Overview
- The Red Sox have won 14 straight games to climb from 37‑48 to 51‑48 and into sole possession of the final American League wild‑card spot, a run that has revived their postseason hopes.
- That winning streak has flipped Boston’s deadline posture from seller to likely buyer, with front‑office conversations now centered on adding controllable pitching and late‑inning help.
- ESPN’s Jeff Passan rates Aroldis Chapman at roughly a 30% chance to be traded and Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras at about 20% each, though Contreras has said he will not waive his no‑trade clause.
- The Mets have opened wide trade talks and are prepared to consider many veterans, but recent on‑field struggles — notably against the Phillies — have raised concerns that starts from Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga may have reduced their market value.
- Teams around the league are focusing on controllable starters, high‑use relievers and impact catchers ahead of Aug. 3, and contract features like no‑trade clauses and vesting options make any deal difficult and likely to alter who pays a premium.