AnalysisThe Dodgers remain in their own tier: World Series or bust. Adding Tarik Skubal only solidifies their position. Nick Cammett / Getty ImagesAug. 2, 2026 Updated 12:32 am EDTThe Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline.For five days and most of a sixth, The Athletic’s Ambition Index was tapping its toes like Sonic the Hedgehog, waiting to see some ambition.Late Saturday night, the trade deadline moved from DIY shopping at Dollar General to higher-end boutiques. The Dodgers added Tarik Skubal.That means it’s time to revise our ranking of each team’s ambitions for the 2026 season, as revealed in its trade deadline activity. Because you must always remember one lesson from Sonic: You have to do something to get those rings.A reminder of how the teams are ranked:
Tier 1, World Series or bust: Teams that could consider this season a disappointment if they only win the pennant.
Tier 2, Contending sustainably: Teams that are in it just about every year — and they aim to keep that going as much as possible.
Tier 3, Can we make noise in October?: Teams that, as currently constituted, feel one piece short of really challenging in the postseason.
Tier 4, Is this really worth it?: Teams that will have to quickly interpret shifting playoff outlooks to decide how much to commit for 2026.
