Fresh MLB Trade Rumors and Predictions for Top Buyers and Sellers as 2026 Deadline Approaches

Notable names are populating the latest batch of MLB trade rumors.

Now, that doesn't, of course, guarantee that they'll actually change jerseys between now and the August 3 trade deadline, but it certainly increases the odds of that happening.

From front-line starters to one of baseball's better power-speed sources, there are potential difference-makers being discussed. So, let's dissect those discussions, and then break out the crystal ball to see whether they might materialize into an actual transaction.

Red Sox Pursuing Zach Neto?

Ross Turteltaub/Getty Images

The Boston Red Sox might be in the middle of one of the more extreme midseason turnarounds in recent memory. Buoyed by a franchise record-matching 15-game winning streak, the Sox have gone a scorching 20-3 since June 25.

While they're obviously aiming to continue their winning ways, they're also reportedly weighing some external options to help make that happen. More specifically, they're focused on finding middle infield help and see Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto "as a strong fit," per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Simmon.

From Boston's side, this all makes sense. Prior to this surge, the Sox were saddling around a wholly forgettable 32-46 record, so they're right to question the sustainability of this recent success. As for Neto in particular, he is a dynamic talent with a capable glove who makes things happen at the plate (68 homers since the start of 2024) and on the bases (69 steals over that stretch).

As for L.A.'s side, though, that gets a little murkier. The Angles could obviously use roster-building assets, but they also might view the 25-year-old Neto as a legitimate building block, especially since he's under contract control for another three seasons. Like so many of these things, this likely comes down to cost. The Angels would want a substantial return for Neto, so this might all hinge on the Red Sox's willingness to give up a haul.

Prediction: Neto stays put.

Reds Fielding Offers for Hunter Greene?

Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

While it hasn't been the easiest to identify sellers in this market, the Cincinnati Reds seem an exception to that rule. Buried in last place in the NL Central, the Reds appear willing to ship out some plug-and-play contributors in exchange for long-term assets.

Could ace Hunter Greene be among those subtractions? It sounds like the market's willingness to pay a premium for him will decide that.

Per USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Reds "are intrigued just to see what they could command on the market, seeing if someone blows them away." This follows in line with recent comments Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall made to the Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmeyer.

Greene, whose season debut came in July after early March surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow, appeared nearly unhittable the past two seasons while tallying a 2.76 ERA with 301 strikeouts over 258 innings pitched. If teams still trust that talent, they could pay a fortune for him, especially if other aces like Tarik Skubal and Joe Ryan aren't traded.

Prediction: Greene gets traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Brewers Eyeing Elite Pitchers?

Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Milwaukee Brewers appear as ambitious as anyone leading up to the deadline. Despite (or perhaps because of) owning the Majors' second-best record (64-38), they're being connected to some of the biggest names on the market.

They have taken "a more aggressive approach at the trade deadline compared to recent years," per MLB.com's Adam McCalvy, who noted they have "touched base" with the Detroit Tigers on Tarik Skubal and the San Diego Padres on Mason Miller.

The Brewers certainly have the prospects needed to dream this big. Earlier this month, B/R's Joel Reuter ranked Milwaukee's farm system fifth-best in the Majors.

It's still hard to see trades for Skubal or Miller coming together. Their current clubs might just keep them, for one, and rival suitors could prove even more aggressive in their pursuits. That said, it certainly doesn't sound like Milwaukee is resting on its laurels, so some level of activity feels likely.

Prediction: The Brewers add a starter and a reliever, but not ones named Skubal or Miller.