Grading Winners & Losers From the MLB Trade Deadline
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Honorable Mention: Atlanta Braves
The Braves’ acquisition of Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson was more nostalgic than impactful. Their lack of pitching depth and reliance on injured starters could be a missed opportunity as they chase the NL East leaders.
Key Considerations
Despite closing the gap on the Phillies, the Braves’ cautious approach may fall short if injuries persist, highlighting a potential missed chance to strengthen their roster.
World Series Odds: +1000
Winner: San Diego Padres
If Padres GM AJ Preller isn’t among the 'winners' every year, was it really a trade deadline? This reputation Preller has built for himself comes with no regrets, and why should there be? San Diego swings for the fences and that should be rewarded in a sport where bold moves are often lacking.
San Diego Padres' Strategic Moves
For each of the nine prospects they traded for three relievers and one starter, the Padres will find 10 more gems to replace them. Preller’s talent for scouting keeps San Diego’s pipeline replenished amidst all the wheeling and dealing.
Occupying one of the National League’s three wild card spots, the Padres were well-positioned to buy. They landed the best closer available, Tanner Scott, and also secured Bryan Hoeing’s 2.70 ERA in the deal. The price was high, including three of the Padres top-15 prospects and infielder Jay Beshears, but it was a seller’s market, and Preller paid the premium.
Key Acquisitions
The acquisition of Jason Adam, a former Tampa Bay Rays reliever, cost two additional top-15 prospects, Dylan Lesko and Homer Bush Jr., as well as catcher J.D. Gonzalez. Martin Perez was a solid addition to the starting rotation, bringing World Series experience from the Texas Rangers.
In total, the Padres secured two of the top relievers on the market, plus a depth starter, forming one of the most dominant bullpens in the game with Scott, Adam, Robert Suarez, Jeremiah Estrada, and Adrian Morejon.
World Series Odds: +3000
Winner: Los Angeles Dodgers
While the Dodgers didn't make a big splash, they made necessary upgrades. A three-team trade between the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and Dodgers brought in starter Jack Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers for two solid prospects, Thayron Liranzo and Trey Sweeney.
Key Acquisitions
Without Flaherty, the Dodgers’ haul would have been unspectacular. Michael Kopech, a flame-throwing reliever from the White Sox, adds potential. Utility players Tommy Edman and Amed Rosario address positions of need, with Edman yet to play in 2024 and Rosario being a former Dodger.
The Dodgers didn’t surrender any elite prospects, continuing their strategic operations and managing to reinforce without significant losses.
World Series Odds: +340
Winner: Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays, with one of the sport’s lowest payrolls and diminishing postseason odds, sold off their most expensive assets for younger, more controllable players, maintaining their strategy of developing in-house talent.
Key Acquisitions
Christopher Morel, from the Cubs, launched two home runs in his first two games with the Rays. Hunter Bigge, also from the Cubs, already made a scoreless relief appearance. These moves showcase the Rays’ ability to win at all levels.
World Series Odds: +24000
Honorable Mention: Miami Marlins
The Marlins made the most of the seller’s market, gaining a haul from the Padres for closer Tanner Scott. Trades involving Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Bryan De La Cruz brought in intriguing pieces like right-hander Jun-Seok Shim.
Key Acquisitions
Left-handed starter Trevor Rogers fetched two MLB-ready prospects from the Orioles, Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers. While their player development lags behind the Rays, Miami’s future looks bright.
World Series Odds: +50000
Loser: Chicago White Sox
Despite being involved in a complex trade, the White Sox missed opportunities to trade ace Garrett Crochet and outfielder Luis Robert Jr. They received minimal returns for starter Erick Fedde, outfielder Tommy Pham, and reliever Michael Kopech, acquiring only one MLB player and two lower-level prospects.
Key Trade
Trading Eloy Jimenez to the Orioles was their only notable move. Overall, it was a disastrous trade deadline for a historically struggling team.
World Series Odds: +50000
Loser: Houston Astros
The Astros felt the burn of buying at the trade deadline, setting an unfathomable precedent with their transactions. Acquiring Yusei Kikuchi, a rental pitcher, for two MLB-ready players and a prospect, set a high cost for short-term gain.
Key Acquisition
Kikuchi’s underlying metrics were promising, but giving up Joey Loperfido, Jake Bloss, and Will Wagner for a rental pitcher was costly, reflecting a lack of strong farm system options and possible desperation.
World Series Odds: +1400
Loser: Minnesota Twins
The Twins’ only move was acquiring middle reliever Trevor Richards from the Blue Jays. This modest maneuver left players disheartened, missing an opportunity to strengthen their playoff contention.
Key Factors
Ownership’s mandate against expanding payroll limited the Twins, preventing them from taking full advantage of a good roster.
World Series Odds: +1500
Honorable Mention: Atlanta Braves
The Braves’ acquisition of Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson was more nostalgic than impactful. Their lack of pitching depth and reliance on injured starters could be a missed opportunity as they chase the NL East leaders.
Key Considerations
Despite closing the gap on the Phillies, the Braves’ cautious approach may fall short if injuries persist, highlighting a potential missed chance to strengthen their roster.
World Series Odds: +1000
Winner: San Diego Padres
If Padres GM AJ Preller isn’t among the 'winners' every year, was it really a trade deadline? This reputation Preller has built for himself comes with no regrets, and why should there be? San Diego swings for the fences and that should be rewarded in a sport where bold moves are often lacking.
San Diego Padres' Strategic Moves
For each of the nine prospects they traded for three relievers and one starter, the Padres will find 10 more gems to replace them. Preller’s talent for scouting keeps San Diego’s pipeline replenished amidst all the wheeling and dealing.
Occupying one of the National League’s three wild card spots, the Padres were well-positioned to buy. They landed the best closer available, Tanner Scott, and also secured Bryan Hoeing’s 2.70 ERA in the deal. The price was high, including three of the Padres top-15 prospects and infielder Jay Beshears, but it was a seller’s market, and Preller paid the premium.
Key Acquisitions
The acquisition of Jason Adam, a former Tampa Bay Rays reliever, cost two additional top-15 prospects, Dylan Lesko and Homer Bush Jr., as well as catcher J.D. Gonzalez. Martin Perez was a solid addition to the starting rotation, bringing World Series experience from the Texas Rangers.
In total, the Padres secured two of the top relievers on the market, plus a depth starter, forming one of the most dominant bullpens in the game with Scott, Adam, Robert Suarez, Jeremiah Estrada, and Adrian Morejon.
World Series Odds: +3000
