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Story perspectives

MLB Trade Deadline Nears; Wild-Card Race Allows Losing Teams

7/21/2026

29 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

MLB teams are approaching the Aug. 3, 2026 trade deadline as the season’s second half begins.
The All-Star Game has already been played, marking the transition to the second half.
The playoff field expanded to 12 teams in 2022, lowering the threshold for contention.
The AL wild-card race, especially the AL West, is permissive enough that a losing-record team could still make the playoffs, prompting teams to choose buyer, seller, or wait.

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Story summary

MLB teams are approaching the Aug. 3, 2026 trade deadline as the season’s second half begins.
The All-Star Game has already been played, marking the transition to the second half.
The playoff field expanded to 12 teams in 2022, lowering the threshold for contention.
The AL wild-card race, especially the AL West, is permissive enough that a losing-record team could still make the playoffs, prompting teams to choose buyer, seller, or wait.