Happy Trade Deadline Day to everyone! We’ve seen plenty of reliever moves already but expect to see a lot more happen over the course of the day today. I’ll be using the notes section as somewhat of a trade deadline tracker with a short reaction to each reliever trade as well. I’m hoping to update the list/notes throughout the day as deals happen.
Notes
- Shelby Miller to MIL. Miller has resumed throwing and should be back at some point in August for the Brewers where he figures to primarily fill a setup/middle relief role. Kevin Ginkel remain the favorite for saves in Arizona moving forward.
- Griffin Jax to TB. The last of the Twins big four relievers to move, Jax heads to Tampa Bay where I’d imagine he sets up games for Pete Fairbanks at least until the end of the year. He becomes a sleeper for savs in 2026/27 if the Rays decline Fairbanks option this offseason (or trade him). In Minnesota, no one is left but Cole Sands and maybe Justin Topa so expect those two to see save chances but neither one is worth overspending on.
- Louis Varland to TOR. The Twins traded their entire bullpen today, including Varland who is under team control through 2030. He should see a similar role in Toronto although there are more mouths to feed there.
- Camilo Doval to NYY. The Yankees big day continues adding the Giants closer. I’m not entirely sure where he fits in when this bullpen is at full strength, but in San Francisco, hopefully this opens the door for Randy Rodríguez to secure the closer role (although Ryan Walker is still lurking).
- Taylor Rogers to CHC. The Cubs add another lefty to the mix despite already having Caleb Thielbar and Drew Pomeranz. Thielbar has been awesome for them, but Rogers could potentially vie for that second lefty role.
- Phil Maton to TEX. The Rangers strike twice, adding Maton to the back end, and there is certainly a chance Maton finds his way into the ninth inning depending on matchups. I think Garcia is relatively safe for now though.
- Danny Coulombe to TEX. Nice addition for the Rangers who finally make a splash in the reliever market. He won’t be a threat to Robert Garcia but he should continue to see hold chances with his new club.
- Jake Bird to NYY. The Yankees continue to add relief help, and they rescue Bird from Coors here. Bird has struggled lately but hopefully the change in scenery can get him back to where he was at in the first half.
- David Bednar to NYY. The Yankees needed at least one bullpen arm and get one of the best available in Bednar. He likely slides into the 8th inning in New York. In Pittsburgh, Dennis Santana could close out games if he isn’t traded, but if Santana goes we are looking at Isaac Mattson and maybe Taylor Rogers? as potential closer options.
- Brock Stewart to LAD. Nice pickup for the Dodgers here with Stewart returning to LA. There are a lot of mouths to feed in that bullpen when healthy, but Stewart should remain in the holds mix. The Twins bullpen continues to thin out, with Louis Varland now next in line behind Griffin Jax for saves at the moment.
- Kyle Finnegan to DET. The Nationals finally found a taker for Finnegan, and it happens to be one of the better landing spots for him. I don’t think he moves Will Vest out of the closer role, but he should get a chance a holds there. In Washington, Jose A. Ferrer doesn’t have much competition for saves, so expect him to get the first chance.
- Mason Miller to SDP. Shocker. The Padres gave up A LOT to make this happen, but they now have a new closer for the rest of the season as well as for the future. Robert Suarez is likely to be sent out now with his role now TBD. What the A’s do at closer remains to be seen, my guess is Jack Perkins gets the first shot, and he does have the stuff to thrive in this role.
- Paul Sewald to DET. Sewald is still on the IL but Detroit is hoping he can be ready in September. Depending on where things stand by then, Sewald could factor into some saves at the end of the year.
- Steven Matz to BOS. Adds some left handed bullpen help to the Red Sox pen. Not fantasy relevant at this time.
- Andrew Kittredge to CHC. Nice addition for the Cubs bullpen but he shouldn’t be a threat to usurp Daniel Palencia. Expect a 7th/8th inning role to start for Kittredge.
- Rafael Montero to DET. Montero had been pitching well this season and is a slight upgrade to their current set up situation. Detroit shouldn’t be done in the bullpen market though.
- Ryan Helsley to NYM. The Mets are looking to build a super bullpen to compete with the other NL contenders, with Helsley now sliding into their top set up role while also being able to give Edwin Diaz a breather down the stretch. In St. Louis, JoJo Romero should get a chance to close out games (if he isn’t traded) but keep an eye on Riley O’Brien too.
- Jhoan Duran to PHI. The Phillies may finally have a long term closer option in Duran who is under contract for two more seasons after this one. Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering slide back into setup roles permanently while the Twins can finally give Griffin Jax the reigns to the closer role, if they hold on to him.
- Caleb Ferguson to SEA. Ferguson gives the Mariners some left handed bullpen help behind Gabe Speier, while the Pirates essentially replaced Ferguson with Taylor Rogers coming back in the Ke’Bryan Hayes deal.
- Tyler Rogers to NYM. The Mets paid a hefty price for Rogers so expect him to play a huge role in this bullpen. José Buttó is also now a bit more interesting in San Francisco, especially if the Giants also move on from Camilo Doval.
- Luis García Jr. and Andrew Chafin to LAA. Sure.
- Tyler Kinley to ATL. It’s a weird move on the surface, but Kinley’s $5mil club option for next year is more than reasonable so perhaps Kinley follows a similar path as Pierce Johnson here, who could be traded today as well.
- Seranthony Domínguez to TOR. The Blue Jays are loading up on pitching and Seranthony should slide into the role Yimi García has left opened due to injury. In Baltimore, the closer role may wind up a committee, but the helium is pointing towards Corbin Martin getting a crack at the role first.
- Gregory Soto to NYM. The Mets desperately needed some left handed relief help even with the return of Brooks Raley and get some with Soto here. The role could fluctuate a bit as the Mets bullpen now has many mouths to feed for holds, but he still should be a good source of K’s and occasionally good ratios.
SP Eligible Relievers
