What happened: The MLB trade market is active ahead of the Monday, Aug. 3 deadline at 6 p.m. ET. The Kansas City Royals acquired right-hander Nate Pearson from the Houston Astros on Wednesday, while the Colorado Rockies sent closer Seth Halvorsen to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Why it matters: Teams have less than two weeks to finalize their rosters before the later-than-usual August buzzer. Players dealt before the deadline remain fully eligible for the postseason with their new organizations, meaning an acquisition on Aug. 3 can start Game 1 of the World Series.
By the numbers: Pearson departs Houston having posted a 3.60 ERA over 20 innings in 2026. Halvorsen heads to the Dodgers organization while recovering from right shoulder inflammation.
What to watch: Clubs must submit all deals before 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 3, as August waiver trades are no longer permitted under the current labor agreement.