With the amateur draft concluded and the All-Star break behind them, Major League Baseball teams are entering the final two weeks leading up to the July 31 trade deadline. While the market tends to favor sellers seeking to build for the future or buyers aiming to bolster their playoff rosters, the current landscape presents unusual complexity. Twenty-three teams remain within four games of a playoff spot, including eight with losing records, reducing the number of clear-cut sellers.

The New York Mets are among the teams expected to sell, with right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta viewed as a particularly attractive trade candidate. San Francisco Giants management, led by president of baseball operations Buster Posey, remains unpredictable; although the Giants would be expected to sell given their position, Posey’s track record complicates projections. Infielder Luis Arraez, an impending free agent after the season, is drawing interest due to his high on-base percentage (.369) and potential to support playoff pushes, despite his underwhelming postseason batting statistics (.224 average, .530 OPS in 17 games).

At the Los Angeles Angels, the interim general manager John Mozeliak faces the challenge of steering an organization that has not posted a winning record since 2015. It remains to be seen whether the franchise will pursue a rebuild, which would increase the trade availability of promising starters José Soriano and Reid Detmers. Meanwhile, star player Mike Trout maintains his no-trade status, but the club’s shortstop Zach Neto and designated hitter Jorge Soler could garner interest.

The Oakland Athletics, preparing for their upcoming move to Las Vegas, are expected to hold onto their core players but may offer relief pitchers in trades. Under manager Terry Francona, the Cincinnati Reds are positioned as buyers aiming to build on their 83-win, 2025 postseason appearance.

Among other potential sellers, the Kansas City Royals could move starting pitcher Michael Wacha, while the Colorado Rockies, under new leadership from Paul DePodesta, may engage more actively in trade talks than in past seasons. Despite this, their top young talents, Hunter Goodman and TJ Rumfield, are unlikely to be moved due to their age and cost-effectiveness. Outfielder Mickey Moniak has demonstrated marked splits at Coors Field and on the road, which could attract suitors despite inconsistent performance.

Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox face scrutiny over their past trade deadline acquisitions. Craig Breslow, the team’s chief baseball officer, has overseen five trades in 2024 that resulted in a combined negative wins above replacement (WAR) of -0.7. The Red Sox currently rank last in home runs, highlighting a pressing need for right-handed power hitters, especially given the offensive difficulties typically seen in the postseason. Injuries continue to hamper their options, with Roman Anthony sidelined since early May.

In Detroit, the Tigers are considering the future of right-hander Tarik Skubal, whose impending free agency and the team’s sub-20 percent playoff odds complicate retention. Scott Harris, president of baseball operations, may elect to trade Skubal to avoid losing him for only a draft pick. Potential destinations could include the Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays, or Atlanta Braves, all of whom could leverage their farm systems to pursue a pennant.

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is expected to act decisively to fill the void left by Brad Keller’s season-ending elbow injury, particularly in the bullpen. The Mets, meanwhile, might offer lefty Luke Weaver, though reliever Clay Holmes remains sidelined.

A notable surprise in this market is the Pittsburgh Pirates, who led MLB in runs scored at the All-Star break. Headed by general manager Ben Cherington, the Pirates, long committed to future building, may take this opportunity to become buyers as they continue chasing their first postseason berth since 2015. This scenario underscores the nuanced dynamics shaping the approaching trade deadline in a tightly contested league.