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.
