The busiest deadline ever is in the books. How did things shake out?
Now that the trade deadline has passed, it’s time for the quick(ish) knee-jerk reactions about the deadline in whole. We’ll be getting to more Arizona-specific takes over the next few days.
The headline to this deadline isn’t one move. The headline to this deadline is how active it was. The sheer volume of, not just tweaking moves, but true needle-moving deals is something that I cannot remember seeing and I have been covering this sport for a few decades now. And this wasn’t only about superstars on expiring contracts moving either. This had controllable star talent moving. This deadline also featured multiple members of the MLB overall top-100 prospects list switching teams, with the #3 overall prospect, Leo De Vries being the most notable of them.
The Market
Unsurprisingly, pitching dominated the trade deadline market. However, the big news there was that it was the relief pitching that turned out to be the big ticket trade chip at this deadline, not starters. Seeing the prices paid for even average relievers like Paul Sewald and Kyle Finnegan makes it all that much more painful for Arizona and Arizona’s fans that neither Jalen Beeks nor Shelby Miller returned to the mound in time to prove their arm health before the deadline. With the way this year’s deadline shook out, it is not a stretch to think that Shelby Miller could have brought back the biggest haul of any Arizona player available. As it is, Arizona instead got a modicum of salary relief for this season by moving him with the also-injured Jordan Montgomery to get some (~$2 million) of Monty’s money off the books.
Three of the top seven hardest throwers were traded at the deadline. That includes Mason Miller and his four more years of control going to the Padres.
A.J. Prellar and the San Diego Padres aside, one thing that was a big part of position players moving is that they were by and large far more complete players than either Suarez or Naylor from Arizona. Many, but certainly not all, came with more control than being a pure rental. Perhaps this is why Arizona received the previously warned of underwhelming return for Eugenio Suarez.
When it comes to market disruption, it was all about Minnesota and San Diego. Minnesota engaged in an aggressive fire sale in which, beginning with Paddack, they moved 11 players, with Byron Buxton being the only meaningful player not moved. On the other side, the Padres were buying almost every player not nailed down, making the big swing trade by sending overall #3 prospect Leo De Vries to the Athletics for Mason Miller and J.P. Sears.
For those looking for the seller/buyers, that would likely once again be the Tampa Bay Rays, who saw three starting players leave the game against the Yankees due to injury during the lead-in to the deadline. A fourth player left the game early to walk to the other dugout.
The Winners
San Diego Padres: Say what you will about A.J. Prellar. Say what you want about the value of prospects. The San Diego Padres massively improved their current roster, which is only three games behind the Dodgers. They also massively improved the roster for the next few years.Was the price steep? Absolutely. He is one of the highest-ranked prospects ever traded. But when looking at how quickly it makes them markedly more dangerous, it is hard to disagree with the moves, especially with how it improves the team’s defense, starting pitching, relief pitching, and lengthens the lineup. This is the epitome of going “all-in”. Except unlike many that try going all-in, these moves also improve the long-term team.
Houston Astros: The Houston Astros acquired the best player traded this year. They have reunited with Carlos Correa to play third base, replacing the injured Isaac Paredes. They also found their left-handed outfield bat. While they were unable to close a deadline deal for Dylan Cease, they have massively upgraded a lineup and defense that is already five games in front of the Mariners in the AL West. Getting a potential Hall of Fame player added to the lineup for the next three seasons (six if they exercise all their options) is hard to top, especially when they gave up precious little to acquire him.
New York Mets: The Mets did not trade for the biggest of names. They didn’t make the biggest, most impactful deal. They simply added loads of quality specifically targeting any area of perceived weakness.They went out and picked themselves up three closers to add to the bullpen as setup men for their own stud closer, Edwin Diaz. In need of a center fielder with a quality bat, they grabbed one of the very best in the game. They managed to make all these moves without seriously impacting their future in any meaningful way. The fact that the Mets already are currently a playoff team and have now effectively shortened all games to six innings is a huge win for them. They now have a roster that other teams should fear in the playoff format.
Honorable mention to the New York Yankees who essentially did what the Mets did, just not as convincingly.
The Losers
Chicago White Sox: While the White Sox did indeed trade away some players, they retained their far and away biggest trade chip in Luis Robert, Jr. a player half the league was interested in. Given the team set the single-season loss record last year and is only marginally better in the win-loss regard this season, it is difficult to wrap one’s head around why they continue to insist on keeping Robert, a high-quality player making more than the White Sox need to be spending on any player on a 100+ loss roster when they could restock and be ready to compete by 2027 by moving him. Instead. They sold off some peripheral pieces and then shut up shop. They received no prospects or current players in their deals that make it look like they will not push for 100+ losses again next season. In fact, there is a strong argument to be made that the White Sox are now actually worse than their 103-loss pace and could now be staring down the barrel of another 110-loss season.
Chicago Cubs: The Cubs are one game off the pace for best record in baseball. Unfortunately for the Cubs, one of the teams that is ahead of them in that regard is the division rival Brewers. The Cubs are where they are now, despite significant injuries to their pitching staff and a lack of meaningful progression from players expected to be contributors. The Cubs were a team that matched up well for Arizona regarding what Arizona had to trade. The Cubs are in desperate need of help at third base and they really needed two more starters able to go five innings. Instead, they picked up a few solid but unspectacular bullpen arms to strengthen the bullpen, hoping to shorten what they need from starters, and a fringey utility infielder.For a team with the resources of the Cubs, poised as they are as one of the better teams in the game, it seems inexcusable they did nothing meaningful to help get them over Milwaukee and better positioned for their playoff run.
Los Angeles Angels: For a team as far out of contention, the Angels decided to do Angel things and be soft buyers at the deadline, rather than moving any of their expiring contracts. They didn’t een get big quality, more like placeholder type players to eat some playing time so that they can avoid making promotions. Andrew Chafin has a storied history with the Diamondbacks, but what exactly is this older, less effective version of Chafin bringing to the Angels that they should be trading away cost control and potential futures?
Honorable mention goes to the Pittsburgh Pirates who were clearly in sell-mode, with a number of appealing trade chips, including perennial deadline mover, Tommy Pham. Instead of moving those pieces, they were somewhat selective and failed to move nearly enough of them to help improve the team in any meaningful way in the next few seasons, before Skenes leaves.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been following baseball for roughly 50 years. I’ve been covering the game in one way or another for over 20. I’ve never seen this busy of a deadline. The changes to trade deadline rules and the expansion of the playoffs has clearly made the trade deadline a much bigger event. Prospects are also being valued now more than ever before. One thing that seems apparent from some of the decisions made by teams in the last few days is, the upcoming winter meeting should be very interesting. It is still possible (but far less likely) that the White Sox move Robert then. Mitch Keller and Sandy Alcantara are both ripe for the picking in December, as the upcoming starting pitching free agent market is abysmal. The Twins will continue stripping down. And for Arizona fans, Mike Hazen has a ton of work to do before pitchers and catchers report, as the current projected roster lacks enough MLB talent to fill out all 26 slots. Hold on to your hats folks!