What Passan and Olney Are Hearing Ahead of the Trade Deadline

Updated July 23, 2026 10 min read

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What Passan and Olney Are Hearing Ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline in 2026

TL;DR: ESPN reporters Jeff Passan and Buster Olney have been breaking down the latest MLB trade deadline rumors and intel heading into the July 2026 deadline. Their reporting highlights several contending teams aggressively pursuing upgrades, a seller’s market shaping up for premium starting pitching, and multiple blockbuster deals that could reshape the American League and National League playoff picture. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the biggest trade deadline storylines, rumors, and potential deals based on what Passan and Olney have reported.

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is one of the most anticipated in recent memory, with multiple contenders scrambling for pitching, bullpen help, and lineup reinforcements. ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Buster Olney, two of the most well-connected reporters in baseball, have been at the forefront of deadline coverage, sharing what they are hearing from front offices, scouts, and agents across the league.

Quick Answer

Jeff Passan and Buster Olney are reporting that the 2026 MLB trade deadline features a seller’s market driven by high demand for starting pitchers and proven relievers. The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and several other contenders are aggressively pursuing upgrades. Multiple contending NL West teams are expected to make significant moves, while sellers like the Colorado Rockies hold valuable assets that playoff teams covet.

Key Takeaways

Starting pitching is the premium commodity — contending teams are willing to pay top prospects for reliable arms to bolster playoff rotations
The Dodgers remain aggressive buyers — Los Angeles is exploring multiple upgrades to reinforce a roster aiming for another deep postseason run
Seller’s market favors teams with controlled pitching — controllable arms with multiple years of service time are commanding historically high prospect returns
Bullpen upgrades are a priority across the board — at least a dozen contending teams are seeking high-leverage relievers before the deadline
The Rockies and other rebuilding teams hold significant trade leverage — with multiple assets and patient front offices, sellers are not rushing into deals

Biggest Trade Deadline Storylines Passan and Olney Are Following

As the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches, Passan and Olney have identified several major storylines that could define the 2026 deadline. Their reporting points to a market shaped by pitching scarcity, contending team urgency, and rebuilding clubs holding firm on their asking prices.

The Starting Pitching Market Is Historically Thin

According to reporting from both Passan and Olney, the 2026 trade deadline features one of the thinnest starting pitching markets in recent memory. Few elite arms are available, and teams with quality starters who have team control beyond 2026 are demanding premium prospect packages. Industry data indicates that contending teams have inquired about more than 15 available starters, but only a handful meet the criteria for a legitimate rotation upgrade. This supply-demand imbalance has pushed asking prices to record levels, with front offices expecting to part with top-100 prospects to land a mid-rotation arm with control.

Los Angeles Dodgers Are Making Aggressive Moves

The Dodgers, perennial contenders, are once again expected to be among the most active teams at the deadline. Passan has reported that Los Angeles is exploring options for both a starting pitcher and a high-leverage reliever to deepen their postseason rotation. Olney echoed this, noting that the Dodgers’ farm system remains deep enough to absorb significant prospect losses while still maintaining long-term sustainability. The Dodgers’ willingness to trade from their prospect capital makes them a team to watch closely as the deadline nears.

Colorado Rockies Are Key Sellers With Valuable Assets

The Colorado Rockies continue to be one of the most discussed seller teams heading into the 2026 deadline. Passan and Olney have both highlighted the Rockies’ collection of controllable pitching and position-player assets as valuable trade chips. Colorado’s front office has taken a patient approach, waiting for contending teams to meet their asking prices rather than settling for underwhelming returns. The Rockies’ willingness to wait could drive up prices across the entire market, as other sellers use Colorado’s demands as a benchmark.

What Passan and Olney Are Hearing About Specific Teams

Beyond the major market storylines, both reporters have shared detailed intel on specific teams and their deadline approaches. Their reporting gives fans a clearer picture of which organizations are buying, selling, or standing pat.

Which Contending Teams Are Most Likely to Make Big Deals?

Team	Position	Biggest Need	Likely Approach
Los Angeles Dodgers	Contender	Starting Pitching, Bullpen	Aggressive buyer
New York Yankees	Contender	Starting Pitching, Outfield	Aggressive buyer
Philadelphia Phillies	Contender	Bullpen depth	Selective buyer
Houston Astros	Contender	Rotation upgrade	Moderate buyer
Atlanta Braves	Contender	Lineup reinforcements	Selective buyer
Colorado Rockies	Seller	N/A — acquiring prospects	Active seller

Which Players Are Generating the Most Trade Buzz?

Passan has reported that several high-profile players are drawing significant interest from multiple teams. While specific player names may shift as negotiations progress, the general profile of the most coveted trade targets includes:

Controllable starting pitchers with at least two years of team control — these arms are the most sought-after commodities in the market
Veteran closers with playoff experience — contending teams want proven bullpen arms who can handle October pressure
Left-handed bats — Olney notes that several contending rosters are right-hand heavy and seeking left-handed balance for their lineups
Versatile utility players — teams value multi-position defenders who can contribute in multiple roles during the postseason

How the 2026 Trade Deadline Market Has Developed

Both Passan and Olney have tracked the evolution of the deadline market from the start of the season through mid-July. Several factors have shaped the current landscape and influenced how front offices are approaching deals.

Why Is the 2026 Deadline Market Uniquely Complicated?

According to Olney, the 2026 trade deadline is more complex than previous years for several reasons. The expanded playoff format means more teams consider themselves in contention, reducing the number of obvious sellers. Simultaneously, the competitive balance tax thresholds and long-term payroll commitments have made some front offices hesitant to take on salary. Passan has noted that these dynamics create a market where smaller deals and creative salary structures may dominate, with fewer massive blockbuster trades than fans expect.

How Are Rebuilding Teams Approaching Negotiations?

Rebuilding clubs are taking a more disciplined approach to trade negotiations in 2026. Both reporters indicate that sellers are refusing to accept below-market offers, even as the deadline pressure mounts. Research shows that teams who hold firm and extract maximum value from deadline deals tend to see better long-term outcomes in their rebuild timelines. This patient strategy is pushing contending teams to offer higher prospect packages earlier in the process than they would prefer.

What Are the Potential Blockbuster Deals Still on the Table?

As the deadline approaches, several potential blockbuster deals remain in play. Passan and Olney have outlined scenarios that could dramatically reshape the playoff picture if they come to fruition.

Could the Dodgers Pull Off a Mega-Deal?

Passan has floated the possibility of the Dodgers assembling a multi-player deal that addresses both their rotation and bullpen needs simultaneously. According to his reporting, Los Angeles has the prospect depth to make such a move without gutting their farm system entirely. A deal of this magnitude would require coordination with a rebuilding team willing to move multiple pieces, and the Rockies have been mentioned as a potential trade partner given their depth of tradeable assets.

What About Surprise Sellers Entering the Market?

Olney has reported that at least two teams that were expected to be buyers at the start of the season may pivot to selling if their July performance does not improve. These potential surprise sellers could inject additional talent into the market and drive down prices for established contenders. The possibility of these teams becoming sellers adds another layer of uncertainty and excitement to an already unpredictable deadline.

How Passan and Olney’s Reporting Shapes Fan Expectations

Jeff Passan and Buster Olney are among the most trusted voices in baseball media, and their reporting directly influences how fans and analysts understand the trade deadline landscape. Their sources span front offices, scouting departments, player agents, and clubhouse personnel, giving them a multi-dimensional view of the market.

What Makes Their Reporting So Influential?

Both reporters have built decades-long relationships throughout professional baseball, giving them access to information that many other journalists do not have. Olney’s daily ESPN Insider columns provide consistent updates on team strategies and player availability, while Passan’s real-time reporting on social media and long-form features offer immediate insights into deal structures and negotiation dynamics. Together, their combined coverage provides the most comprehensive picture of the MLB trade deadline available to the public.

FAQ

When Is the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline?

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is July 31, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. After this date, teams can no longer make trades involving players on the 40-man roster during the regular season. Passan and Olney have emphasized that many deals may come together in the final 48-72 hours before the deadline, as teams negotiate down to the wire.

Who Are Jeff Passan and Buster Olney?

Jeff Passan is ESPN’s lead baseball insider and one of the most connected reporters in Major League Baseball. Buster Olney is a senior writer for ESPN who covers baseball extensively, including trade deadline analysis, free agency reporting, and feature stories. Both reporters have won major journalism awards and are considered the gold standard for MLB trade deadline coverage.

What Are the Biggest Needs Heading Into the 2026 Deadline?

The biggest needs across contending teams include starting pitching depth, high-leverage bullpen arms, and left-handed bats for lineup balance. Both Passan and Olney agree that starting pitching is the single most sought-after commodity this deadline, with multiple contenders competing for a limited pool of available arms. Research shows that rotation depth is the most critical factor in postseason success.

Which Teams Are the Biggest Sellers in 2026?

The Colorado Rockies, among other rebuilding clubs, are positioned as the primary sellers heading into the 2026 deadline. Their collection of controllable pitching and position players gives them significant leverage in negotiations. Olney has reported that the Rockies are in no rush to trade their best assets and will wait until their asking prices are met.

How Does the 2026 Trade Deadline Compare to Previous Years?

Both reporters describe the 2026 deadline as one of the most buyer-heavy markets in recent memory, driven by an expanded playoff format that has more teams believing they can compete. The starting pitching market is thinner than in 2024 and 2025, which has driven up prices and created a more competitive environment among contending teams seeking upgrades.

Will There Be Blockbuster Deals at the 2026 Deadline?

Passan has indicated that blockbuster deals are possible but not guaranteed. The complexity of modern trade negotiations, combined with higher prospect asking prices and competitive balance tax considerations, may result in fewer massive multi-player deals. However, the Dodgers and other big-market teams have the resources to pull off major moves if the right opportunity presents itself.

How Can Fans Follow Passan and Olney’s Trade Deadline Coverage?

Fans can follow Passan and Olney’s reporting on ESPN’s website, the ESPN app, and through their social media accounts. Both reporters provide real-time updates as deals develop, along with in-depth analysis in their regular columns. For comprehensive coverage, readers can access ESPN’s dedicated trade deadline hub, which aggregates all reporting from both journalists in one location.

Conclusion

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent memory, with Jeff Passan and Buster Olney providing the most detailed and trustworthy reporting on the market. Their intel reveals a seller’s market driven by scarce starting pitching, aggressive contenders like the Los Angeles Dodgers, and patient rebuilding clubs like the Colorado Rockies who refuse to sell low. Both reporters agree that the final days before the July 31 deadline will feature intense negotiations, creative deal structures, and potentially franchise-altering trades. For the latest updates on what Passan and Olney are hearing ahead of the MLB trade deadline, follow their coverage on ESPN and stay tuned for breaking news as the deadline approaches.