The 12 MLB teams that most need to make a deal by trade deadline day
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- Chicago Cubs are desperate for pitching after Cade Horton went down with season-ending elbow surgery, Justin Steele suffered a setback early in the season, Edward Cabrera went on the shelf with a major leg injury, and Jameson Taillon — their highest-paid pitcher — was designated for assignment
- Philadelphia Phillies are 43-16 when Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler, and Jesus Luzardo start but 14-34 in all other games, with Aaron Nola struggling and the No. 5 spot in the rotation a mess
- New York Yankees are prioritizing a bullpen arm — Mason Miller called the 'perfect solution' — even as injuries to Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger leave the lineup looking like a spring training game
- Tampa Bay Rays are the AL's best team, but Shane McClanahan is at 96 innings after not pitching the last two years and Drew Rasmussen's injury history makes rotation depth a pressing concern
- Atlanta Braves could anchor a Tarik Skubal package with 23-year-old prospect JR Ritchie, as their farm system is positioned to compete with the Rays for the Tigers ace
- Boston Red Sox are shopping for a shortstop despite Marcelo Mayer's long-anticipated role, having checked in on the Marlins' Otto Lopez, who leads all MLB hitters with a .328 average
Why it matters: With contenders across both leagues chasing pitching and bullpen help ahead of Monday's 6 p.m. ET deadline, the Phillies' stark 43-16 vs. 14-34 split depending on whether Sanchez, Wheeler, and Luzardo pitch shows just how much one acquisition could swing October. Expect the postseason field to be reshaped by this weekend's deals.
