Yesterday was busy as a bee with the MLB trade deadline. There were many moves by many teams. Some are looking to improve in an attempt to make a World Series run, while others are looking to sell off talent for assets to help them in the future. With there being so many trades, I think we should dive straight into some of the best and most interesting moves this trade deadline!
The Biggest Domino at the MLB Trade Deadline?
Without a doubt, the biggest name to move is Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was traded back to the Seattle Mariners for their 9th prospect, Tyler Locklear, and two right-handed relievers, Hunter Cranton (16th) and Juan Burgos (17th). Does it seem like a haul? Yes. However, it brings a massive bat to a team that ranks 12th in runs per game (4.53). When you have probably the best four-pitcher rotation in baseball, you need to ensure that scoring runs won’t be an issue.
Hottest AL Team Adds Former Cy Young Winner
One of the hottest teams in the American League has added a former Cy Young winner. The Toronto Blue Jays have been looking for another starter, and they traded for Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians. The deal sends RHP Khal Stephan to Cleveland. He has been one of the more impressive prospects in baseball. His fastball maxes out in the mid-90, but in his 91.2 IP this season, Stephan has an outstanding 2.08 ERA.
San Diego Padres Loading Up?
The San Diego Padres were one of the more active teams at the trade deadline. San Diego traded for dominant closer Mason Miller and starting pitcher JP Sears from the Athletics for the No. 3 prospect in baseball, Leodalis De Vries, as well as three RHP. Bringing Miller into their bullpen adds one of the best young closers in the MLB. Sears can be a serviceable starter who Padre fans will have mixed emotions about, but he has a solid upside in playing for a winning franchise.
That was not their only trade. The Padres also traded for catcher Freddy Fermin from the Kansas City Royals for RHPs Ryan Bergert and Stephen. Kolek. Will Fermin be as impactful as the two pitchers I mentioned? Absolutely not. However, it helps with their problem of having too many pitchers on their roster. Who knows? Maybe Fermin can come off the bench in a pinch and be a hero for a game down the stretch.
Just when you thought the Padres were finished at the trade deadline, there’s more! They acquired 1B Ryan O’Hearn and outfielder Ramon Laureano for six prospects. All signs point to this being a one-to-two-year timeline to win the World Series. They have the feeling of an NBA team moving heaven and earth to shuffle their roster around at the trade deadline.
Philadelphia Phillies Eyeing the World Series?
With the Yankees being a roller coaster and the Detroit Tigers being consistently inconsistent as of late, the Phillies were an aggressive team at the trade deadline. Philly traded for one of the best closing pitchers in the MLB, Jhoan Duran. Now they did send a haul to the Minnesota Twins, sending a young pitcher in Mick Abel and catcher Eduardo Tait. Abel looked solid in his 25 IP for the Phillies, and Tait has out-of-this-world skills with his bat and arm.
They also acquired outfielder Harrison Bader from the Minnesota Twins. The 31-year-old OF has been a solid player for the Twins this season. His 12 home runs have already tied the second most he’s hit in a single season in his career, and his .258 BA is the third highest of his career in a season. Bader is also a Gold Glove winning defender as well. Philadelphia sent two prospects in return, an outfielder and a pitcher.
Yankees Swinging for the Short Porch!
To sure up their already strong bullpen, the New York Yankees traded for Camilo Doval from the San Francisco Giants. Doval has had another strong campaign with a 3.09 ERA and a WHIP of 1.200. He could easily battle with Luke Weaver for the main closer role. The only issue with the Yankees is their injuries as they wait for Aaron Judge to return.
Houston’s Son Coming Home!
These feel-good stories are always heartwarming in sports. The Twins traded SS Carlos Correa to the Houston Astros. Correa left the Astros in free agency a few seasons ago and is heading back to H-Town. He will help with the Astros’ offensive struggles since Yordan Alvarez has been sidelined with an injury.
Tigers Receive Veteran Pitching Help.
The Detroit Tigers acquired veteran Charlie Morton from the Baltimore Orioles and Kyle Finnegan from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline. With the Tigers entering and exiting the All-Star break with the wheels starting to come off, this should alleviate some of the stress on their rotation and bullpen. My only question is whether the Tigers can recapture the offensive firepower they had early on in the season.
Winners of the Trade Deadline?
If there were a winner of the trade deadline, it would be the New York Mets. They traded for closing pitchers Ryan Helsey and Tyler Rodgers. The Mets also brought in CF Cedric Mullins—who has been a productive player during his career. Any lack of depth in their bullpen or outfield was answered at the trade deadline. I am excited to see how all these teams mesh together.
Final Thoughts
I was shocked by the amount of movement from all teams. Teams that were looking to improve and make a push to the World Series, and others who were looking to sell off current talent for future assets. This season has been “wide open” with no team pulling away in the standings. Who do you think will win the World Series? I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the movement at the trade deadline!
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts on the MLB Trade Deadline! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
