With the Aug. 2 MLB trade deadline approaching, we take a first cut at how AL West clubs might react. And one of the most sought-after arms on the market will be Frankie Montas, who has extended his 2021 excellence into 2022.

Mike Soroka is close to returning at long last—again—but how will he fit into this Brave new world? Plus: wither Wendle in MIA, Mr. Smith goes to Flushington, Vierling part of a Philadelphia experiment, Espino eats his spinach in WAS, and more.

Who is the long-term playing time winner in MIL's outfield after the DFA of Lorenzo Cain? Plus, how CIN should approach the trade deadline and who might they have to trade? Even more prospects are taking over in PIT, who's going to lose out? What's going on with Juan Yepez in STL? And, is Nick Madrigal already facing a crossroads of his career in CHC?

Could Corbin Carroll debut in Arizona in 2022? Plus, LA has been aggressive on the basepaths and it could affect some under-the-radar names in its lineup; post-hype pitching prospects returning from injury in SD; starting pitching depth is thinning in COL; and the troubling development of Heliot Ramos in SF.

Voices are clamoring increasingly louder for the Mets to promote top prospect Francisco Álvarez, but is he ready for the call? Plus: 1B depth in MIA and PHI, OF on the farm in WAS, Arcia filling in for Albies in ATL, and more.

Between Kevin Kiermaier's injury and a weak tandem in right field, the reasons for the Rays to recall OF Josh Lowe seem to be mounting. Also: Hall to get call in BAL? Sale's role in BOS, Germán on the comeback trail in NYY and Biggio's bump in TOR.

Zack Greinke almost ready to rejoin KC; Grandal going; Franmil coming; Detroit rotation in tatters; Spencer Steer'ing his way to Minneapolis?

Ezequiel Duran's early performance in TEX makes for a crowd at 3B, both immediately and long term. We look at an unheralded up-and-comer in HOU, the Mariner's 2B mess, and more ...

Is Matt Reynolds following in Brandon Drury's footsteps in CIN? Plus, speculating on closers in CHC; an outfield update in PIT; revisiting Keston Hiura's role in MIL; and, marginal arms emerging in STL.

Eguy Rosario is getting hot at Triple-A El Paso and could help fill a hole in SD. Plus, the return of Brandon Belt will make things very cramped in SF; an overview of shortstop in COL; rotation woes in LAD; and, the outfield hierarchy in ARI is about to become clear.

Matt Strahm of BOS logged two saves this week, but you may want to hold a bit tight to your FAAB wallet. Also: Potential Mancini, Santander deals in BAL, odd men out in NYY, Adam's opportunity in TAM and a top catching prospect arrives in TOR.