With the MLB Trade Deadline approaching on Aug. 3, contenders are gearing up for a postseason push while rebuilding clubs prepare to shape the future through blockbuster deals.
The MLB Trade Deadline is one of the most active stretches of the baseball calendar, often reshaping both the playoff race and the future of rebuilding organizations. Some clubs are expected to add the final pieces for a World Series run, while others are positioned to capitalize on veteran talent by acquiring prospects. Here are five teams most likely to buy or sell before the deadline.
5. San Diego Padres – Buyer – The Padres have consistently shown they’re willing to push their chips into the middle of the table, and this season should be no different. With Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill leading the way, San Diego’s biggest priorities will likely be adding rotation depth and strengthening the bullpen for October.
Padres. Blue Jays. Orioles.
"We have to watch these teams, they're trending the wrong way when you want to be trending upwards [ahead of the Trade Deadline]." – @Joelsherman1 pic.twitter.com/cRwefERrLM
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 8, 2026
Potential additions include veteran starters Tyler Anderson or Erick Fedde, while relievers Kyle Finnegan, David Bednar or Félix Bautista, if available, could provide another late-inning option. The Padres could also explore adding a left-handed bench bat or versatile utility player to improve roster flexibility down the stretch.
While San Diego looks to strengthen a postseason roster, the next club is expected to move in the opposite direction.
4. Chicago White Sox – Buyer – After showing signs of progress this season, the White Sox are expected to approach the trade deadline as buyers with an emphasis on strengthening their pitching staff. While Davis Martin has emerged as a reliable presence in the rotation, adding another controllable starter would provide stability for both the remainder of the season and the club’s long-term plans. General manager Chris Getz has emphasized building a sustainable contender, making cost-controlled talent an attractive option ahead of the deadline.
The White Sox are expected to explore young starting pitchers such as Reid Detmers, who would bring both immediate rotation help and long-term value through his remaining years on the diamond. Chicago could also explore adding rotation depth and another late-inning reliever to complement a bullpen anchored by Jordan Hicks. Acquiring additional pitching would not only ease the workload on the current rotation but also provide greater flexibility and camaraderie as the White Sox continue building toward sustained success.
While Chicago looks to strengthen its roster ahead of a potential playoff push, Miami enters the deadline as a seller with an opportunity to maximize the value of its veteran talent.
3. Miami Marlins – Seller – The Marlins continue building around a young core, making them one of the league’s clearest sellers. While several young players have shown promise, Miami remains focused on the future, and its pitching depth could bring back a significant return on the trade market.
If healthy, Sandy Alcantara would instantly become one of the most sought-after starters available. Edward Cabrera could also attract contenders looking for upside, while Jesús Sánchez, Anthony Bender and Calvin Faucher may appeal to clubs seeking bullpen and outfield help. Miami is likely to prioritize acquiring upper-level prospects who fit its long-term timeline.
From rebuilding clubs to championship contenders, the next team enters the deadline with little reason to hold back.
2. Philadelphia Phillies – Buyer – The Phillies remain firmly in their championship window with Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola leading a veteran core. While the offense has the firepower to compete with anyone, bullpen depth and another right-handed bat remain areas that could use reinforcement.
President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has never shied away from deadline moves. “The long-term vision of maintaining a good club does not affect the immediate goal of trying to win,” Dombrowski said in an interview with MLB, reflecting his willingness to move future assets if it strengthens a championship-caliber roster.
Philadelphia could pursue relievers Ryan Helsley, David Bednar or Pete Fairbanks while exploring outfield options such as Taylor Ward, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. or Luis Robert Jr. if available. With one of baseball’s most experienced cores, the Phillies have every reason to remain aggressive.
Few contenders have been linked to more potential additions than the team that tops this list.
Boston Red Sox’s Willson Contreras reacts during the MLB baseball All-Star Home Run Derby, Monday, July 13, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
1. Boston Red Sox – Buyer – The Red Sox have positioned themselves as legitimate postseason contenders and appear poised to remain active ahead of the deadline. Their lineup has produced consistently throughout the season, but another frontline starter and a proven late-inning reliever would help solidify a roster capable of making a deep October run.
If the Red Sox become sellers at the trade deadline, Willson Contreras will NOT be traded. He announced today that he will not waive his no-trade clause to be moved.@richkented @KenLairdWEEI @teddyjradio @heyrichhey @WEEI#RedSox, #MLB, #Baseball pic.twitter.com/vefIBzqiVX
— WEEI (@WEEI) July 14, 2026
Boston has already demonstrated an aggressive approach by acquiring three-time All-Star Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals and has also been connected to names such as Matt Chapman, Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette. The club could pursue controllable starters Sandy Alcantara, should Miami make him available, or Zac Gallen, while veteran left-hander Tyler Anderson could also strengthen the rotation. Relievers David Bednar, Kyle Finnegan and Ryan Helsley would further bolster the bullpen, and Boston’s deep farm system gives the organization the flexibility to pursue impact talent without completely sacrificing its future.
Photo: Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery, left, and first baseman Miguel Vargas, right, celebrate their win against the Athletics in a baseball game Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Chicago. Vargas and Montgomery have made a big impact on the White Sox, and they could be buyers at the trade deadline. (AP Photo/David Banks)
