MLB trade deadline set for Aug. 3 as teams sort buyers and sellers

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is scheduled for Monday, August 3 at 6 p.m. ET. With just over a month left, clubs are assessing whether to acquire or off‑load players. The Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Guardians, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies are listed as buyers, while the Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets and San Diego Padres are identified as sellers. Teams are targeting pitching help, especially starting arms and bullpen depth, as the playoff picture remains tight.

A separate fantasy‑baseball report ranks closers ahead of the deadline. Cade Smith leads with 26 saves, followed by Jhoan Duran and Bryan Baker. Aroldis Chapman remains the top closer to watch, while Emilio Pagan returned from the injured list to resume his role with the Cincinnati Reds. Injuries affecting closers include Kenley Jansen (Detroit) and Ryan Helsley (St. Louis), who are on the IL.

These analyses illustrate how on‑field performance, injury status and roster needs are shaping trade‑market activity and fantasy valuations as the deadline approaches.