Major League Baseball teams approach the August 3 trade deadline facing an unusual seller’s market driven by widespread pennant contention, according to league reports. With only eight of the 30 teams sitting more than four games out of a postseason spot, front offices must quickly determine whether to buy, sell, or adopt a hybrid strategy as the deadline approaches.
Washington Nationals Balance Buying and Selling
The Washington Nationals sit at 52-52, placing them just three games out of a playoff position, according to data from The Athletic. Rather than executing a complete roster teardown, the new front office under president of baseball operations Paul Toboni plans to make selective additions while remaining open to moving certain pieces to protect the franchise’s long-term plan.
Trade interest has emerged around several key players, including All-Stars Foster Griffin and C.J. Abrams, according to reports from The Athletic. At the same time, the major-league club requires reinforcements for both the starting rotation and the bullpen. Extension talks between Griffin and the Nationals fizzled quickly, according to the New York Post. Griffin, 30, signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract this past offseason after returning from Japan and has posted an 11-2 record with a 2.68 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 111 strikeouts over 117 1/3 innings.
New York Mets Place Juan Soto on Injured List
The New York Mets placed Juan Soto on the injured list with a calf strain, a condition described as more significant than his previous calf issue earlier this season, according to Fox Sports. The organization expects Soto to miss at least three weeks of action.
The development does little to alter the strategy for the Mets, who operate as clear sellers with Soto remaining off the trade market. Industry discussions are expected to center around pitchers Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, A.J. Minter, and Luke Weaver, alongside a potential, though unlikely, deal involving Francisco Lindor, according to baseball reports.
Oakland Athletics Sign Dallas Keuchel
The Athletics signed left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel to a minor-league deal, according to ESPN. Keuchel, 38, last pitched in the majors during a four-start stint with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024, recording a 5.40 ERA. He spent the 2025 season in Triple-A within the Kansas City Royals organization, going 2-1 with a 3.53 ERA across seven starts, and has not appeared in affiliated ball this season.
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