MLB Trade Deadline: Phillies and Cubs Target Pitching to Chase Dodgers’ 12-Game Lead

As the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline nears, the Phillies seek rotation depth to bolster a trio featuring Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, and Jesus Luzardo.

The Los Angeles Dodgers hold a 12-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West, positioning them to secure a 14th consecutive postseason appearance and tie the record set by Atlanta from 1991 to 2005. As the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline approaches, the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers are identifying specific roster gaps to challenge the reigning champions. Philadelphia currently occupies the second wild-card spot while grappling with Aaron Nola’s 5.82 ERA. Despite a top-heavy rotation featuring Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, and Jesus Luzardo, the Phillies are searching for a fifth starter after Andrew Painter and Alan Rangel failed to secure the role.

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski may target expiring contracts like Robbie Ray or Kevin Gausman to serve as a No. 4 starter. The Phillies also face a void in the bullpen due to Brad Keller’s injury. Offensively, the team ranks 28th in the league in OPS against left-handed pitching for the 2026 season, though they have improved to middle-of-the-pack status this month. This discrepancy may drive a search for a right-handed outfielder to provide lineup depth before the August cutoff.

Cubs Evaluate Pitching Depth and Infield Surplus

The Chicago Cubs hold the first wild-card spot but face a low 7% probability of earning a first-round bye according to FanGraphs. While Matthew Boyd is performing as a No. 1 starter and Shota Imanaga as a No. 2, the team lacks certainty for a Game 3 playoff starter. Jameson Taillon recently returned from injury with mixed results, while Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown, and Justin Steele remain sidelined. To address these gaps, the Cubs are considering controllable assets like Los Angeles Angels starter Reid Detmers, potentially leveraging their major and minor league infield depth as trade capital.

Chicago’s bullpen is currently missing left-hander Hoby Milner, who is recovering from appendicitis, and closer Daniel Palencia, who is dealing with an elbow injury. Both are expected to return in August, though Palencia’s health remains a variable. Unlike their pitching staff, the Cubs’ position player group is regarded as one of the league's best, requiring no immediate upgrades to compete with Los Angeles. The front office aims to acquire arms that offer long-term control rather than strictly short-term rentals.

Braves Await Acuña Return Amid Bullpen Needs

Atlanta leads the NL East and seeks a playoff-caliber starter to pair with Chris Sale. While the roster includes internal options such as Bryce Elder, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo Lopez for postseason starts, general manager Alex Anthopoulos is monitoring the availability of Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. The team’s strategy is influenced by the injury to Robert Suarez, which has created a specific need for relief help. This mirrors the 2022 acquisition of Raisel Iglesias, which occurred despite Kenley Jansen’s strong performance at the time.

Ronald Acuña Jr. is scheduled to return to the lineup this week, a move that will dictate whether Atlanta pursues further outfield or designated hitter depth. The Braves are also looking for potential improvements at the shortstop position. Regardless of the offense’s performance leading up to Aug. 3, the front office is expected to seek upgrades that facilitate winning four rounds of postseason play. The primary objective remains finding a standout arm capable of matching the Dodgers' rotation in a head-to-head October series.

Brewers Leverage Top-Ranked Farm System

Milwaukee enters the second half of the season with the No. 1-ranked farm system in baseball, according to Kiley McDaniel. Top prospect Jesus Made is reportedly off-limits in trade discussions, but the Brewers may use other assets to avoid a repeat of last year’s NLCS sweep by the Dodgers. The rotation currently relies on Jacob Misiorowski at the top, but the team is carefully managing innings for several pitchers. Acquiring a standout starter to pair with Misiorowski is a priority, especially as Kyle Harrison returns from a forearm injury.

The Brewers rank last in home runs, and an injury to Sal Frelick has increased the need for a productive bat. Manager Pat Murphy has relied heavily on lefty Aaron Ashby, but the team seeks a left-handed reliever to balance the staff. If Milwaukee acquires a new starter, Shane Drohan could transition to the bullpen. Potential targets include rental pitchers like Freddy Peralta, Gausman, or Ray, though these players currently command high prices on the market. Earning a postseason bye remains a critical goal for the divisional leaders to optimize their pitching staff for the later rounds.