What happened: MLB.com published a rundown of five questions front offices face heading into the July 31 trade deadline as teams resume play following the All-Star break. The piece frames the deadline picture around which clubs will buy, sell, or stand pat over the next two weeks.

Why it matters: With only seven of the league's 30 teams sitting more than five games back of a playoff spot, the market skews toward more buyers and fewer clear sellers than in past years. That dynamic tends to inflate the price of available pitching and bullpen help as the deadline nears.

What to watch: Expect the picture to sharpen over the next two weeks as fringe contenders decide whether to buy or sell before the July 31 deadline.