MLB · 1 year ago

MLB Trade Deadline Winners: Who Came Out On Top of the 35 Biggest Moves?

Ben DiGiacomo

Host · Writer

Dodgers acquire RHP Jack Flaherty from Tigers for C Thayron Liranzo and INF Trey Sweeney
The Los Angeles Dodgers have openly needed starting pitching depth all season, and they ultimately landed the best one traded at the deadline. Prospects or not, Jack Flaherty makes LA's starting rotation much more complete as they aim to live up to their World Series expectations. He's quietly had an excellent season in Detroit, so the Dodgers should be pumped to welcome his arm to LA.

Winner: Dodgers
Diamondbacks acquire LHP A.J. Puk from Marlins for 1B/3B Deyvison De Los Santos and OF Andrew Pintar
The Arizona Diamondbacks still believe they're a viable threat to repeat as National League champions, and they knew in order to do that they would need to add depth to their bullpen. By acquiring AJ Puk from the Miami Marlins, the D-Backs now have a high-leverage left-handed option to go along with all their other righties, without giving up significant prospect compensation. Plus, Puk has already had three scoreless appearances thus far for the D-Backs. That's a win in my book!

Winner: Diamondbacks
Mariners acquire OF Randy Arozarena from Rays for OF Aidan Smith, RHP Brody Hopkins and player to be named later
The Seattle Mariners desperately needed help at the plate, and they took a big swing at Randy Arozarena, who has been batting .292 since June 1st after an ugly start to the season. Since coming to Seattle, Arozarena has already batted .375 across four games, giving the Mariners a much-needed weapon at the plate. Look out if some of the other Mariners can get hot at the right time come October.

Winner: Mariners
Orioles acquire RHP Seranthony Domínguez and OF Cristian Pache from Phillies for OF Austin Hays
Many were intrigued to see the Philadelphia Phillies deal away Seranthony Dominguez and a bench bat for Austin Hays. Still, after trading for Carlos Estevez soon after, it all makes sense. Despite Hays's inconsistencies this season, he is an upgrade in the outfield for Philly, and he certainly is as good as you'll find for a nine-hitter on a playoff team.

Winner: Phillies
Yankees acquire INF/OF Jazz Chisholm Jr. from Marlins for 2B/SS Jared Serna, SS Abrahan Ramirez, and C Agustin Ramirez
You can say what you want about what the New York Yankees gave up to land Jazz Chisholm Jr., but the Pinstripes have already won the trade. In three games entering Thursday's action, Chisholm Jr. has already launched four home runs, with a critical go-ahead bomb in Wednesday's game against the Phillies. If Jazz remains a reliable hitter, the Yankees will become much more dangerous at the plate.

Winner: Yankees
Orioles acquire RHP Zach Eflin and cash from Rays for RHP Jackson Baumeister, INF Mac Horvath, and OF Matthew Etzel
Given all the injuries they've had thus far, the Baltimore Orioles were in desperate need of starting pitching depth, and Zach Eflin will give the O's another weapon in the rotation both this season and next. Come playoff time, Eflin should be able to start a game or come out of the bullpen, and he won't be fazed by the moment.

Winner: Orioles
Phillies acquire RHP Carlos Estévez from Angels for LHP Samuel Aldegheri and RHP George Klassen
The Philadelphia Phillies aimed to add a reliable high-leverage bullpen piece heading into the deadline, and they did just that by adding Carlos Estevez , who hasn't allowed an earned run since May 20th. The Phillies did a lot of bullpen dealing and ended up better off for it, with Estevez looking to be a fierce closer come postseason time. They paid a steep price to land Estevez, but you must give up something to get something in this league.

Winner: Phillies now, Angels later
Padres acquire RHP Jason Adam from Rays for 3 prospects
Jason Adam has been a valuable bullpen piece for the Tampa Bay Rays over the past few seasons and now heads to the San Diego Padres, where he'll join a re-vamped bullpen for the stretch run. The Rays got three prospects back in return, but it's hard to anoint the Padres as winners as we're still waiting to see if their "bullpen-only" approach ends up working.

Winner: To be seen, but Rays for now
Mets acquire OF Jesse Winker from Nationals for RHP Tyler Stuart
The New York Mets had a glaring need for a left-handed outfield bat, and Jesse Winker will be able to fill that role relatively quickly but don't ask him to get in clashes with more Mets fans.

Winner: Mets... but ultimately pettiness
Cubs acquire 3B Isaac Paredes from Rays for 3B Christopher Morel, 2 prospects
Many were surprised to see the Chicago Cubs swing such a massive deal given their current record, but they seem to view Isaac Paredes as their long-term third baseman. As a 25-year-old All-Star, Paredes has three more seasons of club control, giving the Cubs elite talent to add to their core. Christopher Morel wasn't turning the corner that the Cubs hoped for, but he's still a wise player for the Tampa Bay Rays to take a chance on. Ultimately, the team that lands the All-Star should win the trade now and in the future.

Winner: Cubs
Royals acquire RHP Michael Lorenzen from Rangers for LHP Walter Pennington
Last season, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired Michael Lorenzen at the trade deadline, and he tossed a no-hitter for them despite his minimal postseason contributions. The Kansas City Royals are likely not in for a no-hitter of their own, but Lorenzen should provide solid depth to the starting rotation in the short term and eventually be a bullpen arm come playoff time. The Royals didn't give one valuable in return, so they won.

Winner: Royals
Dodgers acquire INF/OF Tommy Edman, RHP Michael Kopech; Cardinals acquire RHP Erick Fedde, OF Tommy Pham; White Sox acquire INF Miguel Vargas, 2 prospects in 3-team deal
This rare three-team trade may be a win for all parties involved, but the St. Louis Cardinals already got a grand slam from Tommy Pham and arguably the most reliable pitcher in Erick Fedde in the deal. As they push for an NL Wild Card spot, both guys should be extremely valuable for the Red Birds.

Winner: Cardinals
Mariners acquire INF/DH Justin Turner from Blue Jays
Justin Turner has not had a good year for the Toronto Blue Jays, as it seems that age is finally catching up to him, but the Seattle Mariners offense has been so bad that not only is Turner an upgrade, but he may be counted on come playoff time. The Mariners got better, so they won this one.

Winner: Mariners
Guardians acquire OF Lane Thomas from Nationals for 3 prospects
The Cleveland Guardians clearly needed a right-handed outfield bat, and Lane Thomas could fill that need relatively easily. Thomas hasn't put up the same power numbers as last season. However, he's still hitting for contact reliably well, so maybe being slotted into a dangerous Guardians' lineup will force opposing pitchers to give him more favorable pitches. For the Washington Nationals, though, Thomas didn't fit their long-term plans, and they got a solid return. A win-win for both parties.

Winner: Draw
Astros acquire LHP Yusei Kikuchi from Blue Jays for RHP Jake Bloss, INF/OF Will Wagner, and INF/OF Joey Loperfido
Yusei Kikuchi was one of the hottest names on the starting pitching market, ultimately landing with the Houston Astros, who desperately need starting pitching depth. The Toronto Blue Jays got an over-market return for Kikuchi, but the Astros' need for him was too apparent. For now, this trade is a draw, but if Kikuchi provides strong postseason outings, the Astros won't care about the prospects.

Winner: Draw
Dodgers to acquire INF/OF Amed Rosario from Rays for RHP Michael Flynn
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Amed Rosario at the last trade deadline and now will do so again to add to their depth chart. He's bat .307 on the season, giving the Dodgers a much-needed contact hitter down the order. Maybe they can sign him up for a long-term extension now so they don't have to trade for him next summer, too.

Winner: Dodgers
Braves acquire OF Jorge Soler and RHP Luke Jackson from Giants for LHP Tyler Matzek and INF Sabin Ceballos
Jorge Soler has struggled this season for the San Francisco Giants but now gets to head back east to suit up for the Atlanta Braves, for whom he was the World Series MVP in 2021. Soler isn't the same player he was in 2021, but it's a fun move nonetheless for a team in need of offensive depth.

Winner: Braves
Mets acquire RHP Huascar Brazoban from Marlins for OF/3B Wilfredo Lara
The New York Mets recent play has put vaulted them into win-now mode, but at the same time, they treaded carefully to not give up much of their farm which they have been building back up well this past season. Huascar Brazoban accomplishes both as he can be an immediate high-leverage bullpen piece for a cheap price, and he's currently amidst a 11-game scoreless streak.

Winner: Mets
Guardians acquire RHP Alex Cobb from Giants for LHP Jacob Bresnahan and player to be named
Alex Cobb was set to make his season debut for the San Francisco Giants soon, but now it will be with the Cleveland Guardians. Cobb once was able to put together solid outings, but now, at age 36, it's fair to be worried about how much he has left. Still, the Guardians can maximize talent, so Cobb is worth the chance here.

Winner: Guardians
Diamondbacks acquire 1B Josh Bell from Marlins for player to be named or cash
Christian Walker will be on the sideline for about three weeks due to injury, giving Josh Bell a great opportunity to get a ton of at-bats. He's in the middle of a down season, but he's still a dangerous presence that can get hot in a hurry, as he has in the recent weeks.

Winner: Diamondbacks
Orioles acquire LHP Trevor Rogers from Marlins for 2B/OF Connor Norby and OF Kyle Stowers
Maybe there is some analytical underlying here, but I'm still baffled at the price the Baltimore Orioles gave up to land Trevor Rogers from the Miami Marlins. Maybe they don't necessarily feel that they have a place to put Connor Norby on the field, but he was one of their highest-graded prospects who should have gained a better return. In my eyes, Rogers isn't a difference-maker, so good on the Fins for returning a highly touted prospect to add to their farm system.

Winner: Marlins
Pirates acquire INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa from Blue Jays for 3B Charles McAdoo
Isiah Kiner-Falefa is amidst his best season at the plate as he is posting an impressive .292 batting average. Known for his glove, if Kiner-Falefa is able to stay hot, he can prove to be a valubale piece the bottom portion of the Pittsburgh Pirates' lineup. The Pirates traded one of their better prospects who has been a fast rise in Charles McAdoo, but the Buccos should be more than pleased to add a versatile piece like Kiner-Falefa into the fold as they push towards a Wild Card spot.

Winner: Pirates
Royals acquire RHP Lucas Erceg from A’s for RHP Mason Barnett, RHP Will Klein and OF Jared Dickey
Lucas Erceg is a solid relief option that many people around the league are high on, but the Kansas City Royals ended up giving two prospects with one of those being their fourth best prospect. I understan the market boded well for sellers, but unless Erceg morphs into an elite high-leverage, the price the Royals gave up is too high in my books.

Winner: Athletics
Royals acquire SS Paul DeJong from White Sox for RHP Jarold Rosado
The Kansas City Royals were in need of infield depth, and Paul DeJong now enters the fold with the ability to play mulitple positions. With 18 home runs on the season, his pop certainly won't hurt off the bench either.

Winner: Royals
Mariners acquire RHP JT Chargois from Marlins for RHP Will Schomberg
JT Chargois won't be a difference maker in the backend of the Seattle Mariners' bullpen necessarily, but he's a quality piece that should be able to give the Mariners servicable innings down the stretch. For a low cost, you can never have too many bullpen arms!

Winner: Mariners
Pirates acquire OF Bryan De La Cruz from Marlins for 1B Garret Forester and RHP Jun-Seok Shim
I'm somewhat surprised that Bryan De La Cruz wasn't traded for more than what the Pittsburgh Pirates ultimately gave up here. He'll immediately slot in as an everyday player for a Pirates team that's conceivably just a few more proven bats away from being a dangerous playoff team.

Winner: Pirates
Phillies acquire LHP Tanner Banks from White Sox for SS/2B William Bergolla
The Philadelphia Phillies were fully intent on revamping their bullpen, and they were able to essentially swap an unreliable Gregory Soto by shipping him to the Baltimore Orioles for Tanner Banks, who is under control until 2029. Banks likely won't be thrown into any high-leverage spots this season, but he gives the staff options. The Phillies did give up a solid prospect in William Bergolla, but do we really expect the White Sox to do anything good with him anyway?

Winner: Tanner Banks
Padres acquire LHP Tanner Scott and RHP Bryan Hoeing from Marlins for LHP Robby Snelling, RHP Adam Mazur, INF Graham Pauley and INF Jay Beshears
It would be best to respect the San Diego Padres' commitment to winning, but they gave up an absolute haul for Tanner Scott. Elite closers in this league cost a bunch, understandably so, but do the Padres believe a closer is worth going all-in for here, especially given their need for starting pitching depth? Regardless, the Padres now have an outstanding bullpen, but the Marlins' haul wins out here.

Winner: Marlins
Mets acquire RHP Paul Blackburn from A’s for RHP Kade Morris
The New York Mets' recent success has changed their outlook on the season, turning them into buyers across their roster. Adding Paul Blackburn is a low-risk, high-reward move, as Blackburn's value is lower than what it should be. He didn't allow an earned run across the first three starts of this season. If the Mets can get a resemblance of that production, they made a home run move.

Winner: Mets
Dodgers acquire CF Kevin Kiermaier from Blue Jays for LHP Ryan Yarbrough
It's been known that Kevin Kiermaier intends on retiring at the conclusion of the 2024 season, and now he gets to compete for a World Series in his final stretch of games. Expecting much out of Kiermaier would be a mistake for the Dodgers, but all they gave up for him was someone they designated for assignment anyway. Where is the risk?

Winner: Kevin Kiermaier
Giants acquire 1B/OF Mark Canha from Tigers for RHP Eric Silva
Sitting five games back of the NL's final Wild Card spot, the Giants essentially swapped Jorge Soler's bat for a worse player in Mark Canha. Canha wasn't a part of the Tiger's future, so good on them for getting something in return for his services.

Winner: Tigers
Orioles acquire LHP Gregory Soto from Phillies for RHP Seth Johnson and RHP Moisés Chace
The Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles pulled off their fair share of deals this trade cycle, and now the Orioles are left with what the Phillies viewed as their "scrap" bullpen pieces. The Phillies wanted to upgrade from Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez for their postseason run. Still, they happen to be an upgrade for the Orioles because of how bad their bullpen has been this year. In a World Series matchup, the Phillies have the better bullpen now, so they win this trade.

Winner: Phillies
Orioles acquire OF Eloy Jiménez from White Sox for LHP Trey McGough
Once upon a time, Eloy Jimenez was viewed as a core piece of the Chicago White Sox's plans, and while he didn't become the star player that many hoped for, his bat can still be of service around the league. Essentially, the Baltimore Orioles replaced Austin Hays for Jimenez here, and most will view the upside that Jimenez gives you to be much higher than anything Hays could have provided in the short term. Plus, maybe being surrounded by other strong hitters will bring out the best in Jimenez—a wise gamble to make.

Winner: Orioles
Padres acquire LHP Martín Pérez from Pirates for LHP Ronaldys Jimenez
Trading away a starting pitcher when you're eyeing a playoff berth doesn't make sense if you're the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Buccos probably had already eliminated Martin Perez from their postseason rotation. Still, Perez helps you get there in the first place, and you give him to a team you're chasing in the standings. Make it make sense!

Winner: Padres
Red Sox acquire RHP Luis García from Angels for four prospects
The Boston Red Sox have had a pretty brutal bullpen, and while Luis Garcia should help to remedy that, they gave up four prospects for a 37-year old rental that is a slightly above average. While none of the prospects were necessarily highly ranked, four prospects is four prospects.

Winner: Angels
Dodgers acquire RHP Jack Flaherty from Tigers for C Thayron Liranzo and INF Trey Sweeney
The Los Angeles Dodgers have openly needed starting pitching depth all season, and they ultimately landed the best one traded at the deadline. Prospects or not, Jack Flaherty makes LA's starting rotation much more complete as they aim to live up to their World Series expectations. He's quietly had an excellent season in Detroit, so the Dodgers should be pumped to welcome his arm to LA.

Winner: Dodgers
Diamondbacks acquire LHP A.J. Puk from Marlins for 1B/3B Deyvison De Los Santos and OF Andrew Pintar
The Arizona Diamondbacks still believe they're a viable threat to repeat as National League champions, and they knew in order to do that they would need to add depth to their bullpen. By acquiring AJ Puk from the Miami Marlins, the D-Backs now have a high-leverage left-handed option to go along with all their other righties, without giving up significant prospect compensation. Plus, Puk has already had three scoreless appearances thus far for the D-Backs. That's a win in my book!

Winner: Diamondbacks

MLB Trade Deadline Winners: Who Came Out On Top of the 35 Biggest Moves?

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