Overview

• Cleveland Guardians president Chris Antonetti expects a later-developing market as the team holds controllable assets and weighs both buying and selling options.
• Los Angeles Angels sit two games out of a wild card spot at 41-42 and have yet to decide whether to pursue deadline rentals or deal veterans like Kenley Jansen, Luis Rengifo and Taylor Ward.
• Chicago Cubs lead the NL Central and say their clean payroll books give them flexibility to target rotation reinforcements and third-base upgrades while positioning to retain All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.
• Seattle Mariners, positioned on the fringe of the wild card race, are ready to explore deals for Orioles slugger Ryan O’Hearn by leveraging their deep prospect pool.
• High-profile proposals, including Bleacher Report’s suggested Alcantara-Cabrera swap to Chicago and O’Hearn trade to Seattle, illustrate the range of strategic possibilities that could materialize in late July.