MLB Trade Deadline Rumors Escalating

Comprehensive primer covers all 30 teams. Key insight: 24 teams within 4 games of a playoff spot creates a seller's market. A new analysis reveals more sellers than expected, with Blue Jays, Tigers, and even Mariners potentially selling. However, the Tigers are now surging, within 4 games of a wild card spot, complicating the Skubal trade dilemma. Skubal remains the centerpiece; he said he wants to stay in Detroit. He struck out a season-high 12 on July 23 (7.1 IP, 2-1 win), now one shy of 1,000 career Ks. Tigers are 28-16 since June 1. Passan's updated Skubal rankings list six realistic suitors, with Dodgers as potential blockbuster fit; ESPN gives 60% chance he's dealt. Red Sox surge ended at 15 wins; they may still sell. Cubs buyers after MLB-best 20-8 run, acquired Aaron Civale from A's. Giants sellers (Webb untouchable, Arraez/Ray chips). Braves eyeing Sonny Gray. Luis Torrens emerges as Yankees catching target. Blockbuster rumor: Yankees acquiring Juan Soto from Mets. New intel: Angels making Soriano/Detmers available; Red Sox in complicated spot; Cubs eyeing Peralta. Skubal's 7 shutout innings (9 Ks, 19 swinging strikes) reinforce his value. Luis Robert Jr. homered in his second game back; Mets want to showcase him for a trade. Deadline is Aug 3. Latest: Yankees targeting Mason Miller and possibly Xander Bogaerts; Cashman willing to deal almost anyone except Lombard Jr. Lane Thomas's trade value rising after hot month. Max Scherzer threw 5 hitless innings in Triple-A, boosting his trade value. A comprehensive trade deadline tracker was published on July 23. The Phillies face a scarcity of right-handed bats, impacting their deadline needs. The Red Sox wish list includes a right-handed bat (catcher, MI, DH), high-leverage reliever, and possibly a starter; new reports link them to Angels shortstop Zach Neto, and also dream targets Abrams, Neto, Langeliers. Brewers are now 'aggressive' buyers targeting Skubal and Mason Miller. Yankees are linked to Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson. Tigers won 2-1 on July 23 (Skubal start). A new report reveals the Dodgers are 'infatuated' with a three-peat, making them aggressive buyers. Braves are buyers focusing on starting pitching, with a list of 20 trade candidates.