The NL contenders -- Brewers, Braves, Cubs, Phillies -- face the Dodgers who hold a 12-game NL West lead and will make their 14th consecutive postseason, tying Atlanta's record. As the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches, each team assesses needs to dethrone LA.
Phillies need rotation depth behind Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, and Jesus Luzardo; Aaron Nola's 5.82 ERA and fifth-starter uncertainty push Dave Dombrowski toward rentals like Robbie Ray or Kevin Gausman. Bullpen help and a right-handed bat are also considerations.
Cubs lack playoff-caliber starters beyond Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga; injuries to Justin Steele and others force Chicago to target controllable arms like Reid Detmers. Bullpen needs loom with Daniel Palencia's elbow concern.
Braves seek a playoff starter to pair with Chris Sale; Tarik Skubal is a dream target. Ronald Acuña Jr.'s return helps, but shortstop/outfield depth and bullpen (after Robert Suarez injury) remain needs. Brewers, with MLB's No. 1 farm system (per Kiley McDaniel), could leverage prospects like Jesus Made for a starter alongside Jacob Misiorowski and a lefty reliever.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing