This year’s MLB trade deadline is just around the corner, with the big day set for Monday, August 3. As teams prepare for the final stretch of the season, rumors are starting to swirl about potential deals that could shape the league’s landscape.

Yankees Eyeing All-Star Catcher

The New York Yankees have been struggling behind the plate this season, with their catchers ranking 29th in batting average (.175) and on-base percentage (.250), and 30th in slugging percentage (.269). To address this issue, the team has reportedly shown interest in Rockies All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman. Goodman, 26, has been a standout performer this season, leading all catchers with 27 home runs. He’s also been better on the road (18 HR and .964 OPS) than at Coors Field (9 HR and .729 OPS). While Goodman doesn’t rate well defensively and has one of the highest strikeout rates in baseball, he would be a significant upgrade for the Yankees.

Goodman will remain under team control through 2029, making him an attractive option for the Yankees. The two teams have not spoken recently, but the interest is reportedly there. With the trade deadline just two weeks away, it’s likely that the Yankees will make a move to address their catcher situation.

Braves Focused on Adding Offense

The Atlanta Braves are currently focused on adding offense to their lineup, despite their pitching injuries. As a team, the Braves are hitting .231/.298/.378 since June 1, and they’re looking to add a bat, particularly at shortstop or DH. The team is without several key players, including Martín Pérez (forearm), Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow bone spur surgery), AJ Smith-Shawver (Tommy John surgery), Spencer Strider (elbow inflammation), and Robert Suarez (elbow inflammation). All of these players are expected back in the coming weeks, but the Braves are looking to add some extra firepower to their lineup.

With Ronald Acuña Jr. potentially returning from his hamstring strain, the Braves have a good chance of adding some much-needed offense to their lineup. However, they’re not the only team looking to make a move. Several teams are reportedly interested in adding a bat, and it’s likely that we’ll see some significant deals before the trade deadline.

Nationals Slugger Available

The Washington Nationals have received calls from multiple teams about slugging first baseman Luis García Jr. García, 26, has been a standout performer this season, hitting 15 of his 20 home runs in his last 33 games. He’s also been heavily platooned, which has limited his playing time. However, García’s extra year of control makes him an attractive option for teams looking to add a bat.

The Diamondbacks and Padres stand out as clubs that need an upgrade at first base. Both teams are currently on the outside looking in, but they’re looking to make a move to get back into the playoff picture. García’s extra year of control makes him a worthwhile move for either team, even if they don’t reach the postseason this year.

The trade deadline is just two weeks away, and it’s likely that we’ll see some significant deals before the big day. With several teams looking to add offense and a few teams looking to make a move to get back into the playoff picture, it’s shaping up to be an exciting final stretch of the season.

In the meantime, here are some key statistics to keep in mind:

• The Yankees’ catchers have a batting average of .175, ranking 29th in the league.
• The Braves are hitting .231/.298/.378 since June 1.
• Luis García Jr. has hit 15 of his 20 home runs in his last 33 games.

As the trade deadline approaches, it’s clear that several teams are looking to make a move to shape their lineup for the final stretch of the season.