The 2026 MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams are gearing up for a flurry of deals. As the July 11-12 amateur draft takes center stage, teams are also focusing on their next move, with the trade deadline just weeks away.

The Houston Astros are looking to bolster their lineup by adding a left-handed hitting outfielder, according to General Manager Dana Brown. The team’s current roster has a significant shortage of left-handed hitters, with Yordan Alvarez accounting for a substantial portion of their plate appearances. This has left the Astros searching for a player who can provide a much-needed boost to their lineup.

The team’s decision to trade lefty-hitting outfielder Jesús Sánchez to the Toronto Blue Jays in the offseason has been a cost-cutting move, with Sánchez being owed $6.8 million in 2026. However, Sánchez has been performing well for the Blue Jays, hitting a solid .274/.316/.437. In contrast, the Astros’ trade return, Joey Loperfido, has been ineffective due to injuries and has struggled when he has played.

The Chicago Cubs, on the other hand, are prioritizing pitching, with Manager Craig Counsell stating that the team’s main need is for pitching, regardless of whether it’s a starter or reliever. The Cubs’ pitching staff has been decimated by injuries, with 13 players currently on the injured list. The team’s interest in Mets righty Freddy Peralta, who will be a free agent after the season, is a sign of their desperation to address their pitching needs.

With the Cubs’ current roster in shambles, they are willing to explore all options to bolster their pitching staff. Counsell’s statement that pitching is the team’s main need, rather than prioritizing starters over relievers, highlights the complexity of the team’s situation. The Cubs’ current injuries have left them with limited options, and the team is better off with 60 or so pitches from a starter like Jameson Taillon than with some of their other options.

The Astros and Cubs’ top targets at the trade deadline will be closely watched as the season enters its final stretch. With the trade deadline just weeks away, teams are gearing up for a frenzy of deals that will shape the course of the season.

Here are some key statistics to keep in mind:

• The Astros have only 906 plate appearances from left-handed hitters this year, the fewest in baseball.
• The Cubs have 13 players currently on the injured list.
• Jameson Taillon is expected to make one more rehab start this week before rejoining the rotation after the All-Star break.