MLB Power Rankings: Each team's trade deadline priority

It's the sixth edition of theScore's MLB Power Rankings for the 2026 season. Here we look at each team's biggest priority to address ahead of this year's trade deadline.

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1. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers' deadline plans will largely be dictated by the return timetables for some of their injured stars (Will Smith, Edwin Díaz, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell). Expect the reigning champs to add to the back end of the rotation and beef up their bench. Even without a major addition, Los Angeles is as well positioned as any team to make a deep postseason run.

2. Milwaukee Brewers

This probably sounds familiar to Brewers fans, but this great team needs an injection of power. Milwaukee is tied for the fewest home runs hit in the NL, and just three of the team's hitters have reached double-digit homers. The Brewers should pursue power at either third base or right field, where they've received good defense but little in the way of offense. One more depth starter to compensate for Brandon Woodruff's latest injury wouldn't hurt either.

3. Atlanta Braves

The Braves sit atop the NL East despite battling injuries again. Atlanta's rotation will get Spencer Strider, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Spencer Schwellenbach back at different points in the second half. However, there's no guarantee they'll produce when they return. The front office needs to find a top starter to pair with Chris Sale. Another corner outfielder or bat to serve as a designated hitter would also strengthen the roster.

4. Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays are 18 games above .500 and own a plus-32 run differential thanks to one of the best starting rotations in the majors. Tampa Bay could be even better if it added a right-handed bat with power and some more bullpen help. The Rays rank 26th in homers and 28th in isolated power while posting a combined .689 OPS against lefties compared to a .755 OPS against right-handed pitching. The bullpen has also combined for a 4.27 ERA, good for 19th in the majors.

5. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs' need for pitching - especially starting pitching - is an emergency at this point. They currently have 12 pitchers, including five starters, on the injured list, and it seems like another arm is going down almost every week. Right now, the Cubs don't have a healthy starting pitcher with an ERA below four. If there's a starter available, the Cubs should pounce.

6. Philadelphia Phillies

You can rely on Dave Dombrowski to shop the top shelf. The Phillies need to add at least one impact bat to the outfield as well as a starter at the back of the rotation. Philadelphia's outfielders rank 29th in wRC+ (82) and last in the majors in fWAR (1.0). Dombrowski should operate with a lot of urgency.

7. New York Yankees

Brian Cashman is always one of the busiest executives this time of year. The Yankees have hit a rough patch, and it doesn't look like Aaron Judge will return to save the day anytime soon. Austin Wells' immense struggles likely make acquiring a catcher a priority. The rotation was projected to be a serious strength, but it's been dogged by injuries and could benefit from reinforcements. Cashman reliably adds relief help at the deadline as well.

8. Chicago White Sox

Nobody envisioned the White Sox being buyers at the deadline, but here we are. While Chicago's lineup is loaded with young and talented position players, the rotation wouldn't strike any fear into a playoff opponent - the group ranks 20th in fWAR. Davis Martin and Sean Burke are enjoying breakout campaigns, but the club would be wise to add a frontline starter. The bullpen could also use another arm.

9. Miami Marlins

The Marlins reportedly intend to be buyers and are looking to upgrade at third base. Connor Norby was supposed to be a fixture at the position for the Marlins, but he was demoted to the minors in late June amid a tough campaign. Miami's used a rotation of players at the hot corner this season - and they've combined for a .649 OPS.

10. Texas Rangers

The Rangers' bullpen is banged up, with veterans Jalen Beeks, Robert Garcia, Jakob Junis, and Chris Martin all sidelined with injuries. Of the four, only Junis isn't expected to miss considerable time. There are a lot of question marks in the 'pen aside from Jacob Latz, so Texas should be on the hunt for an arm or two if it wants to remain atop the AL West with the Mariners and Astros close behind.

11. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates' bullpen has been fairly volatile, with several of their most important relievers taking major steps back. Adding veteran lefty Brandon Eisert just before the break is a start, but the Pirates need to go out and grab some real firepower if they're going to make a run. Adding high-caliber relievers would also allow Carmen Mlodzinski to return to the rotation, where he'd be an upgrade over Bubba Chandler and Mitch Keller.

12. Seattle Mariners

It's hard to believe Dominic Canzone leads the Mariners in homers and OPS. The outfielder is one of only two regulars on the club with an .800 OPS or better. Seattle desperately needs to improve its slugging percentage: It ranks third last in baseball, thanks in large part to Josh Naylor's struggles and a miserable campaign from reigning AL MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh. The Mariners are reportedly open to trading from a position of strength, potentially dangling a rotation piece to add a bat.

13. Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox looked like major sellers a month ago, but a nine-game winning streak heading into the deadline has changed the complexion of their season. Craig Breslow is arguably under more pressure than any other MLB executive, so expect him to be desperate. Boston's top priority should be adding offense anywhere in the lineup. The Red Sox need help at almost every position besides center field and first base.

14. San Diego Padres

If the Padres are going to buy - and it's still hard to tell - they need some bats. They could upgrade at second base given Jake Cronenworth's struggles; he's hit better since returning from the IL but could shift into a utility role if necessary. Another corner outfielder, particularly one with power, and some rotation help behind Michael King should also be on A.J. Preller's shopping list.

15. St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have been unexpectedly competitive in what was supposed to be the first year of a rebuild. Yet, if you look under the hood, St. Louis needs help in every aspect of the game except defense. The team's slugging is limited beyond Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson, the rotation is young, and the bullpen is mediocre. The Cardinals could buy and sell simultaneously, potentially flipping players such as Dustin May, JoJo Romero, and Ryne Stanek.

16. Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians are one of the most conservative teams in free agency and at the trade deadline, but they still have needs to address: most notably, offense. Even with José Ramírez expected to return in late July, Cleveland needs to do something to beef up its run totals. Only the San Diego Padres have scored fewer runs than the Guardians this season.

17. Detroit Tigers

No team will influence the deadline like Detroit. Tarik Skubal is the biggest name and biggest difference-maker who could potentially be moved. Even if the Tigers continue to play well over the next few weeks, there's a case to be made that they can trade away their ace and remain competitive. Skubal is a powerful piece for the Tigers to possess.

18. Houston Astros

It'll be an interesting deadline for the Astros, who are within striking distance of a playoff spot despite an injury-plagued campaign. Houston might both buy and sell before the deadline to free up payroll to address particular areas of need, such as the outfield. The Astros already traded Lance McCullers Jr. and have reportedly been shopping other back-end starters.

19. Arizona Diamondbacks

The D-Backs are over .500 despite a bottom-five offense and rotation. Arizona's lineup needs to add at least two bats, upgrading first base and the outfield, if the club plans to make a push for a wild-card spot. The team's recorded the second-fewest homers (89) in baseball and is tied for the worst wRC+ (90). Eduardo Rodriguez has been one of the only reliable starters. The D-Backs could get a boost when Corbin Burnes returns. Trading Michael Soroka - if he's healthy - is another option.

20. Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles' offense can reach another level if Gunnar Henderson, who owns a sub-.700 OPS, produces the way he has in the past. So Baltimore should focus on improving its mediocre pitching staff if the club is contending for a wild-card spot when the deadline rolls around. Trading for a high-leverage reliever with closing experience would be smart considering Ryan Helsley's elbow issues. The O's could also use another reliable starter with Chris Bassitt injured.

21. Minnesota Twins

Given how close the AL is right now, the Twins appear ready to make at least a small push, and improving the bullpen would be a good place to start. Yoendrys Gómez, who was acquired from Tampa Bay for cash considerations in May, and rookie Andrew Morris have been Minnesota's only impact relievers this year. If they want to really go for it, the Twins can try to find an upgrade at shortstop and maybe one more depth starter.

22. Washington Nationals

Washington's only four games out of a playoff spot, but that's a bit of a mirage, and this team isn't ready to be a full-scale buyer quite yet. That said, the Nats could sell high on the likes of Foster Griffin, Clayton Beeter, PJ Poulin, or Orlando Ribalta to bring in some more young, high-upside talent that's ready to contribute immediately.

23. Toronto Blue Jays

It was a pretty miserable first half for the reigning AL champions. There's a silver lining, though: Despite numerous injuries and a bottom-five offense, the Blue Jays are just 2.5 games out of a playoff spot. Expect Toronto to bet on its core and add bats. A right-handed hitting outfielder should be the priority alongside a frontline starter - preferably one with additional years of control.

24. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds regressed after last year's wild-card berth. Cincinnati still has a bright future with young stars such as Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, Hunter Greene, and Chase Burns, who just inked a seven-year extension. However, waving the white flag on 2026 is probably the smart decision. The team should look to move Eugenio Suárez, Brady Singer, Nathaniel Lowe, Emilio Pagán, Tyler Stephenson, and Pierce Johnson.

25. Athletics

The Athletics might have been full-scale buyers if a litany of injuries hadn't derailed their season. It'll once again be a sell-off in West Sacramento, albeit on a smaller scale than last year. Like the Nationals, the A's should look to trade their veterans and potential impact relievers for players who can contribute right away and help right the ship over the next couple of years. They should be working hard to add more young starting pitchers and some help at second base.

26. San Francisco Giants

A lost season in San Francisco can be salvaged if the Giants can move some of their veterans to restock the farm system. While it seems unlikely that Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, or Matt Chapman will be traded before Aug. 3, Luis Arraez should pack his suitcase, and Robbie Ray is another name to watch. The Giants have the assets required to bring back the caliber of prospects the organization needs for a proper reset.

27. New York Mets

Coming into the season, did anyone expect the Mets to be potential sellers ahead of the deadline? That's the position David Stearns and his front office find themselves in now. Luke Weaver should attract a lot of interest; the right-hander hasn't allowed a run in 25 straight appearances and has given up just two hits since the beginning of June. While selling low on Freddy Peralta might not be wise, he's a pending free agent who could still net a decent return.

28. Kansas City Royals

Not even Bobby Witt Jr.'s excellence can save the Royals from selling. Expect Kansas City to deal as many veteran players as possible, with Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha drawing the most attention. Pending free agents Lane Thomas and Starling Marte might also bring something back in trades.

29. Colorado Rockies

We're starting to see some progress in Colorado, and there are some core pieces to build around, but the Rockies still shouldn't buy at the deadline. Paul DePodesta needs to sell high on the strong seasons of Antonio Senzatela and Mickey Moniak and find out if there's any market for the Rockies' other veterans.

30. Los Angeles Angels

The Angels are poised to extend their playoff drought to 12 years, which is the longest current streak in the majors. Los Angeles should move assets with multiple years of control to start a long-overdue proper rebuild. José Soriano, Reid Detmers, Jo Adell, and Zach Neto could fetch a haul, but owner Arte Moreno continues to ignore the realities facing his team. Mike Trout, who turns 35 in August, deserves better.