MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Trade Deadline Moves and Impact

The 2026 MLB trade deadline has passed, with some teams making significant moves and others remaining relatively quiet. The Braves faced criticism for not acquiring a top starting pitcher, but pitchers Bryce Elder and Grant Holmes have performed well, suggesting they may not need one. The New York Yankees entered the deadline with questions and left without a major splashy move. Dodgers now considered heavy favorites to win the World Series after acquiring ace Tarik Skubal, significantly improving their odds over the next closest team, the Yankees. Skubal himself that "every team could trade for me" and dismissed criticism of the Dodgers' moves. The Detroit Tigers' president defended their decision to trade Skubal before the deadline, stating that "markets for the top players work" that way.

Several teams bolstered their rotations and bullpens through trades. The Padres acquired left-hander Robbie Ray from the Giants and right-hander Casey Mize from the Tigers to address their rotation issues. The Guardians traded with the Nationals to acquire left-hander Foster Griffin, and also made moves for outfielder Jo Adell and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. The Brewers acquired right-hander Dustin May and left-hander JoJo Romero from the Cardinals, along with right-hander Antonio Sentazela from the Rockies. The Phillies strengthened their bullpen by acquiring left-hander Brooks Raley from the Mets for two minor leaguers. The Blue Jays acquired right-hander Jose Soriano in a trade with the Angels to bolster their rotation. The Mariners, seeking a right-handed bat, acquired outfielder Taylor Ward in a trade with the Orioles. The Angels sent outfielder Jo Adell to the Guardians for catching prospect Jacob Cozart in another trade.

Other notable acquisitions and roster moves were made across the league. The Astros acquired center fielder Daulton Varsho from the Blue Jays and are currently in first place in the AL West. The New York Yankees acquired veteran outfielder Heliot Ramos from the San Francisco Giants, adding depth to their outfield as they lead the American League wild-card race. Luis Garcia Jr., who has a .283 batting average with 23 homers and 76 RBIs, was traded from the Nationals to the Yankees in exchange for four right-handed pitchers. The Phillies acquired three-time batting champion Luis Arraez from the Giants, marking his fifth team in five years. The Cubs acquired right-hander Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the Mets for infielder Jefferson Rojas. The Mets also traded relief pitcher Luke Weaver to the Pirates in exchange for infield prospect Sammy Stafura.

Player Performances and Injuries

Sonny Gray a gem for the Red Sox on Wednesday night, striking out eight over six innings of three-hit ball to earn his AL-leading 14th victory in a 4-0 win against the White Sox. Pete Crow-Armstrong a strong case for NL MVP on Wednesday, hitting two home runs in a win against the Dodgers, a game in which Shohei Ohtani also hit two home runs for Los Angeles. George Lombard the third-youngest Yankee to homer in his professional debut, with his younger brother also hitting a home run in his own debut on the same night.

Several players are dealing with injuries that have impacted their teams. Twins ace Ryan is returning to Minnesota for evaluation of a potential injury after a difficult outing against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. Reds right-hander Greene was placed on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow soreness, having only started five games since his last return from the IL. Dodgers catcher Rushing has a slight tear in the UCL of his right elbow, according to follow-up tests. Padres RHP Pivetta exited his first rehab outing with what was described as minor right elbow tightness. Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage left his start against the Houston Astros after only two innings due to left knee discomfort. Nationals All-Star James Wood was placed on the 10-day IL with a left oblique strain sustained during Monday night's game against the Phillies. Athletics first Nick Kurtz was placed on the 10-day IL with a strained thumb, while left-hander Jeffrey Springs went on the 15-day IL with hip discomfort. Cardinals All-Star fielder Jordan Walker was scratched from the lineup Tuesday night against the Yankees due to right knee inflammation.

Other players are making comebacks or adjusting to new roles. Garrett Crochet Red Sox ace sidelined since late April with an injury, is open to a relief role if he can return in time for the stretch run. Left-hander Cody is set to make his first start for the Rangers since the end of the 2024 season on Wednesday, returning from elbow surgery. designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who was hitting .203 with eight home runs, has been released by the Pirates. Infielder Angel Cleveland's top prospect according to ESPN rankings with a .309 average at Triple-A Columbus, has been called up by the Guardians. Rookie right-hander Sproat became the odd man out of the Brewers' rotation following the acquisition of veteran starter Dustin May. Mariners reliever Speier and an unidentified Tigers player were ejected after Speier hit Gentry Torres with a pitch in the eighth inning, leading to benches and bullpens clearing.

League News and Notes

Mets rookie Jefry Yan celebrated his first strikeout with a viral, high-energy celebration on the mound. Former pitcher Peralta reportedly arranged a meeting in June between Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor to help them address their disconnected relationship. Kevin Gausman happiness about joining the Cubs and is scheduled to make his debut on Friday. acquired catcher Adley Rutschman stated he is focused on fitting in with the surging Red Sox, who have been playing well over the past month. Red Sox felt their team's strong performance warranted significant trade deadline moves, including the acquisition of three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman. Bryce Harper be moving to right field for the remainder of the season following his club's acquisition of Luis Arraez. Two-time Cy Award winner Jacob de Grom informed the Rangers before the trade deadline that he wished to stay with the team.

The Royals activated All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. from the injured list on Tuesday, after he missed two weeks with back tightness. Former Spain Cup hero Ferran Torres is scheduled to throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium. The Blue Jays are acquiring right-hander Jose Soriano from the Angels to bolster their rotation. The Mariners released veteran catcher Mitch Garver and outfielder Rob Refsnyder on Tuesday, among seven roster moves. Brewers ace Misiorowski criticized the Angel Stadium pitching mound, calling it "awful" and a potential injury risk. Left fielder Moniak, who is hitting .277 with 18 home runs and 49 RBIs, has signed a two-year contract extension with the Rockies through 2028.