Major League Baseball’s August 3 trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and teams are busy making plans in anticipation of this pivotal moment on the MLB calendar. As the trade deadline draws near, trade rumors are beginning to circulate, offering a glimpse into the complex and often unpredictable world of professional baseball.
Phillies Eye Daulton Varsho
The Philadelphia Phillies could benefit from adding a power-hitting outfielder to their lineup, and the team is reportedly considering a move for Toronto Blue Jays’ fly-catcher Daulton Varsho. A disappointing season at the plate in 2026 has not diminished Varsho’s value as a defensive force in center field. His impressive 2025 campaign, in which he hit 20 home runs in 71 games for the Jays, serves as a reminder of his potential as a contributor to a winning team. With Varsho slated for free agency this offseason, the Blue Jays may be willing to sell, paving the way for a potential trade.
Yankees Pursue Adley Rutschman
The New York Yankees are in dire need of an upgrade at the catcher position, and the team has reportedly inquired about the availability of Baltimore Orioles’ backstop Adley Rutschman. Despite a solid rebound season at the plate in 2026, Rutschman still has another full year of team control remaining, making him an attractive target for the Yankees. The Orioles’ decision to sell, however, remains uncertain, particularly given their position just 2 ½ games out of the third wild-card spot in the American League.
Cubs Eye Tarik Skubal
The Chicago Cubs are among the teams vying for the services of Detroit Tigers’ lefty ace Tarik Skubal, a two-time American League Cy Young winner. Skubal’s impending free agency and the Tigers’ potential willingness to trade him make him a highly coveted asset. The Cubs’ need for a frontline starter has been exacerbated by pitching injuries this season, and Skubal would undoubtedly fill that void in a major way.
Angels Consider Deep Sell-Off
The Los Angeles Angels, mired in non-contention, have positioned themselves as sellers leading up to the trade deadline. Interim general manager John Mozeliak has already swung one deal with the Texas Rangers, and more trades are likely to follow. The Angels may consider dealing not only their pending free agents but also three frontline contributors under team control for multiple years: shortstop Zach Neto, lefty starter Reid Detmers, and right-handed starter José Soriano. These players would be highly sought after on the market, particularly with a limited supply of sellers.
Reds Get Calls on Hunter Greene
Despite a disappointing 2026 season, Cincinnati Reds’ right-handed starter Hunter Greene is eliciting plenty of interest from potential trading partners. Greene’s strong prior track record when healthy, combined with his ace stuff and one of the biggest fastballs in the game, make him an attractive target for teams in need of front-end rotation help. The Reds’ decision to trade Greene would be influenced by their desire to maximize his value and the possibility that the market may be thin on front-end rotation help.
Rockies Seek High Price for Hunter Goodman
Hunter Goodman, the Rockies’ starting catcher, is a highly sought-after asset in a market where multiple teams are in need of an upgrade behind the plate. Goodman’s second straight All-Star campaign has solidified his position as a top target for teams seeking a new starting catcher. However, the Rockies’ decision to trade Goodman will depend on the offers they receive, as they are under no pressure to move him due to his team control through the 2029 season.
