As the MLB trade deadline of July 30 draws nearer, teams are scrambling to make deals to either bolster their playoff chances or plan for the future. However, the scarcity of sellers in the market is posing a challenge for potential buyers. With only a handful of teams definitively out of contention, the trade landscape remains uncertain.

Currently, there are six teams that are definitely out of playoff contention this season: the Blue Jays, White Sox, Angels, Athletics, Marlins, and Rockies. If the Tigers, Giants, Reds, Nationals, and Rays are included as potential sellers, that makes a total of 11 teams possibly open to trades. On the other hand, there are 19 potential buyers eagerly searching for the right deals.

One team making headlines in the trade talks is the New York Yankees. With star outfielder Juan Soto potentially hitting free agency soon, the Yankees are reportedly willing to include top prospects Spencer Jones and Jasson Domínguez in trade discussions. General manager Brian Cashman's focus is on acquiring late-inning relievers, a versatile infielder, a power hitter, and potentially a standout starting pitcher.

The Baltimore Orioles are also looking to engage in trade talks. The team, which has a surplus of young position players, is willing to discuss moving veteran first baseman Ryan Mountcastle or center fielder Cedric Mullins. Mullins, despite having a down season, holds appeal for teams seeking up-the-middle help due to his additional year of team control. Mountcastle, on the other hand, may draw interest as a right-right first baseman with a solid OPS+.

The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a precarious position, sitting 3 1/2 games out of the last NL wild-card spot. Team president Jed Hoyer recently stated that the Cubs won't prioritize short-term fixes and will focus on moves that benefit them beyond this year. With a 49-23 record and recent winning streak, the Cubs have managed to avoid being labeled as sellers, but appear unwilling to aggressively pursue acquisitions.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves are in the market for additions, albeit not going all-in. With a limited farm system and few sellers available, the Braves are eyeing outfield help, with Nationals' Lane Thomas mentioned as a possibility. Adding a player like Thomas, who showed promise last season with 28 home runs and 20 stolen bases, could provide a valuable boost to the Braves' lineup.

In reunion news, the Yankees are reportedly interested in bringing back right-handed reliever Chad Green, who spent the first seven years of his MLB career with the team. Green has been performing exceptionally well for the Blue Jays this season, boasting a 1.88 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. The Red Sox also have their eyes on a reunion, as they have expressed interest in signing James Paxton after his recent designation for assignment by the Dodgers.

Lastly, the New York Mets have agreed to a deal with outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., who was with the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League. The former All-Star and Gold Glove winner had a lackluster season with the Royals in 2021, but the Mets see his signing as a depth move rather than a major impact acquisition.

With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, teams are still searching for clarity in the market. The scarcity of sellers combined with the limited time left is intensifying the rumors and negotiations within the MLB, as teams aim to solidify their positions for the remainder of the season and beyond.