1 Move for Every MLB Team Before the 2026 Trade Deadline
The 2026 MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, as teams have until Monday, Aug. 3 at 6:00 pm ET to put the finishing touches on their roster for the stretch run.
Ahead, we've crafted 15 trade proposals spanning each of the 30 teams, with a breakdown of each hypothetical swap.
Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller are the biggest names being floated in trade rumors, but there is a long list of potential impact players for buyers to pursue as they look to plug roster holes.
What do we expect your favorite team to do?
Note: Prospect rankings references in this article reflect B/R's recently updated Farm System Rankings and Top 100 Prospects lists.
Astros Acquire Lars Nootbaar from Cardinals
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To HOU: OF Lars Nootbaar
If the Astros decide to buy, which would be perfectly defensible in a wide-open AL West race, an outfield upgrade who swings it from the left side of the plate figures to be their top priority.
After missing time early while recovering from heel surgery, Lars Nootbaar has a 107 OPS+ in 165 plate appearances. The 28-year-old can play all three outfield positions, and he is more than just a rental with club control through 2027.
To STL: SP Cole Hertzler (No. 8 HOU), RP Nick Potter
A high school teammate of Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage, right-hander Cole Hertzler is enjoying a breakout season after an injury-plagued 2025, posting a 2.78 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 68 innings between High-A and Double-A.
With an electric fastball that touches 100 mph and a plus slider, Nick Potter has late-inning potential. He has 64 strikeouts in 55.2 innings and a .188 opponents' batting average at Single-A after going in the fifth round of the 2025 draft.
Braves Acquire Tarik Skubal from Tigers
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To ATL: SP Tarik Skubal
The Dodgers with their loaded farm system and bottomless pockets have long been viewed as the favorites to land Tarik Skubal, but don't rule out a Braves team that could be one frontline starter away from a World Series push.
Despite missing time after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow, Skubal is having another ace-level season with a 2.79 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 116 strikeouts in 96.2 innings. He is the best rental starter to hit the trade block since CC Sabathia in 2008.
To DET: RHP JR Ritchie, OF Eric Hartman (No. 31 MLB, No. 1 ATL), SS John Gil (No. 5 ATL), LHP Briggs McKenzie (No. 7 ATL)
Even for a two-month rental, Skubal is going to cost a King's ransom, and the Braves have the pieces to get a deal done even with a relatively thin farm system.
JR Ritchie gives the Tigers an immediate replacement to plug into the rotation, while Eric Hartman has been one of baseball's biggest breakout prospects with a .902 OPS, 24 home runs and 37 steals in 91 games at High-A. A controllable MLB starter and three top-10 prospects is a future-altering price to pay, but it could be the move that pushes Atlanta over the top.
Brewers Acquire Freddy Peralta from Mets
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To MIL: SP Freddy Peralta
After logging a 3.59 ERA with 1,153 strikeouts in 931 innings across eight seasons with the Brewers, Freddy Peralta has not found that same level of success in his contract year after he was traded to the Mets in January.
Not only does he have a 4.99 ERA in 113.2 innings, but his strikeout rate has also plummeted from 28.2 to 22.1 percent. If there's any organization that can get him right, it's the one that developed him into a two-time All-Star in the first place.
To NYM: IF/OF Jett Williams
Oh, the irony.
The Mets gave up speedy Jett Williams and right-hander Brandon Sproat in January to acquire Peralta, and now it feels like an entirely fair return for them to simply get a do-over on giving up Williams.
The 22-year-old is hitting a lackluster .234/.341/.385 across 358 plate appearances at Triple-A, and has fallen behind several others in a crowded Brewers prospect picture. His stock is down, but he still has considerable upside.
Cubs Acquire Kevin Gausman, Jeff Hoffman from Blue Jays
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To CHC: SP Kevin Gausman, RP Jeff Hoffman, cash
The Blue Jays surprise seller turn should make Kevin Gausman one of the most sought-after rental arms on the market, and while his 4.51 ERA this year doesn't jump off the page, it's backed by a 3.58 FIP and his usual strong strikeout rate.
This package also allows Toronto to get Jeff Hoffman and his $12.7 million salary for 2027 off the books. He has been pitching well of late, but with Louie Varland supplanting him in the closer's role, he is a pricey setup arm looking ahead to next year.
To TOR: C Owen Ayers (No. 6 CHC), SP Kaleb Wing (No. 9 CHC)
With a .320/.429/.621 line and 23 home runs in 86 games this year, Owen Ayers is having a huge offensive season, and playing at the Triple-A level he is knocking on the door.
Right-hander Kaleb Wing has a 2.76 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 16.1 innings since he was promoted to Single-A in his age-19 campaign, and last year's fourth-round selection checks all the boxes to be a future rotation piece.
Diamondbacks Acquire Foster Griffin from Nationals
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To ARI: SP Foster Griffin
With Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Ryne Nelson and Michael Soroka all on the injured list, the Diamondbacks starting pitching depth has been stretched thin, and a veteran workhorse could help stabilize the staff as they push for a wild-card berth.
Foster Griffin has a 2.76 ERA in 124 innings this season in his return from Japan, earning an All-Star selection. With less-than-overpowering stuff, free agency looming and a 3.94 FIP, the acquisition cost should still be reasonable.
To WAS: SP Mitch Bratt, C Carlos Virahonda
With a 2.41 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 52.1 innings at Triple-A this year and four spot starts in the big leagues, Mitch Bratt could immediately replace Griffin in the Washington rotation and develop into a long-term building block.
Carlos Virahonda is a rising catching prospect who has boosted his stock significantly by hitting .266/.369/.509 with 16 home runs and 73 RBI in 75 games between Single-A and High-A. The 20-year-old has standout defensive tools, and his offensive development has raised his profile.
Dodgers Acquire Trevor Rogers from Orioles
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To LAD: SP Trevor Rogers
Trevor Rogers was one of the best pitchers in baseball once he got healthy last season, posting a 1.81 ERA over 109.2 innings to finish ninth in AL Cy Young voting, despite making just 18 starts.
The 28-year-old stumbled out of the gates this season in a contract year, but he has been throwing the ball well of late with a 2.21 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 61 innings over his last 10 starts. That recent performance and his ace-caliber track record gives him a chance to be the most impactful rental arm not named Tarik Skubal.
To BAL: SP Zach Root (No. 7 LAD), OF Charles Davalan (No. 9 LAD)
Given the depth of their farm system, the Dodgers can put together an attractive trade package without parting with any of their elite-level prospects. That said, both Zach Root and Charles Davalan have Top 100 upside.
Taken back-to-back at No. 40 and No. 41 overall in the 2025 draft, Root has a 2.40 ERA and 79 strikeouts over 60 innings at High-A this year, while Davalan is hitting .290/.406/.527 with 42 extra-base hits, 17 home runs and 16 steals as his teammate.
Guardians Acquire OF Jake McCarthy from Rockies
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To CLE: OF Jake McCarthy
The Rockies bought low on Jake McCarthy during the offseason following a 2025 campaign in which he logged a 63 OPS+ and negative-0.6 WAR, and it has proven to be one of the best pickups of the offseason.
The 29-year-old is hitting .293/.334/.491 for a 113 OPS+ with 21 doubles, 10 home runs, 17 steals and 1.2 WAR in 94 games. His home/road splits are significant and his batted-ball metrics are subpar, but he is controllable through 2028 and provides power/speed upside.
To COL: OF Aaron Walton (No. 9 CLE), RP Andrew Walters
Outfielder Aaron Walton has a 55-power, 60-speed profile, and he is hitting .267/.404/.481 with 40 extra-base hits, 25 home runs and 23 steals in 90 games while reaching Double-A. The 22-year-old could develop into a 20/20 center fielder.
Andrew Walters has an upper 90s fastball and a swing-and-miss slider, and while he has been hit hard at Triple-A this year, he still has the potential to be a late-inning option down the road.
Mariners, Marlins Swap Otto Lopez, Emerson Hancock
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To SEA: SS Otto Lopez
The Marlins are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Otto Lopez, who is hitting .329/.363/.490 for a 140 OPS+ with an NL-leading 138 hits and 5.5 WAR during a breakout season that earned him an All-Star selection.
He would be an immediate upgrade on the Seattle infield, giving a struggling Colt Emerson more time to develop in the minors. Since J.P. Crawford is headed for free agency at season's end, Lopez becomes the shortstop of the future with club control through 2029, while Emerson slots in at third base in 2027.
To MIA: SP Emerson Hancock, 2B Michael Arroyo (No. 91 MLB, No. 7 SEA)
With a 3.26 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 102 strikeouts in 110.1 innings, Emerson Hancock has gone from the No. 6 starter on the Seattle depth chart to a standout rotation piece and attractive trade chip for the Mariners.
Ideally, they would send out Luis Castillo and his contract, but Emerson has also been mentioned in trade talks and better fits as the centerpiece in this package. Paring him with Top 100 prospect Michael Arroyo gives the Marlins an immediate replacement on the infield, pushing Xavier Edwards back to shortstop.
Phillies Acquire Michael Wacha, Lane Thomas from Royals
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To PHI: SP Michael Wacha, OF Lane Thomas
Another rotation piece and a right-handed hitting outfielder are the clear top needs for the Phillies at the deadline, and this package would address both of those needs in one clean package.
Michael Wacha has a 3.60 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 132.1 innings this year, and he has a reasonable $14 million salary for next year and a club option for 2028. He could potentially be the Game 3 or Game 4 starter in a playoff series.
Lane Thomas has a 104 OPS+ and 26 extra-base hits, and he has an .802 OPS against left-handed pitching.
To KC: OF Dante Nori (No. 4 PHI), SP Ramon Marquez (No. 5 PHI), SP Mavis Graves
Dante Nori and Ramon Marquez both have Top 100 prospect-caliber ceilings, and that raw talent could get a deal done without Aidan Miller, Gage Wood or Francisco Renteria being part of the package.
Nori has a 55-hit, 65-speed profile and is holding his own as a 21-year-old at Double-A, while Marquez has a 1.83 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 54 innings between Single-A and High-A as one of the biggest breakout pitching prospects of 2026. Mavis Graves is lower down the prospect list, but he is a swing-and-miss lefty.
Pirates Acquire Adrián Morejón, Jason Adam from Padres
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To PIT: RP Adrián Morejón, RP Jason Adam
The Pirates bullpen ranks 22nd in the majors with a 4.38 ERA, and they have 19 blown saves in 40 chances, so upgrading the relief corps is the most obvious move if they decide to aggressively buy at the deadline.
Adrián Morejón (50 G, 16 HLD, 3.14 ERA, 10.0 K/9) and Jason Adam (36 G, 17 HLD, 2.51 ERA, 6.1 K/9) both have late-inning stuff and high-leverage experience, and while Adam is currently sidelined with a shoulder strain, he is expected to return in late August.
To SD: 3B Murf Gray (No. 6 PIT), RHP Wilber Dotel (No. 9 PIT)
Morejón is the type of electric arm that can be a true game-changer in October, and he won't come cheap, so Murf Gray fits as a centerpiece. The 22-year-old is hitting .311/.402/.591 with 20 doubles, 26 home runs and 76 RBI while reaching Double-A, and he is making a strong case for Top 100 consideration.
Wilber Dotel provides an MLB-ready arm to a Padres system that is lacking in playable pitching depth. He has a 4.44 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 24.1 innings out of the Pittsburgh bullpen this year, but could still be a starter long-term.
Rangers Acquire Hogan Harris from Athletics
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To TEX: RP Hogan Harris
After getting hit hard as a rookie in 2023, left-hander Hogan Harris has settled in as a quality arm pitching primarily out of the bullpen for the Athletics. Since the start of the 2024 season, he has a 3.11 ERA and 9.3 K/9 in 120 appearances.
The 29-year-old is controllable through 2030, and he has a career-high 30.0 percent strikeout rate this year. He would be an impactful, low-cost addition to a Texas bullpen that ranks 19th in the majors with a 4.23 ERA.
To ATH: SS Yolfran Castillo (No. 6 TEX)
The swing-and-miss stuff and remaining club control mean Harris won't come cheap, and Yolfran Castillo stands as a consensus top-10 prospect in the Texas system.
The 19-year-old is hitting .283/.389/.405 with 30 extra-base hits and 43 steals in 92 games, and he was recently promoted to High-A. The advanced approach and plus glove give him a high floor and considerable upside.
Rays Acquire Luis Arraez from Giants
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To TB: 2B Luis Arraez
The Rays have leaned heavily on the offensive production of Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz and Jonathan Aranda this year, and with the AL East title squarely in their sights, adding another bat should be a priority.
Luis Arraez is once again doing what he does at an elite level, hitting .331/.366/.451 for a 131 OPS+ even with just four home runs in 451 plate appearances. He has played a solid second base (-1 DRS, 10 OAA) defensively, helping to add some additional value relative to his offseason market.
To SF: OF Austin Overn (No. 10 TB), SP Santiago Suarez, 1B/OF Tre' Morgan
The price here is steep, but it's one the Rays can afford to pay given the depth of their farm system, and keeps them from having to part with any of their Top 100 prospects for a two-month rental.
Austin Overn is hitting .303/.386/.518 in 57 games at Double-A this year, while Santiago Suarez and Tre' Morgan are both former Top 100 prospects who will need to be added to the 40-man roster during the offseason or exposed to the Rule 5 draft.
Red Sox Acquire Zach Neto from Angels
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To BOS: SS Zach Neto
With Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Seigler, Romy Gonzalez and Nick Sogard currently handling middle infield duties, upgrading at least one of those spots is the most glaring need for the Red Sox.
Zach Neto would give them a long-term solution with true impact potential, as he is coming off consecutive 5-WAR seasons and currently sports a 114 OPS+ with 21 doubles, 19 home runs and 14 steals. He is controllable through 2029, so the asking price will be steep.
To LAA: SS Franklin Arias (No. 4 MLB, No. 1 BOS), RHP Sadbiel Delzine, IF Yoeilin Cespedes
A year after Leo De Vries was traded for Mason Miller, the Red Sox could be the ones that pull the trigger on moving a truly elite-level prospect this summer if they move Franklin Arias for one of the market's controllable shortstops.
Arias, 20, hit .318/.407/.587 with 19 home runs in 75 games at Double-A before he was recently promoted to Triple-A. He is the type of centerpiece that could convince the Angels to deal their most valuable asset, while Sadbiel Delzine and Yoeilin Cespedes are high-upside secondary pieces.
White Sox Acquire Tyler Stephenson, Brock Burke from Reds
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To CWS: SP Brady Singer, C Tyler Stephenson, RP Brock Burke
The White Sox are known to be looking for rotation help and catching depth after Kyle Teel was injured, and every contender can use more quality bullpen pieces, so this is a quantity package that addresses multiple needs.
Singer has been hit-and-miss, but with a 4.24 ERA in 962.2 career innings, there is a long enough track record of production to believe he can potentially be a playoff starter. Stephenson is a league-average hitter who can handle a staff, while Burke has a 2.61 ERA over an NL-leading 56 appearances.
To CIN: IF Javier Mogollon (No. 10 CWS), SP David Sandlin
The return here isn't earth-shattering, but Javier Mogollon has an .827 OPS in 59 games and was recently promoted to High-A, while David Sandlin made his MLB debut earlier this year and represents a plug-and-play replacement for Singer with upside.
The Reds would trim roughly $7.5 million from the books if they offloaded the three players listed above, so that will also be motivation to get a deal done.
Yankees Acquire Ryan Jeffers, Taylor Rogers from Twins
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To NYY: C Ryan Jeffers, RP Taylor Rogers
The Yankees have received a .181/.261/.284 line from their catchers on the year, and starter Austin Wells (245 PA, 48 OPS+, .159/.258/.266) has been one of the worst offensive players in the sport.
That makes Ryan Jeffers (190 PA, 158 OPS+) a potentially massive upgrade and gives the Yankees the right-handed bat they need. Taylor Rogers is not the flashiest bullpen addition, but he has a wealth of late-inning experience and a 1.08 ERA over his last nine appearances.
To MIN: RHP Thatcher Hurd (No. 9 NYY), OF Jace Avina
With an electric fastball and two quality breaking pitches, Thatcher Hurd has frontline stuff if he can dial in his command. His 13.9 percent walk rate this year is an indication there is still work to be done, but his ceiling is high enough to be the headliner in a major trade.
Jace Avina is hitting .264/.354/.531 with 22 doubles, 19 home runs and 53 RBI in 81 games at Double-A, and his raw power potential makes him an attractive secondary piece.
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