What happened: Joel Sherman contrasts the hitter shortage with the high-profile pitching markets around Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller. Clubs have until Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. ET to complete trades.

Why it matters: Broad demand and limited inventory could drive up acquisition costs for available hitters. Buyers unable to add right-handed offense may have to redirect resources toward pitching or other needs.

What to watch: Watch whether sellers expand the available inventory before the deadline or contenders pivot elsewhere.