MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: August 7, 2026, 1:22 PM ET

Trade Deadline Fallout and Analysis

The 2026 trade deadline produced significant movement across baseball, and the updated power rankings reveal where every team stands after Monday's flurry of activity. Beyond the established big leaguers who changed uniforms, the top prospects traded in those deals could define the next generation of contenders. Our deadline awards analysis hands out titles for the most interesting elements of the deadline, from boldest buyer to most puzzling seller. The winners and losers breakdown shows the Dodgers hit it out of the park while the Orioles and Brewers swung and missed badly.

Red Sox Surging

The Boston Red Sox extended their winning streak to eight games with a wild 12-11 victory over the White Sox that stretched into the 13th inning. Caleb Durbin lined a single to center field off Erick Fedde to score Nick Sogard, capping a dramatic comeback in a game that featured plenty of offensive fireworks. Sonny Gray earned his AL-leading 14th win with three-hit ball and eight strikeouts over six innings against Chicago, matching his career high. The club made its biggest splash by acquiring Adley Rutschman in a blockbuster trade with Baltimore, adding a three-time All-Star catcher to an already surging lineup. Rutschman said he's just trying to fit in with a team that has been rolling over the last month, and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow insisted the surging Red Sox deserved these aggressive trades. First baseman Triston Casas underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist, the latest setback to land him on the injured list. Meanwhile, ace Garrett Crochet, who hasn't pitched since late April due to injury, is open to a relief role if he can recover in time for the stretch run.

Dodgers and the Skubal Era

The Dodgers acquired Tarik Skubal in a blockbuster trade, and the two-time Cy Young Award winner made his Los Angeles debut against the Cubs. Skubal didn't have his best stuff, landing only 51 strikes on 85 pitches while the Dodgers offered little run support in a loss. The left-hander said he doesn't sympathize with Dodgers critics, noting that every team could have traded for him. The Skubal acquisition strengthened Los Angeles's World Series odds dramatically, putting them well ahead of the Yankees on the betting board. There is some concern in the organization, however, as follow-up testing revealed catcher Dalton Rushing has a slight UCL tear in his right elbow.

Braves Sweep Marlins

Ronald Acuña Jr. hit two home runs as the Braves beat the Marlins 11-3 to complete a three-game sweep, with one blast assisted by a Miami outfield miscommunication and Matt Olson also adding a homer. After facing heavy criticism for missing on a top-line starter at the deadline, Bryce Elder and Grant Holmes have pitched like Atlanta didn't need one anyway.

Phillies and Cubs

Cristopher Sanchez became the first 15-game winner in the majors this season, earning his fifth straight victory as the Phillies beat the Nationals 7-3. Bryce Harper will move to right field for the remainder of the season after the Phillies swung a deal for three-time batting champion Luis Arraez, with Harper having homered in Monday's win over Washington. Pete Crow-Armstrong emerged as the NL MVP favorite after slugging two home runs against the Dodgers, while Shohei Ohtani also went deep twice in the same game at Wrigley Field. Kevin Gausman will make his Cubs debut on Friday and said he's happy to be in Chicago after the trade. The Cubs acquired Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the Mets for infielder Jefferson Rojas to bolster an injury-depleted pitching staff.

Injuries and Roster Moves

Joe Ryan is expected to need an injured list stint after an MRI revealed a mild left glute strain for the struggling Twins ace. Hunter Greene returned to the 15-day IL with right elbow soreness after making just five starts since coming off the injured list. Nick Pivetta exited his first rehab outing with what the Padres called minor tightness in his right elbow. Trey Yesavage lasted only two innings before leaving his start against Houston with left knee discomfort. Jordan Walker was scratched from the Cardinals lineup against the Yankees due to right knee inflammation. James Wood was placed on the 10-day IL by the Nationals after suffering a left oblique strain while batting. The Athletics placed Nick Kurtz on the 10-day IL with a strained thumb and Jeffrey Springs on the 15-day IL with hip discomfort.

Transactions and Roster News

The Pirates released Marcell Ozuna after the veteran designated hitter hit just .203 with eight home runs, calling up a replacement in the process. The Guardians called up top prospect Angel Genao, who hit .309 at Triple-A Columbus, and designated Gabriel Arias for assignment. George Lombard Jr. homered in his Yankees debut, becoming the third-youngest Yankee to go deep in a first game, doing it on a night when his little brother also homered in his professional debut. Cody Bradford will make his first Rangers start since the end of the 2024 season in his comeback from elbow surgery. The Brewers optioned Brandon Sproat to Triple-A after acquiring veteran starter Dustin May at the deadline. The Mariners released Mitch Garver and Rob Refsnyder among seven roster moves, and activated Taylor Ward. The Royals activated Bobby Witt Jr. from the injured list after the All-Star shortstop missed two weeks with back tightness. The Rockies and Mickey Moniak reached a two-year extension through 2028 for the left fielder hitting .277 with 18 home runs and 49 RBIs.

Suspensions, Milestones, and Other News

Gabe Speier was suspended three games and manager Dan Wilson one game after Speier hit Detroit's Gleyber Torres with a pitch in Wednesday night's game. Mike Krukow is retiring after a nearly four-decade run in the Giants broadcast booth, stepping away following this season. Freddy Peralta arranged a meeting between Mets stars Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor in June to help them work through their disconnected relationship, sources told ESPN. Jefry Yan had a viral celebration after his first MLB strikeout, jumping high with feet spread apart before slapping the grass. Ferran Torres will throw the first pitch at Yankee Stadium, weeks after becoming the second substitute ever to score the winner in a men's World Cup final. Jacob deGrom told the Rangers before the deadline that he wants to stay with the 55-57 team, expressing loyalty to the organization.

Yankees and Fantasy Outlook

The Yankees entered the deadline with question marks on their roster and left without a splashy move, leaving fans wondering if they did enough. For fantasy managers, late-season heroes can be found starting with Atlanta as the fantasy trade deadline approaches, with several players making strong postseason pushes.