What to expect at MLB trade deadline
USAT’s Bob Nightengale gives insight on possibilities to expect before this year’s MLB trade deadline on August 3rd.
Sports Pulse
Two days out from the 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline and things are still quiet, but the impending move of back-to-back Cy Young winner has the league on the edge of its seat.
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal appears likely to be traded in the 48 hours to come, a deal that could potentially shift power with just two months until the playoffs begin. Other big names said to be on the trading block include the New York Mets’ Freddy Peralta, San Francisco Giants’ Luis Arraez and perhaps All-Star closer Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres.
The trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET on Monday, August 3.
Stay with USA TODAY Sports as the deadline draws near for the latest rumors, news and deals:
When is MLB trade deadline?
Teams must have their trade details finalized and submitted to the league office by the deadline in order for any acquired players to be eligible for the playoffs. After that, players on 40-man rosters can’t be traded.
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
- Date: Monday, Aug. 3
As the first pitch between the Mets and Marlins reached home plate, Freddy Peralta was not at his expected post. The right-hander was along the dugout railing, all smiles in a black Mets hoodie as Kodai Senga unfurled an opening strike.
Peralta was a late scratch from Friday’s start as trade talks intensified with teams across Major League Baseball with Monday’s trade deadline on the horizon. The Mets saw it in their best interest to protect their asset in Peralta.
“That doesn’t mean something is going to materialize tonight, but once talks got to the level that they’re at, it just became the prudent path for us,” Mets interim manager Andy Green said.
– Andrew Tredinnick, NorthJersey.com
Before Baltimore begins a crucial series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, July 31, GM Mike Elias expressed his appreciation for Rutschman — while noting he cannot rule out moving him should the 53-56 Orioles slip further behind in the American League playoff slog.
“We love him. You feel it when he’s gone from the team,” Elias says of Rutschman, currently on the injured list with left wrist inflammation, yet expected to go on a rehab assignment early next week. “Absolutely love Adley and having him as long as we can.”
“But, as I mentioned, I think we put ourselves in a position where we’ve got to be pretty open-minded here as we go into these (deadline) talks. But Adley is one of the best things we have going for us.”
– Gabe Lacques
Hunter Greene, the Reds’ two-time Opening Day starter, said trade rumors have not been a distraction.
“Because I can’t do anything about it,” he said. “Obviously, I’ve grown to have a strong connection with the city and the fan base, with my teammates here, with the staff over the years. But to rack my brain over something I can’t control and to put energy and put stress into it doesn’t make any sense to me.”
With the days ticking down to hours before the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline and the buzz around his name increasing, Greene made his fifth overall start of this season since returning from the injured list on Friday.
“I have no control over this,” when asked after the Reds’ eventual 8-7 win over the Pirates whether this might be his last start with the team. “I’m not on the business side, so…”
– Gordon Wittenmyer, Cincinnati Enquirer
Tarik Skubal and longtime personal catcher Jake Rogers met at the alternate site during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, grew up through Rogers’ career-high 21-homer season until the emergence of All-Star Dillon Dingler pushed Rogers to the margins and, finally, resulted in his getting designated for assignment July 28.
“I love Skoob to death,” Rogers said Friday at Camden Yards. “He made it known that he was going to miss me, and I made it known I was going to miss him. It’s going to happen eventually. To happen the way it did was a little iffy. It’s all a business and they had to do it.
“I feel like I’ve grown up with him. Met him for the first time at the alternate site. We just had such a good relationship since then. Just a really good human and a hardworking human.”
– Gabe Lacques
Some of the the best players thought to be available, in no particular order:
- Tarik Skubal, Tigers
- Luis Arraez, Giants
- Freddy Peralta, Mets
- Mason Miller, Padres
- Casey Mize, Tigers
- Luke Weaver, Mets
- Robbie Ray, Giants
There’s no question two-time defending AL Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal is the top pitcher available on the trade market. The rumors and reported landing spots are everywhere you look.
But only one team can get him … which forces everyone else looking to upgrade their rotation to turn elsewhere.
USA TODAY Sports’ Gabe Lacques has ranked the top 11 non-Skubal trade targets who could also be on the move. The list starts with another left-hander, Robbie Ray of the San Francisco Giants. Who else might be that missing piece for a playoff contender? Freddy Peralta? Kevin Gausman? Or what about another Tiger?
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