Overview

• The Yankees have publicly entered trade discussions to add starting pitching along with infield or bullpen depth despite a payroll that exceeds the $301 million luxury-tax threshold and carries a 60 percent surcharge.
• The Orioles traded reliever Bryan Baker to the Rays for the 37th overall pick, marking their first deadline move and signaling a likely broader sell-off, although GM Mike Elias says buying remains mathematically possible.
• Boston has surged to five games over .500, and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow identified impact starting pitching as the top deadline priority, with Minnesota’s Joe Ryan reportedly on their radar.
• After acquiring Baker, Rays president Erik Neander called bolstering the bullpen “probably our most acute need,” underscoring Tampa Bay’s aggressive approach to maintain its postseason push.
• High demand for controllable arms combined with luxury-tax and draft-pick considerations has made pitching the focal currency of this year’s American League trade market.