Teams Heat up as Trade Deadline Approaches
WHO:
MLB.com - The San Diego Padres, including players Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, Jake Cronenworth, Ty France, and manager Craig Stammen.
MLB.com - The New York Mets, including President of baseball operations David Stearns and owner Steve Cohen.
MLB.com - The Miami Marlins, including manager Clayton McCullough and players Sandy Alcantara, Joe Mack, Kyle Stowers, Liam Hicks, and Griffin Conine.
WHAT:
MLB.com - The Padres rank in the top 10 in all offensive categories since mid-June, a significant improvement from being the worst offense in baseball earlier in the season.
MLB.com - The Padres are expected to add at least two new starters to their roster by the Trade Deadline.
MLB.com - Jeremiah Estrada's return from the injured list is considered "huge" for the Padres' bullpen, as he is a high-leverage option.
MLB.com - Nolan McLean will make his 22nd start of the season against the Marlins, carrying a 7-7 record and a 3.32 ERA.
MLB.com - The Marlins are two games back of the third and final National League Wild Card spot with 53 contests remaining.
MLB.com - The Marlins have a 16.2 percent chance of making the postseason, according to FanGraphs.
MLB.com - The Padres have jumped the Marlins, Cardinals, Nationals, and Pirates during their five-game winning streak and currently trail the Diamondbacks and Phillies by 1.5 games for the Wild Card spots.
MLB.com - The Padres are using three bullpen games out of every five due to gaps in their rotation.
MLB.com - Jeremiah Estrada was activated from the injured list and struck out three batters in his return against the Rockies.
MLB.com - Griffin Conine hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth inning to lift the Marlins to an 8-6 victory over the Phillies, completing a sweep of Philadelphia.
MLB.com - The Padres are currently on a five-game winning streak and are looking to buy at the Trade Deadline.
MLB.com - The 2026 Trade Deadline is set for August 3 at 6 p.m. ET.
MLB.com - The Marlins experienced a franchise-record 12-game losing streak but recently completed a sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies.
MLB.com - The Marlins' postseason odds are currently at 16.2 percent according to FanGraphs.
MLB.com - The Mets are expected to trade players, including Clay Holmes and Luke Weaver, as they prepare for the future.
WHERE:
MLB.com - The Padres are based in San Diego, California.
MLB.com - The Mets are based in New York.
MLB.com - The Marlins are based in Miami, Florida.
WHEN:
MLB.com - The Padres' Trade Deadline is on August 3 at 6 p.m. ET.
MLB.com - The Marlins' recent sweep of the Phillies occurred after snapping their 12-game losing streak.
WHY:
MLB.com - The Marlins aim to be a 90-plus-win team annually and are considering trades that align with both short-term success and long-term goals, despite their recent struggles.
MLB.com - The Padres need to add pitching to remain competitive as they are currently contending for a Wild Card spot.
MLB.com - The Mets are looking to restock their farm system and acquire pieces for the 2027 season.
MLB.com - The Marlins aim to be a 90-plus-win team annually and are considering trades that align with both short-term success and long-term goals.
HOW:
MLB.com - The Marlins completed a sweep of the Phillies after erasing a six-run deficit, marking their first home sweep over Philadelphia since May 29-31, 2017.
MLB.com - The Marlins completed their first home sweep over the Phillies since May 29-31, 2017, after erasing a six-run deficit in the game.
MLB.com - The Padres are using an all-hands-on-deck approach with bullpen games due to rotation gaps.
MLB.com - The Mets are evaluating their players and have had scouts visiting Citi Field to assess trade options.
MLB.com - The Marlins are confident in their ability to develop relief arms and are considering trading high-leverage relievers if the right deal arises.
The Padres have made a remarkable turnaround, now ranking in the top 10 in all offensive categories since mid-June, a stark contrast to their earlier season struggles as the worst offense in baseball. As they prepare for the Trade Deadline, the Padres are expected to add at least two new starters to their roster, while Jeremiah Estrada's return from the injured list is seen as a significant boost for their bullpen. Meanwhile, the Marlins recently completed a thrilling sweep of the Phillies, overcoming a six-run deficit, and are currently two games back of the third and final National League Wild Card spot with a 16.2 percent chance of making the postseason, according to FanGraphs.