What happened: Minnesota and Washington are each one game from a wild-card spot, while Chicago holds a two-game AL Central lead. Washington has already exchanged Curtis Mead for Connelly Early in a roster-balancing move.
Why it matters: Trevor Larnach, Ryan Jeffers, Joe Ryan and Josh Bell would expand the market if Minnesota sells. Washington controls CJ Abrams for two more years, while Chicago must weigh short-term additions against its longer-term plan.
By the numbers: Minnesota’s 80-win pace is 15 wins above its preseason projection; Washington is 19 wins above its projection, and Chicago is 18 wins higher. Nineteen players on Chicago’s 26-man roster entered 2026 with fewer than three years of service time.
What to watch: The clubs’ final games before the deadline will determine whether they sell, buy or pursue moves in both directions. The Yankees’ interest in Jeffers bears watching if Minnesota makes him available.