What happened: Ken Rosenthal's latest notes column runs through a slate of trade-season items, led by a common trait shared among the most likely Tarik Skubal suitors and the Pirates' reported willingness to trade a competitive-balance comp pick. The column also flags possibilities involving the Blue Jays and Mariners, potential All-Stars on the Marlins, a wild Drohan trade story, and a spectacular swing from Kurtz.
Why it matters: With the deadline approaching, Skubal profiles as the most impactful arm potentially available, and the structure of any deal — including Pittsburgh's openness to attaching a comp pick — could reshape contenders' rotations. Toronto sits just under .500 and faces a buy-or-sell decision, while Seattle is similarly weighing its direction.
By the numbers: Toronto enters the week 37-38, having won three straight and three of its last five, scoring 4.1 runs per game while allowing 4.3.
What to watch: Watch whether Pittsburgh formalizes its willingness to attach a competitive-balance pick and whether Toronto and Seattle declare as buyers or sellers as the deadline nears.