The expected MLB trade deadline frenzy got off to an unofficial start on Saturday, July 25, with the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals making a good, old-fashioned pitching-for-hitting swap.
But as the clock ticks down to the Aug. 3 deadline, teams are getting even more anxious to make deals that could potentially help them win a 2026 World Series ring.
First off, there are the most obvious trade candidates − players who are in the final year of their contracts and players who could benefit from a change of scenery.
But there are also under-the-radar sleepers who could end up being the missing piece for any number of playoff contenders.
Who will be dealt and who will stay put? We have six days to find out the answers.
When is the MLB trade deadline?
Teams must have their
trade details finalized and submitted to the league office by the deadline in order for any acquired players to be eligible for the playoffs. After that, players on 40-man rosters can't be traded.
- When: Monday, Aug. 3
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
Yankees badly need outfield help
Cody Bellinger's hamstring injury is the latest in the New York Yankees' recent string of painful losses. They now have an entire outfield on the IL with Bellinger joining Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
GM Brian Cashman is desperately in search of depth at the position, but complicating matters is the fact that two of the team's best trade chips − Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez − are outfielders. And both are currently starting.
The New York Post's Jon Heyman suggests the Royals' Lane Thomas, the Reds' Spencer Steer, the Angels' Jo Adell and Jorge Soler, and the Blue Jays' George Springer could be possible trade targets.
Steer, however, is currently on the injured list with a partially torn tendon in his right wrist. And Springer, a longtime Yankee nemesis, would seem an unlikely match coming from an AL East rival.
The Yankees are also in search of catching help, which could take away resources they might otherwise need to acquire an outfielder.
What will Tigers do with ace Tarik Skubal?
Don't expect a final answer to this question until the last possible moment.
The Tigers have the talent to make the postseason. They've been playing much better since Skubal returned from elbow surgery in mid-June. But they're not quite in playoff position just yet ... and likely won't be by the deadline.
The question is how close do they need to be to keep the two-time defending Cy Young award winner. Or how far back do they need to be to sell. At 50-57, Detroit is currently four games out of the third AL wild-card spot.
On the heels of a three-game losing streak, USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale writes the Tigers now "have no choice but to trade Skubal." He also expects No. 2 starter Casey Mize to be dealt as well.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB trade deadline rumors: Yankees need OF help, Tarik Skubal watch is on
