What happened: ESPN has published a trade-deadline guide laying out a single move each MLB club should pursue this July, framing every team as either a buyer or a seller ahead of the July 31 deadline. The piece assigns each roster its clearest path, from contenders chasing an upgrade to rebuilders positioning to sell.

Why it matters: The deadline is one of the season's biggest inflection points, and with roughly a month to go, front offices are weighing where they sit in the standings against what a deal would cost. Tight division and wild-card races raise the stakes on every decision, making the difference between a playoff push and a reset.

What to watch: Expect activity to intensify as the July 31 deadline approaches and clubs firm up their buyer-or-seller stance.