The 2022 MLB trade deadline is coming fast, with teams weighing their biggest needs before 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday arrives.
Will the Washington Nationals make a blockbuster Juan Soto trade? Could Shohei Ohtani be on the move from the Los Angeles Angels? Could Willson Contreras be dealt to a contender? And which of the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros will go all-in to boost their 2022 World Series hopes?
Whether your favorite club is looking to add or deal away — or stands somewhere in between — here’s the freshest intel we’re hearing, reaction to completed deals and what to know for every team as trade season unfolds.
MLB trade deadline buzz
The Angels’ current Ohtani strategy: The Angels have been “dangling” Shohei Ohtani leading up to Tuesday’s deadline, an industry source said. But two executives on teams that have previously been identified as potential landing spots still viewed the possibility of an Ohtani trade as a highly unlikely outcome over the weekend, with one under the impression that the Angels aren’t seriously looking to move him now.
At the very least, another rival executive noted, the Angels can get a sense for what the Ohtani market looks like in order to better identify an offseason strategy. Angels owner Arte Moreno has always been categorically against the concept of a rebuild, but an Ohtani trade might portend one.— Alden Gonzalez
July 31 updates
San Francisco has some decisions to make:The Giants are in an interesting position with Carlos Rodon and Joc Pederson. On one hand, they are within reach of wild-card spot. On the other, Rodon, in particular, will generate heightened interest because of a dearth of starting pitchers in the market. San Francisco is looking for major-league-ready help in return, if it makes a deal. — Buster Olney
When Chicago will start making moves, and the latest on Contreras: The Cubs have a wave of deals coming on the horizon, but they will likely happen in rapid-fire fashion as we move into the last hours before the deadline — Willson Contreras, David Robertson and Mychal Givens are very likely to go. There is also a ton of interest in Ian Happ, who would be under team control through 2023. The teams that are involved in Contreras seem to be more interested in him as a very part-time catcher but a regular in the lineup (as a DH, etc.). The Padres, Rays and Astros are among those teams.— Buster Olney
Who’s New York targeting? The Yankees seem focused in their pursuit of a starting pitcher. Frankie Montas and Carlos Rodon are among those available.— Buster Olney
San Diego talking to many:The Padres are heavily involved in a range of conversations, according to rival executives — including the Juan Soto talks.— Buster Olney
A Soto trade on the horizon? The perception of many rival officials continues to be that Juan Soto will be dealt before the deadline. One high-ranking executive is couching it a bit, putting the odds at 60-40 that Soto will be moved.— Buster Olney
July 30 updates
When things could really heat up before the deadline: Two executives who are looking to add indicated the market is slower than normal and it could be because of the extra wild-card teams. Some organizations are obviously in the playoff hunt now while others feel they will be as soon as next season and aren’t looking to unload like previous years. That could change if Boston and San Francisco get into the fray and decide to subtract. Meanwhile, Jed Hoyer of the Cubs is keeping things close to the vest with an expectation he’ll be a mover on Monday and/or Tuesday. A lot could depend on Juan Soto. Whichever team gets him likely isn’t making any other deals. — Jesse Rogers