What happened: Each club gets an individual question tied to its roster direction entering the final week before the cutoff. The league-wide order now reflects decisions facing contenders, sellers and teams between those paths.

Why it matters: Front offices have limited time to determine whether to add talent, move veterans or hold their rosters steady. Those choices can reshape playoff races and long-term plans for the stretch run.

What to watch: Trades and roster decisions before Aug. 3 will clarify which clubs are pushing for October and which are prioritizing future seasons.