With the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaching, the Cubs are positioning themselves as buyers in a muddled market, while Detroit and Minnesota remain in the hunt in a surprisingly open division. Trade chatter centers on the Angels’ Zach Neto as a coveted middle-infield upgrade, with the Yankees and Blue Jays viewed as ideal fits if he moves. The Yankees are also eyeing catcher upgrades, including Ryan Jeffers or Adley Rutschman, and potentially pitching help such as Mason Miller, though costs are expected to be high. Reinforcements are also on the horizon for the Yankees, as Max Fried returns from injury on a controlled rehab plan to bolster the rotation. Additional speculation surrounds CJ Abrams as a potential infield upgrade for New York, balanced against Washington’s price and the value of their young assets like Spencer Jones and Jasson Domínguez.