MLB Trade Deadline: Cubs, Phillies Lead 12 Teams With Biggest Needs
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- Chicago Cubs enter the deadline with their rotation gutted — Cade Horton underwent season-ending elbow surgery, Justin Steele suffered a setback in his return, Edward Cabrera is recovering from a June leg injury, and Jameson Taillon was designated for assignment — making any and all pitching the priority.
- Philadelphia Phillies are 43-16 when Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler, and Jesus Luzardo start but just 14-34 in all other games, with Aaron Nola struggling and the No. 5 rotation spot a mess, prompting rival executives to expect both a veteran starter and a reliever before Monday.
- Tampa Bay Rays sit atop the AL but face rotation fragility — Shane McClanahan is at 96 innings after missing two years and Drew Rasmussen carries ongoing injury concerns — positioning them as a sleeper destination for Tarik Skubal if Detroit makes him available.
- Seattle Mariners rank 28th in MLB in OPS against left-handed pitching, down from 12th last year, creating acute need for a right-handed bat despite a roster featuring Julio Rodriguez, Cal Raleigh, and Josh Naylor.
- Pittsburgh Pirates have surged into contention after a year of added payroll, but their bullpen ranks 24th in ERA — a rival executive told reporters the club "is going to be aggressive" and could pursue Mason Miller or Adrian Morejon.
- New York Yankees prioritize a power reliever to match up in October after injuries to Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger thinned the lineup, with Mason Miller identified as the "perfect solution."
- Boston Red Sox remain in the shortstop market even after landing Curtis Mead, and have checked on Miami Marlins' Otto Lopez, who leads all MLB hitters with a .328 average this season.
Why it matters: The Cubs have effectively lost four rotation pieces to injury or roster moves in one season, and the Phillies' 43-16 vs. 14-34 split when their top three starters pitch quantifies how thin both clubs' margins are. With the 6 p.m. ET deadline Monday, a shallow pool of controllable arms — Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, Mason Miller — will command premium prospect returns from contenders trying to survive October.
