Major League Baseball’s Aug. 3 trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and there’s much to be done when it comes to sorting out buyers and sellers. Even so, teams are already making at least tentative plans for that important date on the MLB calendar. That means trade rumors continue to trickle in, especially now that we’re well into the back half of July. Thursday is no exception, and you can find the latest dose of trade talk just below.
MLB trade deadline buyers and sellers guide: Where all 30 teams stand two weeks away
Dayn Perry
Red Sox interested in Neto
The Red Sox have surged back into contention and playoff position, and now they’re focused on bolstering the roster for what they hope will be a postseason berth and deep run. Thanks to injuries and underperformance, the infield is an area of concern. On that front, the Red Sox have interest in Angels shortstop Zach Neto, the Athletic reports.
The 25-year-old Neto is one of the most underrated players in the game today, as he’s racked up a WAR of 13.1 since the start of the 2024 season. Adding to his already substantial trade value is that Neto’s not eligible for free agency until after the 2029 season. Thanks to his relative youth and all that remaining control, it’s far from certain that the Angels and interim GM John Mozeliak will be willing to trade him. If they are, though, Boston may come calling. Failing that, the Red Sox still may prioritize the middle infield leading up to Aug. 3.
Reds willing to discuss younger players, including ace
The Reds right now are in last place in the NL Central — 16 ½ games behind the Brewers — and saddled with a -63 run differential. That positions them as sellers leading up to the deadline, and they have a number of players slated for free agency this coming winter: Eugenio Súarez, Nathaniel Lowe, and Brady Singer among them. Recently, though, president of baseball ops Nick Krall suggested things might not end there and told the Cincinnati Enquirer that he’d be willing to listen on names like ace Hunter Greene and utility player Spencer Steer. The hard-throwing Greene, who soon turns 27 and whose contract includes a club option for 2029, would be a particularly high-value deadline trade candidate. That’s especially the case if the Tigers opt not to move back-to-back AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.
“We’ve had teams reach out on a lot of our players on the roster. We just have to figure out what are the moves that we can make that’s best for this organization,” Krall said. “We’ve got to look at everybody that’s on the roster, and if there’s something that does make sense for the organization, we have to have a conversation about it, and we might go down that road. If it’s not going to make sense for the organization at this point, then we (won’t).”
M’s open to Hancock trade talks
The Mariners have been one of MLB’s most disappointing teams this season. However, because they play in baseball’s worst division, they’re still very much in contention for the AL West title and may be looking to buy at the deadline. They’d like a right-handed bat to add to the flagging lineup, and to get such a thing they’re willing to discuss 27-year-old right-hander Emerson Hancock, the Athletic reports.
It’s not often a contender would consider parting with such an effective rotation arm, but the Mariners have depth to spare, at least for now. Luis Castillo has already been among the most prominent names in trade rumors out of Seattle this summer.
Phillies could target bigger rotation upgrades than expected
The Phillies have surged back into contention under interim manager Don Mattingly, and their ever-aggressive lead decision-maker Dave Dombrowski may be looking for an impact starting pitcher leading up to the deadline.
The front three of the Philly rotation is in great shape with Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, and Jesús Luzardo, but there’s a lack of depth and quality behind that trio, especially with the ongoing struggles of Aaron Nola. That’s why the Phillies may not just be seeking to improve their rotation depth by Aug. 3 but also looking to add another needle-mover to the rotation. The Athletic reports:
“The Phillies have told teams in recent weeks that they are searching for a No. 5 starter, according to several sources from rival clubs who were granted anonymity to disclose trade talks. That is no surprise. But, of late, the Phillies have been more willing to discuss higher-caliber arms — the kind of pitcher who would be capable of starting a postseason game.”
Landing such a starter would exact a higher price in return talent, and that may be especially the case this year, given what figures to be a light supply of sellers. The Phillies, though, may be willing to pay that cost if it helps them advance on the Braves at the top of the National League East standings.
Yankees have ambitious wish list
The Yankees are locked in a heated race with the Rays in the American League East, and the Red Sox have been surging back into relevance, as well. In an effort to return to the top of the division and more generally assert themselves as the power team in the AL, the Yankees will be looking to make multiple splashes leading up to the deadline. The priority item remains an upgrade at the catcher position, and like so many other contenders they also want to fortify the bullpen. Now, though, they may also be in the market for a right-handed-batting outfielder, ESPN reports. That’s in direct response to the ongoing absence of reigning MVP Aaron Judge, who’s been sidelined since the end of May with a ribcage injury and still has no clear timetable for his return.
