The MLB trade deadline historically has fallen on July 31 each season, but the 2022-2026 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) allows commissioner Rob Manfred to set it anywhere between July 28 and Aug. 3.
The most recent MLB trade deadline took place on July 31, 2025, but previous years saw the event fall on July 30 (2024) and Aug. 1 (2022-2023).
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, this year’s trade deadline is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 3, at 3 p.m. PT:
Mark your calendars: The 2026 @MLB Trade Deadline will be on August 3 at 6pm ET.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 28, 2026
MLB is believed to have picked Aug. 3 for this year’s deadline in order to avoid the possibility of players being traded during games.
There is at least one day game scheduled from July 29-Aug. 2, while all eight contests on Aug. 3 begin at 3:40 p.m. PT or later. MLB also likes the fact that Aug. 3 does not fall on a weekend.
The trade deadline is one of the busiest days on MLB’s calendar as teams scramble to make last-minute additions to their roster.
Clubs can still acquire players after that point, but only through waivers claims. In order to be eligible for the postseason, players must be on a team’s 40-man roster or 60-day injured list by 9 a.m. PT on Sept. 1.
Andrew Friedman: Agents reaching out to Dodgers about players’ interest
The Dodgers have enjoyed another successful offseason as they managed to sign two of the top free agents in Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz.
Tucker reportedly turned down lucrative offers from other interested teams to sign with the Dodgers, which has been a common theme in recent years.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman recently said that agents have been reaching out to him about players’ interest in joining the team.
L.A. has not only built a winning culture, but a welcoming environment that players and their families greatly appreciate.
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