NL contenders pivot to roster overhaul as Dodgers’ dominance looms
With the August 3 deadline approaching, National League powerhouses are addressing specific structural vulnerabilities in rotation and bullpen depth to counter the Dodgers’ historic run.
As the 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches on 3 August, National League contenders are assessing roster needs to compete with the dominant Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers hold a 12-game lead in the NL West, securing a likely 14th consecutive postseason appearance, a feat that would tie the Atlanta Braves’ historical record of 14 straight playoff berths from 1991 to 2005. The Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers are now the primary threats, with each organisation identifying distinct institutional weaknesses that require immediate remediation before October.
The Philadelphia Phillies are seeking rotation depth and bullpen help, potentially targeting expiring contracts to address structural gaps behind their top three starters. Aaron Nola’s 5.82 ERA in 2026 highlights the thinness of the rotation, while Andrew Painter and Alan Rangel have lost their spots in the starting lineup. With Brad Keller’s injury creating a bullpen need and the team ranking 28th in OPS against left-handed pitching for the season, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is evaluating options such as Robbie Ray or Kevin Gausman to bolster the mid-rotation.
The Chicago Cubs aim to add a top-end starter and relievers despite injury concerns, while leveraging infield depth. Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga are performing as a No. 1 and No. 2 starter, respectively, but the Cubs lack sufficient playoff-calibre arms for a four-round postseason run. With Hoby Milner and Daniel Palencia expected back in August but Palencia’s health uncertain, the Cubs are looking to utilise their minor league infield surplus to acquire controllable pitching, potentially targeting players such as Los Angeles Angels starter Reid Detmers.
The Atlanta Braves look for a playoff-calibre starter to pair with Chris Sale and address bullpen gaps following Robert Suarez’s injury. The return of Ronald Acuña Jr. this week may influence lineup needs, but the general manager remains focused on upgrading the rotation, with Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal mentioned as a potential target. The Braves’ strategy mirrors their 2022 approach of acquiring high-impact relief pitching, aiming to improve any area that presents itself to counter the Dodgers’ consistency.
The Milwaukee Brewers, holding the top farm system, may trade prospects to acquire a standout pitcher to support Jacob Misiorowski and counter the Dodgers, having been swept by them in the previous year’s NLCS. With Jacob Misiorowski set to lead the rotation and Kyle Harrison returning from a forearm injury, the Brewers are considering using their No. 1-ranked prospect pool, including Jesus Made, to secure a starter. A move of this magnitude could shift Shane Drohan to the bullpen and address outfield depth needs underscored by Sal Frelick’s injury.
