Major League Baseball's trade deadline, scheduled for July 31, is now just a week away. In other words, it's that blessed (or cursed, depending on your perspective) time of the year when rumors and transactions dominate our coverage.

The Boston Red Sox need to acquire controllable starting pitching at the trade deadline. A deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates could give them that.

As the Arizona Diamondbacks prepare to face the Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend, the club made a pair of key roster moves that further signal their shift toward selling at the upcoming trade deadline. Right-hander Trevor Richards has been designated for assignment, while left-hander Brandyn Garcia has been recalled from Triple-A Reno.

Multiple teams have reached out to the Pittsburgh Pirates regarding center fielder Oneil Cruz's availability on the trade market, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

We're now just a week away from the MLB trade deadline, and while we've yet to see any major deals go down — especially with a third Wild Card spot up for grabs

The (mathematically inaccurate) second half is underway and the trade deadline is only 10 days away. Pencils must be down at 6 p.m. ET next Thursday, July 31. Trade chatter and activity will pick up now that the amateur draft is in the rearview mirror and front offices can focus their attention on the deadline.