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2026 MLB Trade Deadline Set; Red Sox Lead Buyer Interest

7/21/2026

22 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is Monday, Aug. 3, 2026 at 6 p.m. ET.
The Boston Red Sox are likely buyers, with the Braves, Phillies, Yankees and Cubs among the top buyer teams.
The New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics are the main sellers.
The Detroit Tigers may keep ace Tarik Skubal if they continue winning.
The Dodgers say they will not pursue Skubal.

History

Historical Context

Baseball’s reserve clause, formalized in 1879, bound players to one team until the MLBPA’s 1975 Seitz arbitration freed Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally, creating free agency. That breakthrough ended the long-standing reserve system and set a precedent for today’s 2026 trade deadline, where the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees pursue pitchers such as Tarik Skubal.

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Story summary

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is Monday, Aug. 3, 2026 at 6 p.m. ET.
The Boston Red Sox are likely buyers, with the Braves, Phillies, Yankees and Cubs among the top buyer teams.
The New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics are the main sellers.
The Detroit Tigers may keep ace Tarik Skubal if they continue winning.
The Dodgers say they will not pursue Skubal.

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