With six weeks until the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline, a lot can happen between now and August. That includes potential sellers, as well as who may be available — and those who may not be. But as of now, here’s a look at the five teams that could be well-positioned to do well over the coming weeks, at least when it comes to recouping assets.

5. Rockies

It’s been a trying year for the Rockies, who entered play on June 22 with the lowest winning percentage (.385) in the Majors. Injuries have hit hard, as Chase Dollander‘s season was cut short. Mickey Moniak, Jordan Beck, and Brenton Doyle, a trio that played over 420 games combined last season, are also on the IL.

Which begs the question: why is Colorado in a good position to sell?

Well, it may very well come down to needs from other teams. The Rockies have veteran pieces who would make sense, including Tomoyuki Sugano and Michael Lorenzen, even though Lorenzen’s 2026 season has been nightmare-ish from a statistical point of view. Especially, since Lorenzen has been hit hard both at home & on the road.

The real gem, though, could be Jimmy Herget, who is set to have one year left of control after 2026. Sidearm delivery, a very effective sinker/sweeper mix, and the kind of pitcher who could be a fine middle-relief option in an era where unique arm angles are highly sought after by MLB teams (see: Tim Hill, Hoby Milner, Tyler Rogers).

4. Red Sox

Boston didn’t re-sign Alex Bregman, pivoted to Ranger Suarez, and was active in the trade market after the Sox broke a four-year playoff drought in 2025. But now, the Red Sox are at the bottom of the AL East in a likely sell position.

Like other teams on this list, the Red Sox probably shouldn’t be in this position. However, no Roman Anthony and Garrett Crochet for much of 2026, plus other problems, have pushed Boston into this position.

The problem for the Red Sox is which assets the team could realistically move. Sonny Gray, who has a $30MM team option for 2027 with a $5MM buyout, is an obvious one. Gray’s pitched well this year and would likely garner attention from a variety of competitors. The same can be said for Aroldis Chapman, although the Yankees may be ruled out of the equation on that one.

However, much of the Sox’s current roster is nailed down to the floor. Willson Contreras, having a resurgent season in Boston, has at least one more season after 2026 (his deal includes a 2028 team option). Masataka Yoshida and Trevor Story (IL) aren’t likely. But what about Jarren Duran, who is having a down season but has been the subject of trade rumors for some time?

3. Mets

In multiple ways, it’s been a trying & disappointing year for the Mets. Injuries, subpar pitching, and an offense that scored the second-fewest runs in the NL (only the Padres have fewer) have been among the issues for a Mets club that tried an overhaul in the winter. But months later, the Mets are on the verge of missing the playoffs again.

One could go on and on about what went wrong over the first half. But for right now, the Mets are in a good position to recoup some assets.

Freddy Peralta, despite a subpar 2026 season, should be a desirable arm just on his resume alone. Then there’s A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley, two left-handed relievers who could fill holes on a market always scarce on left-handed relievers. Minter tossed nine scoreless innings since his return from the IL, while Raley (.288 opp. wOBA, 1.93 ERA) would also make sense as a trade target.

Had Clay Holmes, who has a player option for 2027, not suffered an injury in May, he, too, could have been a target.

2. Giants

Based on reports from USA Today and MLB.com, it would appear that it’s open season for shopping in San Francisco.

The Giants have reportedly made it known that they’re willing to listen on Luis Arraez, Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, and Rafael Devers. Now, Arraez, on a one-year deal, makes sense as a trade chip. San Francisco was nine games out of a playoff spot as of June 22, and Arraez has turned things around both offensively & defensively. So, there’s value to be had for a team on the fringe.

However, the possibility of Chapman, Devers, and Adames being available would be stunning for the Giants. San Francisco re-signed Chapman two years ago, locked up Adames shortly thereafter, and then made the big splash in June 2025 to grab Devers. All three, though, have been league-average or worse despite good runs over the last month.

Can this be done? Perhaps. The problem is finding teams willing to take on salary.

1. Tigers

On paper, the Tigers have the best possible trade chip on the board, as Tarik Skubal would easily be the top piece available should Detroit go that route.

Skubal is a free agent after the 2026 season, and the odds of him re-signing before free agency — if historical precedent is any indication — are not high. After all, his arbitration battle this past winter may have been the final nail.

However, the Tigers are in a tight spot for several reasons. One, the Tigers are presently five games out of a playoff spot. So, there is still time for a decision. But two, trading away a premium player is highly risky. To do so, not only does the return have to be there but so does the sense of trading away a star on your terms, not other teams’ terms. Make a panic move, and that won’t look good in any front office.

After all, Bryce Harper (2018) and Shohei Ohtani (2023) weren’t traded midseason by their respective teams in contract years, although in both situations, there were other variables at play.

Casey Mize, meanwhile, is the other big name to watch. Mize will also be a free agent at the end of 2026. And the righty would be a strong fit in the middle of any competitor’s rotation. Good stuff and a track record. His .269 wOBA is top-20 among starters with 50+ IP, a testament to how damage he’s limited this season.

Check out more of our MLB coverage.