Can Anyone Beat the Dodgers? 2026 MLB Trade Deadline Winners, Losers & the Salary Cap Debate

Episode 719 - With the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline complete, Mark and Gordon break down every major move and ask the biggest question in baseball:Did any contender actually improve enough to beat the Dodgers?The discussion begins with the hypothetical blockbuster acquisition of Tarik Skubal, leading into a broader conversation about the Dodgers' financial advantage, deferred contracts, and whether Major League Baseball is moving closer to a salary cap and salary floor during the next collective bargaining negotiations.The hosts evaluate which organizations improved their World Series chances the most, why the Yankees, Phillies, Cubs and Red Sox may have positioned themselves best, and why several contenders chose much smaller moves despite an aggressive deadline.Topics include: Dodgers' overwhelming World Series outlook  The Tarik Skubal domino effect  Deferred contracts and MLB economics  Whether a salary cap is becoming inevitable  Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs and Phillies deadline grades  Padres' aggressive strategy  Brewers' quiet deadline  Cardinals, Blue Jays and Mets choosing clear organizational directions  American League playoff race  National League contenders  Aaron Judge's injury impact  Spencer Strider's uncertain return  Robbie Ray, Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes and many other notable moves The episode also highlights the exciting launch of the Women's Professional Baseball League, discussing why women's professional baseball deserves far greater attention and how today's players are building upon the legacy of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.Almost Cooperstown is a weekly baseball podcast featuring thoughtful conversations about the Baseball Hall of Fame, baseball history, current MLB topics, player comparisons, statistics and the stories that connect today's game with its rich history.Thanks again to Mercury Maid for the Intro & Outro music.Visit AlmostCooperstown.com for original baseball articles, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow Almost Cooperstown on YouTube.