Newest MLB Trade Rumors on Top Stars That Can Disrupt the Playoff Race amid Latest AL, NL Standings

All eyes are on Tarik Skubal as Monday's MLB trade deadline approaches.

Skubal is the marquee name available ahead of the 6 p.m. ET deadline on Monday.

The Detroit Tigers are seven games under .500 and aren't expected to contend in August and September.

Detroit's struggles opened the door for the AL Central side to potentially get a large prospect haul for its ace.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers are among the teams that have checked in on Skubal. As of Friday morning, there is more interest from the National League in the southpaw.

A Skubal trade anywhere in the NL would significantly alter the dynamic in the postseason race.

A handful of other players are potentially available to be traded in the next few days, but right now, everyone wants to know where Skubal lands.

Tarik Skubal

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The Dodgers are at the forefront of the Skubal trade conversations.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, "rival executives continue to view the Dodgers as the favorites for Tarik Skubal -- an even stronger possibility, perhaps, with Shohei Ohtani's left knee continuing to prevent him from pitching -- but L.A. is also expected to shed from its major league roster."

The Dodgers are able to part ways with prospects and big-league ready players, and as we've seen in recent years, they have no issue with making the big deal at the deadline.

However, Los Angeles isn't the only potential landing spot for Skubal.

Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden called the Brewers "the most likely landing spot" on Foul Territory earlier this week.

Milwaukee has plenty of big-name prospects in its system and could take the big swing for Skubal to improve a roster that could contend for the World Series.

The Athletic's Patrick Mooney reported on Wednesday that the Cubs are considering Skubal as a trade deadline option.

The Cubs are in need of rotation help due to a litany of injuries to their top arms.

The National League is the most likely destination for Skubal. All four NL teams with 60+ teams, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Milwaukee and Chicago, should be in on Skubal because he will create separation in the NL pennant race for whomever acquires him.

C.J. Abrams

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C.J. Abrams is one of the top hitters available at the trade deadline.

The New York Yankees have "checked in" on the Washington Nationals shortstop, per The Athletic's Spencer Nusbaum and Will Sammon.

The same report stated that the Nationals are "not shopping" Abrams, but "will listen to offers."

Washington probably has to be blown away for an offer for one of its franchise cornerstones.

However, if Washington wants to sell, Abrams is the piece it has to move. It isn't moving off James Wood or any of its younger stars.

The Yankees would be an ideal fit for Abrams because of their glaring need at shortstop.

Abrams' left-handed bat would also be ideal for the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees are only 3.5 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays. A few impact moves could help them close the gap in the division and compete with Tampa Bay in September.

Kevin Gausman

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The Toronto Blue Jays have gone from winning the AL pennant in 2025 to 14.5 games back in the AL East on July 31.

Toronto is one of the clear sellers on the trade market, and it is expected to be very active.

Passan reported that the Blue Jays "are prepared to trade" Kevin Gausman, Jeff Hoffman and other veterans.

Gausman is one of the top non-Skubal pitchers on the market.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported that the Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies are "emerging as trade partners."

The Phillies desperately need rotation help behind Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez. Acquiring Gausman would solidify their rotation ahead of a push to take the NL East lead away from Atlanta. The Phillies enter Friday seven games back.

At minimum, the Phillies will be in the wild-card mix. One trade for a starting pitcher, whether it be Gausman or someone else, could make a massive difference in their wild-card positioning in a tight NL.