The MLB trade deadline is a little more than six weeks away and every team knows their biggest needs by now, subject to change based on future injuries and/or performance. This type of information is critical as teams begin to engage in trade talks. Once front office leaders know exactly what the other teams need the most, it’s easier to find out which teams are the best trade fits for them.Most years, the biggest focus of the trade deadline is which teams are the buyers (contenders) and which ones are the sellers (non-contenders). However, this year, only the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies are truly out of the race, so it’s probably safe to say that most trades made will be between two teams with some path to the postseason.Deals don’t generally happen overnight. It takes time for clubs to assess what each team is looking for and what surpluses exist so that the groundwork for a deal can be laid. Understanding what each team needs is usually the first step.I contacted all 30 clubs over the weekend to get their most pressing needs and here is what I found out.National League EastAtlanta BravesNeeds: Starting pitching; another hitterThe recent Spencer Strider injury news has pushed the Braves’ need for starting pitching to the front of the line, with another hitter being a secondary need. In terms of a bat, left field or shortstop are likely their two target areas.Adolis García’s injury leaves a big void for the Phillies in right field. (Chris Young / The Canadian Press via Associated Press)Philadelphia PhilliesNeed: OutfielderAcquiring another outfielder is the Phillies’ top priority after the significant injury to Adolis García. Although fans would love to see a Mike Trout trade, that seems extremely unlikely at this point due to his contract and the historical unwillingness of Angels ownership to trade their superstars.Washington NationalsNeed: Bullpen armsRelief pitching will be the Nationals’ top trade target. They lead the major leagues in runs scored and they’re happy with the performances of Cade Cavalli, Foster Griffin, Zack Littell and Miles Mikolas in starting and/or bulk roles. Acquiring multiple relievers to piece together the backend of games is their strategy.Miami MarlinsNeed: More offenseThe Marlins continue to have hitters at the top of their trade target list and are willing to trade from their strong cabinet of pitching prospects to get more bats. If they fall out of the race, look for them to deal veteran starter Sandy Alcantara for multiple hitting prospects.New York MetsNeeds: More offense; better healthThe Mets are hoping the return of Francisco Lindor will help them score more runs. The lack of offensive consistency is their biggest concern right now. Having to deal with the extended injuries of Lindor, Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr. has cost them. Trading for more offense in addition to getting Lindor back is on their checklist of things to do.National League CentralMilwaukee BrewersNeeds: Bullpen; another batThe Brewers are clearly the team to beat in the NL Central and most of their needs can be solved by just texting their farm system and promoting the next prospect. However, they believe that the bullpen is their biggest need and another big bat is their secondary one.St. Louis CardinalsNeed: PitchingThe Cardinals have been the biggest surprise team in the NL, and they believe that their biggest needs are on the pitching side — both starting and relieving. They think many of their pitching needs can be filled through promoting prospects. That said, if they stay in the race, they’ll be a threat for one of the starting pitchers on the market.Defense has been an issue for the Pirates this season. (John E. Sokolowski / Imagn Images)Pittsburgh PiratesNeeds: Bullpen; better defendersThe Pirates are concentrating on improving their run prevention and that includes improvements to both their defense and bullpen quality and depth. The Pirates believe they have some internal solutions but are open-minded to trades, as well.Chicago CubsNeed: Starting pitchingThe Cubs have made it clear to opposing front offices that trading for starting pitching is their top priority and they’ve been making those calls and texts for weeks. They have a strong enough roster at both the major- and minor-leagues levels to make another significant trade between now and the deadline similar to their offseason deal for Edward Cabrera. If only their rotation could have stayed healthy.Cincinnati RedsNeed: BullpenThe Reds are focused on improving their bullpen and have significant minor-league infield depth to make that happen. They prefer to trade for relievers with control beyond this year rather than rentals, if possible.