royals\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">It seems more likely after that historic 12-game losing skid that the Marlins will sell. But if they choose to buy, or do a little of both, the Marlins\u2019 bullpen has an ERA over 6.00 in July while their third basemen entered Wednesday with an MLB-worst .548 OPS on the year. Helping either spot would make sense.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/st-louis-cardinals-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Cardinals.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"St. Louis Cardinals\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>St. Louis Cardinals<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: Lineup depth\u00a0<br \/>Possible Target: 3B Matt Chapman, San Francisco Giants\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Because the Cardinals\u2019 unexpectedly strong start was driven by a bevy of young talents \u2014 Jordan Walker\u2019s breakout, JJ Wetherholt\u2019s production, etc. \u2014 it felt like there was no ceiling to where the offense might go. I guess there was no floor, either. The Cardinals\u2019 offense has the lowest OPS in baseball this month. When things start to spiral, as they are now, sometimes a veteran in the clubhouse can help. While it seems more likely that the Cardinals would lightly sell rather than buy, someone like Chapman could help lead the next wave of St. Louis talents.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/mlb\/baltimore-orioles-team\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"flex-shrink:0;height:60px;object-fit:contain;width:60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Orioles.vresize.200.200.medium.0.png\" alt=\"Baltimore Orioles\" height=\"60\" width=\"60\"\/><\/a>Baltimore Orioles<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Biggest Need: Pitching<br \/>Possible Target: LHP Brooks Raley, New York Mets<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\">Considering their pitching injuries, both the rotation and bullpen have helped up quite well this month. That said, with Ryan Helsley down and Felix Bautista\u2019s return date uncertain, the Orioles could use another reliable high-leverage arm. If they decide to sell, rentals Taylor Ward, Trevor Rogers and Andrew Kittredge could help a lot of teams. So would Adley Rutschman, if they\u2019re willing to deal controllable players.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-273d04fe=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/personalities\/rowan-kavner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Rowan Kavner<\/a>\u00a0is an MLB writer for FOX Sports. He previously covered the L.A. Dodgers, LA Clippers and Dallas Cowboys. An LSU grad, Rowan was born in California, grew up in Texas, then moved back to the West Coast in 2014. Follow him on X at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/RowanKavner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">@RowanKavner<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Get ready for a wild weekend ahead.\u00a0 As the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches, a plethora of teams&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":765560,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2406],"tags":[106,1079,909,1516,46,47,5,114,48,6157,2223,24,49,919,50,1365,384,53,39,1087,584,310,95,17906,19541,11714,2179,1455,4679,395,13095,1165,4332,4333,774,56,57,3224,4331,19,379,58,59,60,4,495,61,62,1753,25,109,1252,66,65,659,67,68,69,1039],"class_list":["post-765559","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-los-angeles-dodgers","tag-aaron-judge","tag-adley-rutschman","tag-alex-call","tag-andrew-kittredge","tag-atlanta-braves","tag-baltimore-orioles","tag-baseball","tag-blake-snell","tag-boston-red-sox","tag-brandon-marsh","tag-byron-buxton","tag-chicago-cubs","tag-chicago-white-sox","tag-chris-sale","tag-cincinnati-reds","tag-cody-bellinger","tag-corey-seager","tag-detroit-tigers","tag-dodgers","tag-edwin-diaz","tag-felix-bautista","tag-giancarlo-stanton","tag-gleyber-torres","tag-heriberto-hernandez","tag-jacob-latz","tag-jacob-misiorowski","tag-jo-adell","tag-joe-ryan","tag-jordan-walker","tag-josh-jung","tag-kyle-teel","tag-la","tag-la-dodgers","tag-ladodgers","tag-los-angeles","tag-los-angeles-angels","tag-los-angeles-dodgers","tag-losangeles","tag-losangelesdodgers","tag-major-league-baseball","tag-matt-chapman","tag-miami-marlins","tag-milwaukee-brewers","tag-minnesota-twins","tag-mlb","tag-nathaniel-lowe","tag-new-york-mets","tag-new-york-yankees","tag-otto-lopez","tag-philadelphia-phillies","tag-ryan-helsley","tag-ryan-jeffers","tag-san-francisco-giants","tag-seattle-mariners","tag-spencer-schwellenbach","tag-st-louis-cardinals","tag-tampa-bay-rays","tag-texas-rangers","tag-world-series"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/765559","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=765559"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/765559\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/765560"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=765559"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=765559"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=765559"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}