MLB 2026 trade deadline: What NL contenders need to beat Dodgers
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- The biggest National League threats to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2026 season are the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies, with Atlanta and Milwaukee leading their divisions and Chicago and Philadelphia holding wild-card spots.
- The Phillies are seeking starting pitching and bullpen help, particularly to strengthen their rotation beyond their top three starters and improve their offense against left-handed pitching.
- The Cubs need a top-end starter and bullpen reinforcements due to injuries, with some promising starters returning but uncertainty about deeper rotation options for a playoff run.
- The Braves aim to add a playoff-caliber starter, improve hitting depth, and bolster their bullpen, especially with the recent return of Ronald Acuña Jr. and an injury creating a bullpen vacancy.
- The Brewers may leverage their top-ranked farm system to acquire a standout pitcher and possibly a bat to complement their rotation and bullpen, focusing on overcoming last year's NLCS sweep by the Dodgers.
