As the 2026 MLB trade deadline approaches in less than four weeks, teams are preparing for significant roster changes following this weekend's amateur draft (July 11-12). The focus is shifting towards potential trades, and recent rumors highlight key players on the market.

Atlanta Braves have expressed interest in Sonny Gray, the standout starter for the Boston Red Sox. According to reports from The Athletic, Gray, who holds a full no-trade clause, might be enticed by a move to Atlanta, especially since he resides in Nashville. The Red Sox, currently on a hot streak with five consecutive wins and ten out of twelve, find themselves just three games shy of the third wild card spot, making a trade less likely.

At 36 years old, Gray is enjoying an impressive season, with the Cardinals covering $20 million of his $35 million salary. His contract also includes a $30 million club option for 2027, which could be appealing to the Braves, who are looking to bolster their pitching staff amid injury struggles and performance issues. If they cannot acquire Gray, Atlanta will likely pursue other pitching options.

In contrast, the Houston Astros have firmly stated that Yordan Alvarez, their All-Star slugger and MVP candidate, is not on the trading block. Alvarez confirmed to The Athletic that the Astros' front office assured him, "they weren't going to trade me no matter what happened." At 29 years old, and with a contract paying him $26 million for both 2027 and 2028, Alvarez remains one of the elite players in the league.