What happened: ESPN's Jeff Passan outlined the landscape ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline. Front offices are evaluating potential roster moves and setting strategies for the final stretch of the season.

Why it matters: With less than two weeks remaining until August 3, clubs face critical decisions on whether to acquire reinforcements or trade current talent for future assets. The resulting transactions will impact the upcoming playoff race.

What to watch: Expect an increase in transactions as the cutoff date approaches and front offices solidify their market positions.