We are less than a month away from the Aug. 3 trade deadline and contending teams know their biggest needs and which players they hope to target in deals. Teams expected to be sellers will be listening to offers on their veteran players and are scouring the farm systems of organizations they think they’ll match up with in possible trades.Of course, team needs can change with one injury, one week of slumps or a player who unexpectedly becomes available for a deal. Trades usually don’t happen overnight; instead, there are weeks of discussions, negotiations and constant monitoring of the market and where teams stand in the playoff race.Though that work is being done now, most front offices are so focused on the upcoming MLB Draft that true trade discussions won’t begin in earnest until right after the All-Star Game.Most years, we look at the trade deadline through the lens of which teams are buyers (contending teams) and which are sellers (non-contending teams). However, with all but a small handful of MLB teams within reasonable striking distance of the playoffs, it’s probably safe to say that most moves made at this year’s trade deadline will be between two teams with possible paths to the postseason.With that in mind, let’s look at all 30 teams, where they stand and which players might be the best fits in a potential trade.NL EastAtlanta BravesThe Braves are searching for a starting pitcher who is worthy of a Game 2 playoff series nod. Their top trade targets have to include Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, José Soriano, Reid Detmers, Freddy Peralta, Sonny Gray, Sandy Alcántara, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha and Robbie Ray.Best fit: Joe Ryan, RHP, Minnesota TwinsIt would probably take two of JR Ritchie, Cam Caminiti and Didier Fuentes to pry Ryan away from Minnesota.Philadelphia PhilliesDue to right fielder Adolís García’s season-ending injury, the Phillies have made a corner outfielder or first baseman their top priority. Right field is their preference, but they know Bryce Harper is willing to move to right field if they can land a first baseman.There is not much of a market for that type of player, but here are some possibilities: Mike Trout (even though it’s highly unlikely that Trout is traded), Jo Adell, JJ Bleday, Spencer Steer, Jarren Duran, Bryan Reynolds, Kody Clemens, Spencer Torkelson, Willson Contreras and TJ Rumfield.Best fit: Jo Adell, OF, Los Angeles AngelsA package of Dante Nori, Gabe Craig and Ramon Marquez could entice the Angels’ new leadership to make the deal.Washington NationalsThe Nationals are making relief pitching their top trade priority and the market will be flooded with relievers. Some possible targets include: Antonio Senzatela, Seth Halvorsen, Matt Gage, Keaton Winn, Chase Silseth and Sam Bachman.Best fit: Antonio Senzatela, RHP, Colorado RockiesSenzatela has made a seamless transition from starter to reliever this season.Miami MarlinsThe Marlins continue to prioritize adding offense and are willing to trade from their strong cabinet of pitching prospects. The position with the biggest need for more thump is third base. Possible trade targets for them include Josh Jung, Royce Lewis and Nolan Gorman.Could a resurgent Royce Lewis be a fit for the Marlins? (Michael Turner / MLB Photos via Getty Images)Best fit: Royce Lewis, IF, Minnesota TwinsThe Twins are desperate for pitching upgrades and would have to consider dangling Lewis at this point. He only makes $2.85 million and would fit in Miami’s challenging budget.New York MetsThe Mets should be selling at this point and must be hoping that Freddy Peralta starts pitching a lot better, as his trade value has dropped considerably after his ERA ballooned into the high 4s as his velocity dropped across the board.Best fit: SellNL CentralMilwaukee BrewersThe Brewers are clearly the team to beat in the NL Central and most of their needs can be solved with internal promotions. However, their primary need is bullpen depth, and adding a third left-handed reliever makes a lot sense. If the Red Sox deal Ardolis Chapman, he would be ideal to pair with Trevor Megill. Other lefties that might make sense include Anthony Bender, Brock Burke, Daniel Lynch and A.J. Minter.Best fit: A.J. Minter, LHP, New York MetsMinter has pitched well since returning from left lat surgery in late May.St. Louis CardinalsThe Cardinals have been the NL’s biggest surprise, and they believe that their biggest need is a starting pitcher. Without giving up any of their very top prospects, their most realistic trade targets are a reunion with Sonny Gray or acquiring Robbie Ray.Best fit: Robbie Ray, LHP, San Francisco GiantsPerhaps a package that includes right-hander Tanner Franklin and shortstop Yairo Padilla could get a deal done.Pittsburgh PiratesThe Pirates are concentrating on improving their run prevention, specifically by beefing up the bullpen with a difference-making back-end reliever. Possible candidates include Aroldis Chapman, Luke Weaver, Alex Lange and Jimmy Herget.Best fit: Luke Weaver, RHP, New York MetsWeaver can set up, close and throw multiple innings.Chicago CubsThe Cubs have made it clear to opposing teams that trading for starting pitching is their top priority. If they think they can win the division, they’ll swing for the fences and make a run at Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan or José Soriano. However, their most realistic targets will probably be Sonny Gray, Robbie Ray or Freddy Peralta.Could Sonny Gray return to the NL Central? (Jaiden Tripi / Getty Images)Best fit: Sonny Gray, RHP, Boston Red SoxThe Cubs could offer Matt Shaw as the headliner in the package, and he would be a solid fit for Boston.Cincinnati RedsThe Reds need another impact bat, preferably in the outfield, but the way they’re playing right now, they’re much better off being sellers.Best fit: SellNL WestLos Angeles DodgersThe Dodgers believe they just need to get healthy to win their third straight title and they are unlikely to make any big moves at this year’s deadline. There are whispers that if Tarik Skubal is made available, the Dodgers don’t plan on being involved, although I wouldn’t necessarily bet against them making a play to acquire Skubal. They just have too much talent depth at all levels not to at least get involved at the buzzer.Best fit: Just get healthySan Diego PadresThe Padres’ top priority should be to land a top-of-the-rotation starter, and it won’t surprise me if they target Tarik Skubal and Joe Ryan and are willing to swap their best prospect, Ethan Salas. Why? Because that’s what they do. However, it’s probably more realistic they land either Freddy Peralta, Sonny Gray, Robbie Ray or Reid Detmers instead.
MLB Trade Deadline buzz: Top targets for contenders and which teams should sell
Let’s look at all 30 teams, where they stand and which players might be the best fits in a potential trade.








