What Every Team Should Do at the Trade Deadline
- William Gilhooly
- Jun 26
- 8 min read
By William Gilhooly
Sportz Nation-6/22/2026
With the MLB trade deadline just six weeks away, front offices around the league are beginning to decide whether to go all-in on a postseason run or shift their focus toward the future. With one of the deepest and most competitive Wild Card races in recent memory, an unprecedented number of teams remain in contention, setting the stage for what could be one of the busiest and most entertaining trade deadlines in years.
Before clubs can determine which players to target, they first have to identify where their biggest needs lie. Using playoff odds from Baseball Reference and evaluating every team's current roster, I broke down what each organization should prioritize ahead of the August 3 trade deadline—whether that's buying, selling, or finding a balance between the two.
Baltimore Orioles (Playoff Odds: 15.9%)
Need: Left-Handed Starting Pitching
Given the struggles of Trevor Rogers and the injury to Chris Bassitt, acquiring starting pitching should be Baltimore's top priority. The staff has struggled throughout the season, ranking 19th in ERA and posting the second-worst ERA in baseball when left-handed starters take the mound.Despite a relatively thin farm system, this ownership group has shown a willingness to be aggressive. The Orioles should be one of the more fascinating teams to watch as the deadline approaches.
Boston Red Sox (Playoff Odds: 7.2%)
Need: Sell What You Can
Despite the weakness of the American League, it may be time for Boston to consider selling. Wilson Contreras is having a career season, and with at least two years of team control remaining after this year, his trade value may never be higher. Aroldis Chapman is also in the final year of his contract and could attract significant interest from contenders seeking bullpen help.
New York Yankees (Playoff Odds: >99.9%)
Need: Right-Handed Catcher
Despite the loss of Aaron Judge, the Yankees' offense has remained one of baseball's best, ranking fifth in run production. However, catcher remains a glaring weakness. The trio of Austin Wells, J.C. Escarra, and Ali Sánchez have produced the third-worst wRC+ among catching groups in MLB. Names such as the Twins Ryan Jeffers, and the Nationals Keibert Ruiz have surfaced in trade rumors. While speculation about an Adley Rutschman blockbuster with the Orioles persists, such a deal remains highly unlikely.
Tampa Bay Rays (Playoff Odds: 84.5%)
Need: Power Bat / Outfield Help
While Tampa Bay's offense has been productive overall, adding a legitimate power threat could elevate the lineup to another level. The Rays rank last in home runs and have received inconsistent production from their outfielders. Players such as the Orioles Taylor Ward, Rockies Mickey Moniak, and Angels Jo Adell would provide an immediate boost and help address their lack of slugging.
Toronto Blue Jays (Playoff Odds: 36.9%)
Need: Outfield Help
Toronto may finally be approaching full strength with Alejandro Kirk and Shane Bieber returning from injury. However, the lineup still needs another impact bat in the outfield. The Blue Jays rank in the bottom third of baseball offensively and currently do not have a hitter with an OPS above .800. Given Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s struggles, adding another middle-of-the-order threat would significantly improve the offense.
Chicago White Sox (Playoff Odds: 67.3%)
Need: Pitching Without Sacrificing the Future
The White Sox find themselves in an unusual position: they need to buy without compromising their long-term outlook. Chicago appears ahead of schedule in its rebuild, and the organization should recognize that its strongest championship window may still be ahead. Targeted additions to both the rotation and bullpen would strengthen the roster without sacrificing major prospect capital.
Cleveland Guardians (Playoff Odds: 92.2%)
Need: Power Bat
The Guardians rank 25th in home runs and desperately need more power in the lineup. With José Ramírez and Chase DeLauter currently sidelined, adding offensive punch becomes even more important. If available, players such as Astros first baseman Christian Walker, or Reds Outfielder JJ Bleday would fit Cleveland's needs perfectly.
Detroit Tigers (Playoff Odds: 8.2%)
Need: Win Now-or Sell
Few teams face more pressure over the next several weeks than Detroit.
The Tigers sit five games out of a Wild Card spot and must remain in contention to justify buying at the deadline. If they gain momentum, a modest addition could keep the season alive. If the struggles continue, however, the front office may need to consider major moves, including exploring the market for Tarik Skubal before he reaches free agency.
Kansas City Royals (Playoff Odds: 7.8%)
Need: MLB-Ready Prospects
Kansas City has been one of the most disappointing teams in baseball and appears unlikely to contend this season. With a farm system ranked near the bottom third of the league, adding upper-level prospects should be a priority. Veterans such as Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and Lane Thomas could all bring back pieces capable of helping the club as early as next season.
Minnesota Twins (Playoff Odds: 12.9%)
Need: Pitching
Twins ownership has indicated a reluctance to move cornerstone players such as Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan. If Minnesota hopes to stay relevant in the playoff race, improving a bullpen that ranks last in baseball in ERA and a rotation that ranks 22nd should be the focus.
Athletics (Playoff Odds: 16.6%)
Need: Pitching
The Athletics rank sixth in the American League in runs scored but own one of the league's worst pitching staffs. While they shouldn't sacrifice their long-term future, even modest upgrades on the mound could make them a legitimate Wild Card contender.
Houston Astros (Playoff Odds: 29.6%)
Need: Bullpen Help and Another Bat
Houston has been one of baseball's hottest teams since Hunter Brown and Josh Hader returned from injury. Strengthening the bullpen behind Hader would provide much-needed depth, while another left-handed outfield bat would help balance an offense that currently leans heavily on Yordan Alvarez and Christian Walker.
Los Angeles Angels (Playoff Odds: 1.0%)
Need: Begin a Rebuild
There has never been a better time for the Angels to embrace a rebuild.
With the second-worst record in the American League and one of baseball's weakest farm systems, the organization must prioritize the future. While Mike Trout's no-trade clause complicates matters, the front office should explore moving as many veteran assets as possible to replenish the system.
Seattle Mariners (Playoff Odds: 89.1%)
Need: Back-End Bullpen Help
Andrés Muñoz has struggled this season, posting a 5.08 ERA, and Seattle could use more stability late in games. If relievers such as the Tigers Kenley Jansen or the Orioles Ryan Helsley become available, they would fit seamlessly into the Mariners' bullpen.
Texas Rangers (Playoff Odds: 31.0%)
Need: Offense
If the Rangers want to make a postseason push, the offense must improve.
Texas ranks 28th in runs scored, and key contributors such as Corey Seager and Brandon Nimmo have underperformed. Should the front office pivot toward selling, veterans such as Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi would undoubtedly attract significant interest.
Atlanta Braves (Playoff Odds: 98.9%)
Need: Starting Pitching
With Spencer Strider sidelined until September, Atlanta could use reinforcements in the rotation. Reid Detmers would be an ideal target given his remaining years of team control and upside.
Miami Marlins (Playoff Odds: 36.7%)
Need: Offense and Starting Pitching
Miami possesses a deep collection of pitching prospects but could benefit from adding veteran stability to the rotation. The Royals Michael Wacha, and Red Sox Sonny Gray are examples of pitchers who could provide experience. Offensively, the Marlins need more power, making players such as Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki and Giants third-baseman Matt Chapman attractive trade targets.
New York Mets (Playoff Odds: 0.1%)
Need: Sell Veteran Pieces
While president of baseball operations David Stearns remains optimistic, the more practical approach may be to sell expiring assets. Veterans such as Sean Manaea and Freddy Peralta could bring back valuable prospects before reaching free agency.
Philadelphia Phillies (Playoff Odds: 69.1%)
Need: Outfield Help
With Adolis García expected to miss most of the remainder of the regular season, Philadelphia suddenly has a need in the outfield. A Mike Trout reunion would be intriguing but appears unlikely. More realistic options include the Orioles Taylor Ward, and Red Sox Jarren Duran.
Washington Nationals (Playoff Odds: 24.7%)
Need: Conservative Buying or Selling
Washington has a large number of players either entering arbitration or playing on expiring contracts. Moving veterans such as Foster Griffin or Zack Littell could help the future, while modest bullpen additions could keep the club competitive if it remains in the race.
Cincinnati Reds (Playoff Odds: 1.7%)
Need: Controllable Relievers
The Reds' bullpen has been a major weakness. With a strong collection of infield prospects, Cincinnati has the resources to target relievers with multiple years of control and strengthen the roster ahead of a potential 2027 push.
Chicago Cubs (Playoff Odds: 56.7%)
Need: Starting Pitching
The Cubs currently have six starters on the injured list, making rotation help a necessity. If the twins make Joe Ryan available, Chicago should be among the most aggressive suitors. Other potential targets include the Angels José Soriano, Marlins Sandy Alcántara, and Royals Michael Wacha.
Milwaukee Brewers (Playoff Odds: 99.8%)
Need: Bullpen Depth
Milwaukee is one of baseball's most complete teams. Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe have returned to form, but another dependable reliever would provide additional flexibility and depth for October.
Pittsburgh Pirates (Playoff Odds: 19.1%)
Need: Bullpen Help
With one of baseball's highest-scoring offenses, Pittsburgh has an opportunity to make noise if it can improve its bullpen. Aroldis Chapman would be a natural reunion candidate. If unavailable, the Marlins Pete Fairbanks and Mets A.J. Minter would also be strong fits.
St. Louis Cardinals (Playoff Odds: 32.6%)
Need: Starting Pitching
The Cardinals' rotation lacks a true ace and has been inconsistent throughout the season. Adding an experienced starter such as the Mets Freddy Peralta or Royals Seth Lugo could stabilize the staff and strengthen a potential playoff push.
Arizona Diamondbacks (Playoff Odds: 15.7%)
Need: Power Bat and Pitching
Arizona's season has been marked by inconsistency, largely due to uneven pitching and a lack of power. Adding another middle-of-the-order slugger while reinforcing the rotation until Michael Soroka and Ryne Nelson return would help keep the Diamondbacks in the race.
Colorado Rockies (Playoff Odds: <0.1%)
Need: Capitalize on Trade Assets
Colorado's young core has shown encouraging signs, making this an ideal time to add more prospects. Players with multiple years of control such as Mickey Moniak, Antonio Senzatela, and William Castro could generate meaningful returns and accelerate the rebuild.
Los Angeles Dodgers (Playoff Odds: >99.9%)
Need: If Skubals Available, go Get Him
The Dodgers are one of baseball's most complete teams. Still, if Tarik Skubal becomes available, Los Angeles should be heavily involved. Injuries to Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow have exposed the need for additional rotation depth. The Dodgers also posses one of the deepest farm systems in baseball making it a very appealing team to trade with if you're Detroit.
San Diego Padres (Playoff Odds: 44.2%)
Need: Pitching and Outfield Help
A.J. Preller has never been shy at the trade deadline, and this year should be no exception. While the farm system has been depleted in recent years, the Padres may be at a point where maximizing the current roster outweighs preserving future assets.
San Francisco Giants (Playoff Odds: 0.7%)
Need: Get Younger
The Giants appear headed toward a significant sell-off.Veterans such as Luis Arraez, Matt Chapman, Robbie Ray, and maybe even Rafael Devers could all become available. Adding prospect capital would help accelerate a retooling effort and better align the organization's timeline with its younger talent.
By William Gilhooly
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