With the MLB trade season in its final push, the Skubal blockbuster has set the tone.

In the last 36 hours before the 6 p.m. ET deadline, Brewers, Cubs, Phillies, Rays, and Red Sox are all lining up to add starting pitchers—Clay Holmes, Freddy Peralta, Robbie Ray, and others are on the board. Olney notes that the market feels like “Oprah handing out goodies,” while Passan says prices will finally come down as executives look to balance budgets.

Beyond Skubal, the biggest impact may come from the Red Sox chasing a shortstop—Zach Neto, Otto Lopez, or CJ Abrams—and the Cubs hunting more arms. The Phillies must add a starter and a reliever, and the Rays are busy hunting pitchers and relievers, ready to spend prospect capital. In the AL, the line between division leaders and wild‑card contenders is thin, so aggressive moves could be the difference.

The trade market remains slushy, yet the urgency is real. Teams are weighing the risk of losing a piece against the promise of a better postseason position. The ultimate question: which bold move will tip the scales before Monday’s clock ticks?