Multiple MLB Teams Seek Trades Ahead July 31 Deadline

As the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches, teams are grappling with limited options to acquire impact pitching, with top talents like Sandy Alcantara and Zac Gallen not currently performing at elite levels or carrying uncertainties about durability and effectiveness. The St. Louis Cardinals face a pivotal moment in their rebuilding process, likely to sell veteran pitchers such as Ryan Helsley, Steven Matz, Phil Maton, and possibly Miles Mikolas, with Helsley being a top trade asset sought by contenders like the Dodgers. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees are actively pursuing a third base upgrade, targeting Arizona Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suarez, who offers significant offensive value and fits well with the Yankees' strength in developing pitching prospects. Although the Cardinals' playoff chances are dimming, key players like Willson Contreras remain focused on team performance rather than trade speculation, expressing no interest in waiving trade protections despite the club's rebuilding direction. Overall, the trade market is trending toward teams seeking role players and roster depth rather than acquiring dominant, game-changing pitchers. This environment underscores the challenge for contenders to bolster their rosters substantially at this deadline.