As Major League Baseball's trade deadline approaches, former World Series champion Joe Girardi has identified two major factors impacting team decisions. Girardi, who won three World Series as a player and one as a manager of the New York Yankees, told Fox News Digital that the expiration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will significantly alter how teams operate moving forward.

Since 2022, MLB added a third wild-card spot to the postseason, increasing the number of teams in contention. Currently, all but seven teams are within 5.5 games of the final wild-card spot, making many reluctant to trade key players while pursuing playoff berths.

Girardi also noted that several teams are expected to be sellers at the deadline, including the Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, and Kansas City Royals.

Additionally, the Los Angeles Dodgers are aiming for their third consecutive World Series title this season. Meanwhile, two-time reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers could be on the move as his team struggles, according to ESPN.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal recently pitched his last inning against the Baltimore Orioles on July 29, 2026, signaling potential changes ahead.

Sources