MLB · 3 months ago

Ranking 5 Under-the-Radar MLB Trade Deadline Deals Bound to Pay Dividends

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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1. Josh Naylor – Mariners Add Grit and Production
The Seattle Mariners' acquisition of Josh Naylor didn’t grab national headlines, but it might be one of the most impactful moves of the deadline. The Mariners gave up two mid-tier prospects for one of baseball’s most consistent first basemen, who’s also swiped an eye-catching 22 bases this season. Naylor’s contact skills, run production, and energy are tailor-made for a playoff chase.

With the Mariners just a game back in the AL West, his presence deepens an already dangerous lineup. It provides another sparkplug alongside fellow acquisition from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Eugenio Suárez.

For a team eyeing October baseball, Naylor’s mix of skill and swagger could be a difference-maker.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
5. Charlie Morton – Tigers Add Rotation Stability
The Detroit Tigers’ pickup of Charlie Morton from the Baltimore Orioles didn’t make waves, but it could prove valuable in the stretch run. Detroit parted with lefty Micah Ashman, a mid-minors arm with strong High-A numbers but limited prospect buzz.

Morton’s overall 5.42 ERA masks the fact that he’s been trending upward, cutting that number dramatically after a brutal April. At 41, he’s not the same overpowering ace, but in a market where few starters moved, landing a proven veteran for a low cost was shrewd.

Slotted behind Tarik Skubal, Morton can give Detroit quality innings as they fend off the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central race.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
4. Griffin Jax – Rays Bet on Bullpen Upside
When Griffin Jax requested a trade, the Minnesota Twins found a match with the Tampa Bay Rays, shipping him out for young starter Taj Bradley. The deal gives Minnesota a controllable rotation piece, while the Rays add a reliever with elite swing-and-miss metrics.

Jax’s ERA has spiked to 4.93 this year, but his 39.2% chase rate and 37.3% whiff rate remain elite. Tampa’s track record with bullpen makeovers suggests he could rebound quickly.

If the Rays unlock his four-seam fastball — currently getting hit hard — Jax could become a late-inning force during a potential playoff push.

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3. Tyler Rogers – Mets Build a Bullpen Wall
The New York Mets paid a premium for Tyler Rogers, sending two top-12 prospects and righty José Buttó to the San Francisco Giants for the funky submarine reliever. Critics called it an overpay for a rental, but Rogers’ track record speaks for itself — a career 2.78 ERA and elite contact suppression.

He joins Edwin Díaz and Ryan Helsley to form one of MLB’s nastiest late-game trios. With his near-zero walk rate and ground-ball heavy approach, Rogers gives New York a different look in high-leverage spots, and his postseason experience could prove invaluable if the Mets make a deep October run.

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2. Merrill Kelly – Rangers Shore Up Rotation Depth
The Texas Rangers landed one of the few impact starters moved at the deadline, sending three pitching prospects to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Merrill Kelly. Healthy again after an injury-affected 2024, Kelly was in top form with a 3.22 ERA over 22 starts for the D-backs. His addition gives Texas a steady No. 3 behind Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, critical for a team with championship ambitions.

While his first two outings with Texas have been rocky, Kelly’s durability and ability to limit damage could make him a stabilizing force down the stretch and into the postseason.
1. Josh Naylor – Mariners Add Grit and Production
The Seattle Mariners' acquisition of Josh Naylor didn’t grab national headlines, but it might be one of the most impactful moves of the deadline. The Mariners gave up two mid-tier prospects for one of baseball’s most consistent first basemen, who’s also swiped an eye-catching 22 bases this season. Naylor’s contact skills, run production, and energy are tailor-made for a playoff chase.

With the Mariners just a game back in the AL West, his presence deepens an already dangerous lineup. It provides another sparkplug alongside fellow acquisition from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Eugenio Suárez.

For a team eyeing October baseball, Naylor’s mix of skill and swagger could be a difference-maker.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
5. Charlie Morton – Tigers Add Rotation Stability
The Detroit Tigers’ pickup of Charlie Morton from the Baltimore Orioles didn’t make waves, but it could prove valuable in the stretch run. Detroit parted with lefty Micah Ashman, a mid-minors arm with strong High-A numbers but limited prospect buzz.

Morton’s overall 5.42 ERA masks the fact that he’s been trending upward, cutting that number dramatically after a brutal April. At 41, he’s not the same overpowering ace, but in a market where few starters moved, landing a proven veteran for a low cost was shrewd.

Slotted behind Tarik Skubal, Morton can give Detroit quality innings as they fend off the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central race.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

Ranking 5 Under-the-Radar MLB Trade Deadline Deals Bound to Pay Dividends

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