MLB wild-card contenders show movement ahead of trade deadline
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 12:36 PM
Last updated Jul 30, 2026
As the MLB trade deadline approaches on August 3, Week 18 power rankings reveal significant shifts among wild-card contenders. While the top 10 teams remain largely unchanged, many clubs competing for playoff positions are experiencing notable movement. This volatility comes just days before teams finalize their rosters for the stretch run, emphasizing the critical decisions they face. The could significantly change as teams and players jockey for a favorable playoff spot.
- •Trade deadline is August 3.
- •Top 10 teams saw little change.
- •Wild-card contenders are shifting positions.
- •Teams must finalize rosters soon.
- •Movement reflects playoff chase intensity.
- 1:27 PMESPN — MLB Power Rankings: Wild-card contenders surge and fall ahead of trade deadline
"There was little change to our top 10 in Week 18, but teams on the cusp of the playoff race saw quite a bit of movement as the deadline looms four days away.
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