7 bubble teams to watch going into Trade Deadline

As the MLB Trade Deadline approaches on August 3 at 6 p.m. ET, numerous teams remain unsure of their direction. The landscape of this year’s playoff picture, particularly in the American League, adds to this uncertainty. Twenty-three out of the 30 MLB teams were within four games of a postseason spot post-All-Star break, leading to a significant number of clubs remaining on the bubble. Here are seven bubble teams closely monitored by analysts.

Detroit Tigers

Once considered clear sellers, the Tigers have transformed their narrative, holding the American League's best record of 23-14 since June 1. Entering Saturday, they stood only 3 1/2 games from a Wild Card position. This shift complicates the status of their most valuable trade piece, two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. Should they continue this upswing, the Tigers may decide to retain Skubal and other potential free agents like Casey Mize and Gleyber Torres.

San Diego Padres

In the case of the Padres, general manager A.J. Preller can turn the course of the franchise at any moment. After a disappointing 19-30 finish to the first half of the season, a sell-off has become plausible. Notably, closer Mason Miller, acquired last year, could be on the move. However, should they rally in the coming weeks, Preller could opt to aim for significant additions, including potentially acquiring Skubal.

Boston Red Sox

Similar to the Tigers, the Red Sox appeared destined for selling, yet they have staged a remarkable turnaround, winning 11 consecutive games and 16 out of their last 18. After starting the season at 32-46, they’ve leveled their record, putting them back in the playoff conversation. Depending on their performance, they could either trade veterans like closer Aroldis Chapman and starter Sonny Gray or seek to enhance their lineup.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Currently standing just 1 1/2 games out of the NL Wild Card, the Pirates rank second in the majors for runs scored. With a strong rotation featuring Paul Skenes, Braxton Ashcraft, and Jared Jones, they are poised for a playoff spot, although they haven't reached postseason play since 2015. Their actions as the deadline approaches may lead them to buy aggressively or reconsider their approach, especially concerning pending free agent Brandon Lowe.

Baltimore Orioles

Following a lackluster 75-87 campaign last year, the Orioles added key veterans like Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward. At 47-51 through 98 games, they are right in the AL Wild Card mix. The team’s president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, indicated intentions to be active at the deadline, which might lead to moving some players like Ward or even catcher Adley Rutschman, despite earlier reassurances of wanting him to remain long-term.

Minnesota Twins

The Twins, with a current record of 49-49, remain competitive in the AL Wild Card race. While players like Byron Buxton are off-limits, they possess premier assets in starter Joe Ryan and catcher Ryan Jeffers. The organization faces a dilemma: whether to retain these valuable trade pieces or sell, knowing their potential for deeper playoff runs is uncertain.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have yet to replicate last year’s success, remaining below .500 since early April. They sit only 3 1/2 games out of the third AL Wild Card but need to improve their performance drastically. Otherwise, planning for 2027 might become a necessity, which could include trading away key pending free agents like Kevin Gausman if they cannot turn things around soon.