Overview

• The Yankees are actively linked to starters Mitch Keller, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly while monitoring Guardians relievers Emmanuel Clase and Cade Smith for bullpen help.
• Cubs president Jed Hoyer has identified starting pitching as Chicago’s top need and has reportedly checked in on Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to boost defense.
• Red Sox bullpen setbacks—Justin Slaten, Liam Hendriks and Luis Guerrero on the injured list—have driven Boston to consider promoting Double-A lefty Payton Tolle as an impact reliever.
• Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen warned Arizona could shift to selling mode if a recent surge doesn’t push the club back to .500 before the deadline.
• Executives like Jed Hoyer stress that the ultimate verdict on deadline trades comes in October, underscoring the long-term stakes of any July 31 move.