As Major League Baseball’s trade deadline approaches on July 31, activities and speculations around trades are heating up. CBS Sports is meticulously tracking the latest developments as teams assess their standings and potential moves.
The Tampa Bay Rays find themselves in a crucial moment, trailing the Seattle Mariners by one and a half games for the third wild-card spot in the American League. This upcoming stretch will heavily influence their decision-making as the trade deadline nears. President of baseball operations Erik Neander mentioned, “We’ve got to make up some ground. There’s a belief in this team… But these are really big games that will have some sort of influence on our decision-making as the month draws to a close.” Tampa Bay is traditionally seen as a buyer during this season; however, their willingness to sell players, like reliever Pete Fairbanks and second baseman Brandon Lowe, could emerge if their postseason outlook dwindles.
In a recent move, the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers completed a trade that involved the exchange of pitchers. Atlanta sent right-handed reliever José Ruiz along with cash to Texas in return for Dane Dunning. The 30-year-old Dunning has made five appearances as a reliever this season but has spent much of his time as a starter in the Triple-A league. Meanwhile, Ruiz, also 30, has faced challenges this season with an 8.82 ERA over 18 big-league appearances, although he had a better track record prior to 2025.
This trade is particularly significant for the Braves, who are dealing with injuries to key starters, such as Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, potentially making Dunning a valuable asset for emergency starts.
As the trade deadline draws closer, teams are weighing their options, with aggressive moves expected from contenders looking to strengthen their rosters. The upcoming weeks promise to be an exciting time for baseball fans as teams navigate the complexities of roster management and positioning for the postseason.