The MLB trade season is an annual cycle with a well-defined mechanic. After the June calls to express interest in players, the first offers arise in mid-July, favoring teams willing to give up players and, therefore, with greater bargaining power. This explains the scarcity of transfers before the All-Star game, and reminds us that the absence of an agreement now does not rule it out in the future. Many factors influence the market (the needs of the teams, the willingness of contenders to make moves, the standings, recent performance), so predicting specific agreements is risky. However, here we analyze possible fits for teams with winning records, looking for the key pieces that could make a difference.
Below are the 16 MLB teams with positive records, ordered by league and record. Each has a need, and here are the players who could fill those gaps.
American League
Detroit Tigers
Record: 59-35, First place, AL CentralWeakness: Relief pitchers who cause strikeouts
Best option: David Bednar, Pittsburgh PiratesAlthough Cade Smith (Cleveland Guardians) and Griffin Jax (Minnesota Twins) would be good options, a trade within the division to obtain a reliever with strikeout ability is unlikely for Detroit. Bednar, recovered from an irregular 2024, has returned to his 2021-23 form, when he was one of the best relievers in the league. His high-velocity fastball and his curveball and splitter would be a great addition to the Tigers’ bullpen.
Besides the bullpen, the Tigers don’t need much more. Their offense is solid, and manager AJ Hinch has shown that his constant adjustments work. Securing Bednar for two playoff runs is a key step for a team looking to capitalize in an accessible American League.Houston Astros
Record: 55-38, First place, AL West Weakness: Starting pitching and left-handed hitting Best option: Seth Lugo, Kansas City Royals Despite the losses and a rotation with rookies, the Astros surprise. Reinforcing the pitching with Lugo, despite the cost, would give them a fearsome postseason rotation, consolidating them as contenders. Although their statistics could regress, his variety of pitches allows him to adapt, something that few starters can do.Toronto Blue Jays
Record: 54-39, First place, AL EastWeakness: Starting pitching
Best option: Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates Keller, with his best season in seven years, would solve the Blue Jays’ rotation problems. In addition, they could look for Bednar, Dennis Santana, or Caleb Ferguson to complement their bullpen. Keller, under contract for three years and at a reasonable price, is a great option for a team looking for controllable pitching.New York Yankees
Record: 51-41, Second place, AL East (first wild card) Weakness: Third base and pitching Best option: Eugenio Suárez, Arizona Diamondbacks The Yankees need multiple solutions. Suárez, with his power and his position at third base, is a good start. They could even look for Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly. Suárez, under contract for one year, would give them an opportunity, and if it works, they could renew it.Tampa Bay Rays
Record: 50-43, Third place, AL East (second wild card) Weakness: Relief pitching Best option: Griffin Jax, Minnesota Twins Jax, with his 97 mph fastball and slider, would be a great reinforcement. Although the Rays don’t usually overpay for relievers, Jax, with two years of control, would be a great addition.Seattle Mariners
Record: 48-44, Second place, AL West (third wildcard) Weakness: Infielder Best option: Josh Naylor, Arizona Diamondbacks Naylor would significantly improve Seattle’s lineup. His average and on-base ability would make him a great complement. The Mariners have the prospect capital to make this trade happen.Boston Red Sox
Record: 49-45, Fourth place, AL East (third wild card) Weakness: Relief pitching Best option: Ryan Helsley, St. Louis Cardinals Helsley would give Boston one of the best closer and setup man combinations in baseball. With the return of Alex Bregman and the good performance of other players, the Red Sox could become contenders.National League
Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 56-38, First place, NL West Weakness: Pitching depth Best option: Jhoan Duran, Minnesota Twins Durán, with his 100 mph fastball and his splinker, is a great option. Despite the high price, the Dodgers need to reinforce their pitching to take advantage of Shohei Ohtani’s time.Chicago Cubs
Record: 54-38, First place, NL CentralWeakness: Starting pitching
Best option: Sandy Alcántara, Miami Marlins Despite a difficult season, Alcantara could be a great addition. The Cubs, with a solid offense and defense, need a quality starter to be a top team.Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 54-39, First place, NL East Weakness: Bullpen and outfield Best option: Emmanuel Clase, Cleveland Guardians The Phillies, with their ambition, could pursue Clase and Steven Kwan. Securing player control and cost stability is key. They need to reinforce their bullpen for the postseason.New York Mets
Record: 53-39, Second place, NL East (first wild card) Weakness: Pitching depth Best option: Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks The Mets, who started well thanks to their starting pitching, need to reinforce that area. Gallen, if he stabilizes, could be a great reinforcement.Milwaukee Brewers
Record: 53-40, Second place, NL Central (second wild card)Weakness: Power
Best option: Ryan O’Hearn, Baltimore Orioles O’Hearn, who punishes right-handed pitching, could be a great addition to the Brewers’ offense.San Francisco Giants
Record: 51-43, Second place, NL West (third wild card)Weakness: Starting pitching
Best option: Merrill Kelly, Arizona Diamondbacks Kelly would represent a significant upgrade for the Giants’ rotation.San Diego Padres
Record: 49-43, Third place, NL West (one game behind the third wild card) Weakness: Left field Best option: Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox Duran and the Padres have been linked. With Duran’s possible departure, the Padres could transform their outfield.St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 49-44, Third place, NL Central (1 1/2 games behind the third wild card)Weakness: Starting pitching
Best option: Taj Bradley, Tampa Bay Rays Bradley, with great potential, could be a great addition for the Cardinals.Cincinnati Reds
Record: 47-46, Fourth place, NL Central (3 1/2 games behind the third wild card) Weakness: Bullpen and power hitter Best option: Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians Kwan, with his ability to bat and defend, would reinforce the Reds’ lineup.
