It was a strange MLB trade deadline. Of the two biggest names to move in the last week, Eugenio Suárez was expected and Mason Miller really wasn’t, even though it was plausible. Suarez went to the Seattle Mariners late Wednesday night, while Miller was dealt early Thursday. Other than that, actual deadline-day deals were notable as much for who went as they were for who remained with their team. And none of the buzzer-beaters grabbed much attention.
Which contenders did the best? You can have your opinions now, but that won’t actually be determined until October, if they all make it. On the other side, we saw a dramatic teardown by the Minnesota Twins, who will need name tags when the team reports for work today.
More often than not, role players have a key impact on a team in the postseason. Think of Marco Scutaro (2012 NL Championship Series MVP with the San Francisco Giants), Eddie Rosario (2021 NLCS MVP with Atlanta) and Tommy Edman (2024 NLCS MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers), among just a few. So while Suarez and Miller will grab all the headlines — rightfully so — for what was done before Thursday’s MLB trade deadline, there is a lesser-known player somewhere listed below who will provide a spark for a contender during the postseason.
Records for each team are entering Thursday’s play to demonstrate where each team stood before the deadline. All prospect rankings are via Baseball America, but remember that each team values prospects differently. Team names in parentheses are teams player came from or went to. Deals involving players designated for assignment are not included. All trades have taken place since Thursday of last week.
AL East
TORONTO BLUE JAYS (64-46, first place)
Key additions: RHP Shane Bieber (Guardians), RHP Louis Varland (Twins), 1B Ty France (Twins), RHP Seranthony Domínguez (Orioles), C Brandon Valenzuela (Padres, unranked).
Key losses: 3B Will Wagner (Padres), RHP Khal Stephen (Guardians, No. 5 prospect), RHP Juaron Watts-Brown (Orioles, No. 14 prospect), OF Alan Roden (Twins, No. 7 prospect), LHP Kendry Rojas (Twins, No. 11 prospect).
What it means: Bieber is the big acquisition for the Jays despite him not having thrown a pitch in an MLB game since early 2024. On his way back from Tommy John surgery, Bieber threw 57 pitches in a rehab outing Tuesday, so he might need one or two more starts before officially making his Jays debut. Dominguez and Varland improve the bullpen, while France is a bench bat at best.
NEW YORK YANKEES (59-49, second place, 4 games behind, No. 1 wild card)
Key additions: 3B Ryan McMahon (Rockies), RHP Camilo Doval (Giants), IF Amed Rosario (Nationals), OF Austin Slater (White Sox), RHP David Bednar (Pirates), RHP Jake Bird (Rockies), IF José Caballero (Rays).
Key losses: LHP Griffin Herring (Rockies, No. 17 prospect), RHP Josh Grosz (Rockies, unranked), RHP Gage Ziehl (White Sox, No. 18 prospect), RHP Clayton Beeter (Nationals, No. 23 prospect), OF Browm Martinez (Nationals, unranked), C-1B Rafael Flores (Pirates, No. 8 prospect), C Edgleen Perez (Pirates, No. 16 prospect), OF Brian Sanchez (Pirates, No. 24 prospect), 2B Roc Riggio (Rockies, No. 22 prospect), LHP Ben Shields (Rockies, unranked), OF Everson Pereira (Rays, No. 13 prospect), LHP Carlos De La Rosa (Giants, No. 25 prospect), C-3B Jesus Rodriguez (Giants, No. 29 prospect), RHP Trystan Vrieling (Giants, unranked), 3B Parks Harber (Giants, unranked).
What it means: One of the more active teams, the Yankees dealt 10 of their top 30 prospects, but only 1 of their top 12. While there was not a big add to the rotation, the bullpen was much-improved with Bednar, Doval, and Bird. With the closing experience of Bednar and Doval, that gives the Yankees four late-inning options who have finished games. With how porous the Yankees’ defense has been, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Caballero, who has yet to hit arbitration, see a prominent role.
BOSTON RED SOX (59-51, third place, 5 games behind, No. 2 wild card)
Key additions: RHP Dustin May (Dodgers), LHP Steven Matz (Cardinals).
Key losses: 3B Blaze Jordan (Cardinals, No. 24 prospect), OF James Tibbs III (Dodgers, No. 10 prospect), OF Zach Ehrhard (Dodgers, No. 29 prospect).
What it means: It was a lackluster deadline for the Red Sox. May will get a chance to start as there is a hole in the rotation, while Matz adds to bullpen. But for a team that could still make a run at the division title, there weren’t quality additions made.
TAMPA BAY RAYS (54-55, fourth place, 9½ games behind, 3 GB wild card)
Key additions: RHP Adrian Houser (White Sox), RHP Griffin Jax (Twins), C Nick Fortes (Marlins), 2B Jadher Areinamo (Rays, No. 10 prospect), C Hunter Feduccia (Dodgers), RHP Brian Van Belle (Reds), OF Everson Pereira (Yankees, No. 13 prospect).
Key losses: RHP Zack Littell (Reds), C Danny Jansen (Rays), IF José Caballero (Yankees), OF Nick Etzel (Marlins, unranked), RHP Paul Gervase (Dodgers), C Ben Rortvedt (Dodgers), IF Curtis Mead (White Sox, unranked), RHP Ben Peoples (White Sox, unranked), RHP Duncan Davitt (White Sox, unranked), RHP Taj Bradley (Twins).
What it means: Were the Rays sellers or buyers? If you have to ask that question, the Rays were buyers. They added one of the surprise stories of 2025 in Houser along with a top setup guy in Jax. Otherwise, they retooled on the run, losing Jansen but at the same time adding Fortes. Replacing Caballero will be key.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES (50-59, last place, 13½ games behind, 7 GB wild card)
Key additions: LHP Boston Bateman (Padres, No. 6 prospect), SS Cobb Hightower (Padres, No. 8 prospect), RHP Tyson Neighbors (Padres, No. 20 prospect), IF-OF Victor Figueroa (Padres, No. 29 prospect), IF Brandon Butterworth (Padres, unranked), RHP Tanner Smith (Padres, unranked), RHP Raimon Gomez (Mets, No. 22 prospect), RHP Anthony Nunez (Mets, No. 27 prospect), RHP Chandler Marsh (Mets, unranked), RHP Juaron Watts-Brown (Blue Jays, No. 14 prospect), RHP Wellington Aracena (Mets, No. 28 prospect), RHP Cameron Foster (Mets, unranked), RHP Twine Palmer (Astros, unranked), SS Wilfri De La Cruz (Cubs, No. 20 prospect), LHP Micah Ashman (Tigers, unranked).
Key losses: CF Cedric Mullins (Mets), 1B Ryan O’Hearn (Padres), OF Ramón Laureano (Padres), LHP Gregory Soto (Mets), RHP Seranthony Domínguez (Blue Jays), 3B Ramón Urías (Astros), RHP Andrew Kittredge (Cubs), RHP Charlie Morton (Tigers).
What it means: The second-biggest seller at the deadline, the Orioles were able to unload impending free agents Dominguez, Mullins, Morton, O’Hearn and Laureano, while getting a good haul of prospects in return. All eyes will be on the Orioles this offseason and their young core after what has been a very disappointing 2025 thus far.
AL Central
DETROIT TIGERS (64-46, first place)
Key additions: RHP Charlie Morton (Orioles), RHP Chris Paddack (Twins), RHP Randy Dobnak (Twins), RHP Rafael Montero (Atlanta), RHP Kyle Finnegan (Nationals), RHP Paul Sewald (Guardians), RHP Codi Heuer (Rangers).
Key losses: C Enrique Jimenez (Twins, No. 17 prospect), IF Jim Jarvis (Atlanta, unranked), RHP Josh Randall (Nationals, No. 20 prospect), RHP R.J. Sales (Nationals, unranked), LHP Micah Ashman (Orioles, unranked).
What it means: Before winning their last four, the Tigers lost 12 of 13 to fall from having MLB’s best record. So they went out and bolstered the pitching staff, for better or worse, with five adds tot he MLB staff (although Sewald is on the IL), with two reinforcements in the minors. Morton has been better recently and could slot in behind Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty, easing the pressure on Casey Mize. Montero could be a gem if he can iron out his control issues.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS (54-54, second place, 9 games behind, 2½ GB wild card)
Key additions: RHP Khal Stephen (Blue Jays, No. 5 prospect).
Key losses: RHP Shane Bieber (Blue Jays), RHP Paul Sewald (Tigers).
What it means: There were thoughts the Guardians would be more active, but they ultimately held on to OF Steven Kwan. Bieber was only under contract through 2026, so the risk on dealing the former AL Cy Young Award winner still coming back from Tommy John surgery is pretty low.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS (54-55, third place, 9½ games behind, 3 GB wild card)
Key additions: OF Randal Grichuk (D’backs), RHP Stephen Kolek (Padres), RHP Ryan Bergert (Padres, No. 13 prospect), LHP Bailey Falter (Pirates), OF Mike Yastrzemski (Giants).
Key losses: RHP Andrew Hoffman (D’backs), C Freddy Fermin (Padres), RHP Yunior Marte (Giants, No. 15 prospect), LHP Evan Sisk (Pirates, unranked), 1B Callan Moss (Pirates, unranked).
What it means: Unlike the Guardians, the Royals opted to make adds, with Falter and Kolek joining the rotation and Grichuk and Yastrzemski adding outfield depth. Nothing exciting, but the roster is better, although losing Fermin could hurt.
MINNESOTA TWINS (51-57, fourth place, 12 games behind, 5½ GB wild card)
Key additions: RHP Taj Bradley (Rays), OF James Outman (Dodgers), C Eduardo Tait (Phillies, No. 3 prospect), RHP Mick Abel (Phillies, No. 6 prospect), C Enrique Jimenez (Tigers, No. 17 prospect), OF Hendry Mendez (Phillies, No. 17 prospect), RHP Geremy Villoria (Phillies, unranked), LHP Garrett Horn (Rangers, No. 25 prospect), LHP Matt Mikulski (Astros), RHP Sam Armstrong (Cubs, No. 30 prospect), RHP Ryan Gallagher (Cubs, unranked), IF Curtis Mead (Rays, unranked), RHP Ben Peoples (Rays, unranked), RHP Duncan Davitt (Rays, unranked), OF Alan Roden (Blue Jays, No. 7 prospect), LHP Kendry Rojas (Blue Jays, No. 11 prospect).
Key losses: SS Carlos Correa (Astros), RHP Jhoan Duran (Phillies), RHP Chris Paddack (Tigers), RHP Randy Dobnak (Tigers), OF Harrison Bader (Phillies), RHP Brock Stewart (Dodgers), LHP Danny Coulombe (Rangers), IF Willi Castro (Cubs), RHP Louis Varland (Blue Jays), 1B Ty France (Blue Jays), RHP Griffin Jax (Rays).
What it means: Last one left in the Twin Cities, turn out the lights. There were 11 players off the 26-man roster who were dealt in recent days. With the team on the verge of being sold, there will be a chance to quickly rebound as the starting rotation is in good shape for 2026, especially after holding on to ace Joe Ryan. The biggest move was sending Correa back to the Astros, along with $33 million. While there are players set to enter arbitration, only RHP Pablo López and CF Byron Buxton (on the injured list) are under contract beyond this season.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX (40-69, last place, 23½ games behind, 17 GB wild card)
Key additions: RHP Gage Ziehl (Yankees, No. 18 prospect).
Key losses: RHP Adrian Houser (Rays), OF Austin Slater (Yankees).
What it means: No trading Luis Robert Jr. feels like a mistake, but maybe a better deal can be made in the offseason.
AL West
HOUSTON ASTROS (62-47, first place)
Key additions: SS Carlos Correa (Twins), OF Jesus Sanchez (Marlins), 3B Ramón Urías (Orioles).
Key losses: RHP Twine Palmer (Orioles, unranked), RHP Ryan Gusto (Marlins), SS Chase Jaworsky (Marlins, No. 22 prospect), OF Esmil Valencia (Marlins, unranked), LHP Matt Mikulski (Twins).
What it means: The Astros got a lot better with Correa and Sanchez without having to give up much (only one ranked prospect). The willingness to absorb all but $33 million of Correa’s salary was surprising for a franchise that has pinched pennies. Correa will play third base, which fills the void left by Isaac Paredes‘ injury. Don’t overlook Sanchez’s addition to the outfield.
SEATTLE MARINERS (57-52, tied for second place, 5 games behind, tied for No. 3 wild card)
Key additions: 3B Eugenio Suárez (D’backs), 1B Josh Naylor (D’backs), LHP Caleb Ferguson (Pirates).
Key losses: 1B-3B Tyler Locklear (D’backs, No. 14 prospect), RHP Juan Burgos (D’backs, No. 25 prospect), RHP Hunter Cranton (D’backs, unranked), LHP Brandyn Garcia (D’backs), RHP Ashton Izzi (D’backs, No. 13 prospect), RHP Jeter Martinez (Pirates, No. 22 prospect).
What it means: Getting two of the better bats on the market, even if they are rentals, greatly improves the Mariners’ offense, particularly from a power perspective, that is led by MLB home run leader Cal Raleigh. With the pitching the Mariners throw out on a given night, they have given themselves a legit chance the rest of the season.
TEXAS RANGERS (57-52, tied for second place, 5 games behind, tied for No. 3 wild card)
Key additions: RHP Merrill Kelly (D’backs), LHP Danny Coulombe (Twins), RHP Phil Maton (Cardinals).
Key losses: RHP Codi Heuer (Tigers), LHP Garrett Horn (Twins, No. 25 prospect), LHP Kohl Drake (D’backs, No. 9 prospect), LHP Mitch Bratt (D’backs, No. 14 prospect), RHP David Hagaman (D’backs, No. 16 prospect), RHP Mason Molina (Cardinals, unranked), RHP Skyler Hales (Cardinals, unranked).
What it means: A major player on deadline day, the Rangers added Kelly to go along with Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi atop the rotation, then added Coulombe and Maton to the back end of the bullpen. The biggest reason the Rangers made these moves is because they won 12 of their last 16 before Thursday.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS (53-56, fourth place, 9 games behind, 4 GB wild card)
Key additions: LHP Andrew Chafin (Nationals), RHP Luis García Jr. (Nationals).
Key losses: LHP Jake Eder (Nationals, No. 24 prospect), 1B Sam Brown (Nationals).
What it means: Do the Angels know what they are doing? After adding a pair of relievers before Thursday, seemingly indicating they thought they were contenders, they did nothing after that. Not even selling off any assets, which is what the standings are telling them to do.
ATHLETICS (48-63, last place, 15 games behind, 17 GB wild card)
Key additions: SS Leo De Vries (Padres, No. 1 prospect), RHP Braden Nett (Padres, No. 7 prospect), RHP Eduarniel Nunez (Padres, No. 14 prospect), RHP Henry Baez (Padres, No. 16 prospect), RHP Kenya Huggins (Reds, unranked).
Key losses: RHP Mason Miller (A’s), LHP JP Sears (A’s), IF-OF Miguel Andujar (Reds).
What it means: The A’s did what many thought they wouldn’t do: Trade Miller. Without a true need for an All-Star closer, it was the right move, which resulted them in picking up De Vries, not only the Padres’ top prospect, but No. 5 in all of baseball, as well as three other top prospects. The puzzling thing is the A’s didn’t spin off Luis Severino, who has voiced his displeasure over pitching in West Sacramento.
NL East
NEW YORK METS (62-47, first place)
Key additions: CF Cedric Mullins (Orioles), RHP Ryan Helsley (Cardinals), LHP Gregory Soto (Orioles), RHP Tyler Rogers (Giants).
Key losses: RHP Raimon Gomez (Orioles, No. 22 prospect), RHP Anthony Nunez (Orioles, No. 27 prospect), RHP Chandler Marsh (Orioles, unranked), RHP Wellington Aracena (Orioles, No. 28 prospect), RHP Cameron Foster (Orioles, unranked), RHP José Buttó (Giants), RHP Blade Tidwell (Giants, No. 10 prospect), OF Drew Gilbert (Giants, No. 14 prospect), 3B-SS Jesus Baez (Cardinals, No. 6 prospect), RHP Nate Dohm (Cardinals, No. 25 prospect), RHP Frank Elissalt (Cardinals, unranked).
What it means: While disappointing that the Mets didn’t add a starter, Mullins and the three bullpen arms could provide enough vibes in what promises to be a battle with the Phillies for the East title.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (61-47, second place, ½ games behind, No. 2 wild card)
Key additions: RHP Jhoan Duran (Twins), OF Harrison Bader (Twins).
Key losses: C Eduardo Tait (Twins, No. 3 prospect), RHP Mick Abel (Twins, No. 6 prospect), OF Hendry Mendez (Twins, No. 17 prospect), RHP Geremy Villoria (Twins, unranked).
What it means: The Phillies probably could have used another bullpen arm to join Duran, but Duran will push the others into more comfortable roles. Tait is No. 50 in the Top 100. Bader can improve the offense as well as the defense, but otherwise, the Phillies will need those who were already on the roster to step up.
MIAMI MARLINS (52-55, third place, 9 games behind, 7 GB wild card)
Key additions: OF Nick Etzel (Rays, unranked), RHP Ryan Gusto (Astros), SS Chase Jaworsky (Astros, No. 22 prospect), OF Esmil Valencia (Astros, unranked).
Key losses: OF Jesus Sanchez (Astros), C Nick Fortes (Rays).
What it means: While the Marlins have been a feel-good story this season, choosing to deal Sanchez was the right move. The struggles of RHP Sandy Alcantara likely didn’t bring the price the Marlins were seeking, but dealing him this offseason suddenly becomes a priority for this frugal franchise.
ATLANTA (45-62, fourth place, 16 games behind, 14 GB wild card)
Key additions: RHP Tyler Kinley (Rockies).
Key losses: RHP Austin Smith (Rockies, unranked).
What it means: It wasn’t surprising Atlanta stood pat. The core is locked up long term and this season is definitely a blip on the radar considering the entire starting rotation from Opening Day is on the injured list.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS (44-64, last place, 17½ games behind, 15½ GB wild card)
Key additions: RHP Clayton Beeter (Yankees, No. 23 prospect), OF Browm Martinez (Yankees, unranked), LHP Jake Eder (Angels, No. 24 prospect), 1B Sam Brown (Angels), SS Ronny Cruz (Cubs, No. 17 prospect), RHP Josh Randall (Tigers, No. 20 prospect), RHP R.J. Sales (Tigers, unranked), RHP Sean Linan (Dodgers, No. 19 prospect), RHP Eriq Swan (Dodgers, No. 24 prospect).
Key losses: IF Amed Rosario (Yankees), LHP Andrew Chafin (Angels), RHP Luis García Jr. (Angels), RHP Michael Soroka (Cubs), RHP Kyle Finnegan (Tigers), OF Alex Call (Dodgers).
What it means: The Nats seemed to do fairly well in dealing the six pieces from their roster. Whoever takes over the front office will have a good foundation from which to work.
NL Central
MILWAUKEE BREWERS (64-44, first place)
Key additions: RHP Shelby Miller (D’backs), LHP Jordan Montgomery (D’backs), C Danny Jansen (Rays), OF Brandon Lockridge (Padres).
Key losses: LHP Nestor Cortes (Padres), 2B Jadher Areinamo (Rays, No. 10 prospect).
What it means: If you believe in what the Brewers have done in 2025, what they did at the deadline shouldn’t be surprising. But if you think they have been overachieving, which is fair, they should have done more. Instead, Miller joins a pretty good during a renaissance season for the 34-year-old. Check out the D’backs entry for more on Montgomery. Lockridge is simply a depth piece, one who could get an early call with OF Jackson Chourio potentially going on the IL with a hamstring injury.
CHICAGO CUBS (63-45, second place, one game behind, No. 1 wild card)
Key additions: RHP Michael Soroka (Nationals), LHP Taylor Rogers (Pirates), RHP Andrew Kittredge (Orioles), IF Willi Castro (Twins).
Key losses: SS Ronny Cruz (Nationals, No. 17 prospect), SS Wilfri De La Cruz (Orioles, No. 20 prospect), RHP Sam Armstrong (Twins, No. 30 prospect), RHP Ryan Gallagher (Twins, unranked).
What it means: For all the talk coming out of Cubs camp, this was an underwhelming deadline. Soroka would have been better as a secondary upgrade to the rotation instead of a primary one. Rogers and Kittredge join an already-strong bullpen, while Castro is a bench piece, perhaps platooning at third. Rogers was traded twice in as many days.
CINCINNATI REDS (57-52, third place, 7½ games behind, 3 GB wild card)
Key additions: 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes (Pirates), IF-OF Miguel Andujar (A’s).
Key losses: SS Sammy Stafura (Pirates, No. 9 prospect), RHP Adam Serwinowski (Dodgers, No. 12), RHP Brian Van Belle (Rays), RHP Kenya Huggins (A’s, unranked).
What it means: The Reds’ only hope is a wild-card spot. Hayes is expected to help out the Reds’ defense by allowing SS Elly De La Cruz to be able to focus up the middle. If his offense can be unlocked, that would be a huge bonus.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (55-55, fourth place, 10 games behind, 5½ GB wild card)
Key additions: 3B-SS Jesus Baez (Mets, No. 6 prospect), RHP Nate Dohm (Mets, No. 25 prospect), RHP Frank Elissalt (Mets, unranked), 3B Blaze Jordan (Red Sox, No. 24 prospect), RHP Mason Molina (Rangers, unranked), RHP Skyler Hales (Rangers, unranked).
Key losses: RHP Ryan Helsley (Mets), LHP Steven Matz (Red Sox), RHP Phil Maton (Rangers).
What it means: With their success early in the season, the Cardinals were caught as a tweener, but they did spin off a few pitching pieces and might find a gem in the prospects they got back. The transition to a new front office can now begin with the business of 2025 basically complete.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES (47-62, last place, 17½ games behind, 13 GB wild card)
Key additions: SS Sammy Stafura (Reds, No. 9 prospect), RHP Jeter Martinez (Mariners, No. 22 prospect), C-1B Rafael Flores (Yankees, No. 8 prospect), C Edgleen Perez (Yankees, No. 16 prospect), OF Brian Sanchez (Yankees, No. 24 prospect), LHP Evan Sisk (Royals, unranked), 1B Callan Moss (Royals, unranked), OF Ivan Brethowr (Cubs).
Key losses: RHP David Bednar (Mets), 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes (Reds), LHP Caleb Ferguson (Mariners), LHP Bailey Falter (Royals).
What it means: You have to wonder what superstar RHP Paul Skenes is thinking right now. Does he go to the front office in the offseason and ask to be dealt? The Pirates were a stopover for LHP Taylor Rogers, who was acquired from the Reds, then shipped to the Cubs as he continues his NL Central tour.
NL West
LOS ANGELES DODGERS (63-46, first place)
Key additions: RHP Brock Stewart (Twins), OF Alex Call (Nationals), RHP Adam Serwinowski (Reds, No. 12), RHP Paul Gervase (Dodgers), C Ben Rortvedt (Rays), OF James Tibbs III (Red Sox, No. 10 prospect), OF Zach Ehrhard (Red Sox, No. 29 prospect).
Key losses: RHP Dustin May (Red Sox), OF James Outman (Twins), C Hunter Feduccia (Rays), RHP Sean Linan (Nationals, No. 19 prospect), RHP Eriq Swan (Nationals, No. 24 prospect).
What it means: There were no bold moves by the reigning World Series champs, which might have been a surprise in itself. With the exception of shipping out May and bringing in Call, the Dodgers stood pat, essentially banking on the return to health of several pitchers as well as better production from the offense.
SAN DIEGO PADRES (60-49, second place, 3 games behind, No. 3 wild card)
Key additions: RHP Mason Miller (A’s), LHP JP Sears (A’s), 1B Ryan O’Hearn (Orioles), OF Ramón Laureano (Orioles), LHP Nestor Cortes (Brewers), C Freddy Fermin (Royals), 3B Will Wagner (Blue Jays).
Key losses: SS Leo De Vries (A’s, No. 1 prospect), RHP Braden Nett (A’s, No. 7 prospect), RHP Eduarniel Nunez (A’s, No. 14 prospect), RHP Henry Baez (A’s, No. 16 prospect), RHP Stephen Kolek (Royals), RHP Ryan Bergert (Royals, No. 13 prospect), C Brandon Valenzuela (Blue Jays, unranked), OF Brandon Lockridge (Brewers), LHP Boston Bateman (Orioles, No. 6 prospect), SS Cobb Hightower (Orioles, No. 8 prospect), RHP Tyson Neighbors (Orioles, No. 20 prospect), IF-OF Victor Figueroa (Orioles, No. 29 prospect), IF Brandon Butterworth (Orioles, unranked), RHP Tanner Smith (Padres, unranked).
What it means: The wheeling and dealing by A.J. Preller was on full display, going big to add Miller to a bullpen that is already one of MLB’s best. Finding the proper way to fit in O’Hearn and Laureano will be key. Will Cortes be counted on for big contributions after being injured most of the season? Fermin could be a solution behind the plate.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (54-55, third place, 9 games behind, 6 GB wild card)
Key additions: RHP José Buttó (Mets), RHP Blade Tidwell (Mets, No. 10 prospect), OF Drew Gilbert (Mets, No. 14 prospect), RHP Yunior Marte (Royals, No. 15 prospect), LHP Carlos De La Rosa (Yankees, No. 25 prospect), C-3B Jesus Rodriguez (Yankees, No. 29 prospect), RHP Trystan Vrieling (Yankees, unranked), 3B Parks Harber (Yankees, unranked).
Key losses: RHP Tyler Rogers (Mets), RHP Camilo Doval (Yankees), OF Mike Yastrzemski (Giants).
What it means: The Giants were in no-man’s land and so they dealt what they could. There is no real immediate help, leaving improvements for the offseason.
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (51-58, fourth place, 12 games behind, 9 GB wild card)
Key additions: 1B-3B Tyler Locklear (Mariners, No. 14 prospect), RHP Juan Burgos (Mariners, No. 25 prospect), RHP Hunter Cranton (Mariners, unranked), LHP Brandyn Garcia (Mariners), RHP Ashton Izzi (Mariners, No. 13 prospect), RHP Andrew Hoffman (Royals), LHP Kohl Drake (Rangers, No. 9 prospect), LHP Mitch Bratt (Rangers, No. 14 prospect), RHP David Hagaman (Rangers, No. 16 prospect).
Key losses: 3B Eugenio Suárez (Mariners), 1B Josh Naylor (Mariners), RHP Merrill Kelly (Rangers), OF Randal Grichuk (Royals), RHP Shelby Miller (D’backs), LHP Jordan Montgomery (D’backs).
What it means: Injuries put the D’backs in the unfortunate position of having to sell. Keeping RHP Zac Gallen was surprising, but perhaps the impending free agent didn’t draw the right return. The emphasis on acquiring pitching prospects was exactly the right move. The funniest/saddest move was the D’backs dealing Montgomery to the Brewers. Montgomery will be a free agent this offseason and has not pitched due to Tommy John surgery. Feels like a spite move.
COLORADO ROCKIES (28-80, last place, 34½ games behind, 31½ GB wild card)
Key additions: LHP Griffin Herring (Yankees, No. 17 prospect), RHP Josh Grosz (Yankees, unranked), RHP Austin Smith (Atlanta, unranked), 2B Roc Riggio (Yankees, No. 22 prospect), LHP Ben Shields (Yankees, unranked).
Key losses: 3B Ryan McMahon (Yankees), RHP Tyler Kinley (Atlanta), RHP Jake Bird (Yankees).
What it means: Not much. It is the Rockies.
