The dog days of summer baseball are in full swing, and so is the trade deadline. This year's rendition may not compare to massive past deadlines, but plenty were marquee deals made. We'll go team by team to break down the transactions and evaluate how these teams fare following their trade acquisitions. Let's get right into it.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks made three deals at the deadline, acquiring Miami Marlins reliever AJ Puk, Marlins first baseman Josh Bell, and Washington Nationals reliever Dylan Floro. The Snakes had to bolster the bullpen, which ranks in the bottom 10 in ERA and WHIP in the National League and MLB.
Puk and Floro were solid additions, bringing in a 3.33 and 3.14 xERA, respectively. Josh Bell's move was made following Christian Walker's heading to the injured list with an oblique strain, providing a depth piece in the infield with a power bat.
The D-Backs are currently 57-51, sitting six games back in the NL. West and just half a game back in the NL wildcard. Will the two new arms in the bullpen and the addition of a power bat propel Arizona back into the postseason in 2024?
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves made two deals at the deadline, acquiring designated hitter Jorge Soler and reliever Luke Jackson from the San Francisco Giants. This duo has a sense of homecoming, having been a part of the 2021 Atlanta Braves World Series run.
Jackson became a fan favorite while pitching for the Braves from 2017-21 as the founding member of "The Night Shift," the group of bullpen arms who propelled the Braves through October. This feels like a case of Deja Vu, as in 2021, the Braves lost Ronald Acuna Jr. before making a move for Jorge Soler. Soler was named the 2021 World Series MVP just two months after being acquired at the deadline.
If the pitching trio of Chris Sale, Max Fried, and Reynaldo Lopez can stay healthy and allow time for this offense to heat up, the Braves will be a threat in the National League playoff race. Atlanta sits 7.5 games back in the NL. East and possesses the top wildcard seed.
Baltimore Orioles
The O's pulled off an unexpected series of trades yesterday before the deadline, but how much did they improve the roster? At the deadline, 19 players joined or left the organization. It remains to be seen if these acquisitions improved the club's roster; on paper, it looks like a collection of lateral moves attempting to remold the team's foundational structure.
Acquisitions include Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zach Eflin, Philadelphia Phillies RP's Seranthony Dominguez and Gregory Soto, Miami Marlins SPTrevor Rogers, White Sox OF Eloy Jimenez, Cincinnati Reds OF Austin Slater, and Philadelphia Phillies OF Christian Pache.
Departures include Austin Hays, Connor Norby, Kyle Stowers, Matthew Etzel, Jackson Baumeister, Mac Horvath, Seth Johnson, Moises Chace, Trey McGough, and Billy Cook.
Adding several relievers was seriously needed, as the Orioles bullpen has been inconsistent the entire season. Zach Eflin and Trevor Rogers bring a veteran presence to the starting rotation and control through 2025. Eflin has playoff experience and is a high-quality innings eater. He will be a pivotal cog in the Orioles' postseason run.
The Orioles lead the AL East by half a game, just ahead of the New York Yankees. They also hold the second seed in the American League behind the Cleveland Guardians.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox were buyers at the deadline but on a budget. They did not go all in nor move any of their top ten prospects in the farm system to improve the roster. Overall, the Sox made five marquee moves during the last few days.
Acquisitions include Los Angeles Dodgers SP James Paxton, Toronto Blue Jays C Danny Jansen, Pittsburgh Pirates SP Quinn Priester, Cincinnati Reds RP Lucas Sims, and Los Angeles Angels RP Luis Garcia.
The Red Sox had to revamp the pitching staff. After a sensational start to the season, the staff has regressed due to injuries, fatigue, and the league's adjustment as it acquires more data on arms. Since the beginning of June, Boston's pitching has ranked in the bottom 10 in ERA and WHIP.
If the Boston Red Sox can get healthy in the rotation and bullpen, they will remain in the American League playoff hunt. They currently sit seven games back in the AL East and two games back out of the AL Wildcard.
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs roster looks slightly different following the trade deadline, but not drastic compared to what we saw from the Cubs in 2021 or 2022. Jed Hoyer's front office was active, making three separate deals in this year's rendition.
Acquisitions include Tampa Bay Rays 3B Isaac Paraedes, Toronto Blue Jays RP Nate Pearson, and New York Yankees RP Jack Neely and IF Jack Neely.
3B Christopher Morel, RP Mark Leiter Jr., RP Hunter Bigge, RP Ty Johnson, OF Yohendrick Pinango, and IF Josh Rivera are among the departures.
The Parades move should impact the Cubs immediately, as he is a far better defender at the hot corner and brings more consistency at the plate than Morel. Neely was an excellent get in the Leiter deal with the Yankees; the 24-year-old righty was ranked as the Yankees' No.22 prospect by MLB Pipeline and has posted a 2.75 ERA and 14.3 K/9 in the minor leagues.
The Cubs have a lot of work to do before they can punch a ticket to the postseason, but it's more likely they will look to the 2025 season. They currently sit dead last in the NL. Central, 11 games back from the Milwaukee Brewers and seven games back in the NL. Wildcard race.
Chicago White Sox
What exactly were the White Sox thinking? Overall, this front office's trade deadline was very underwhelming. Ace starting pitcher Garrett Crochet and all-star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. were seen as no doubt trade candidates, yet the ball club opted to retain both players, likely pushing their decision to move them during the winter.
The trade waters for Garrett Crochet got weird in the end, and they likely could not find a team meeting their asking price. The White Sox can still get plenty of value in the offseason once he's fully stretched out for next season with two years remaining on his contract, yet he has noted that he is seeking an extension.
The Luis Robert Jr. situation isn't as surprising; I discussed this in our trade deadline preview. Robert is very injury-prone and having his worst statistical season since his rookie year, so if the club could have moved him, they should have. However, his talent is undeniably elite. They can also get great value on him this offseason if he can finish the 2024 year on the field.
Paul DeJong, Eloy Jimenez, Tanner Banks, Michael Kopech, Tommy Pham, and Erick Fedde are among the departures. Dodgers IF Miguel Vargas highlights the additions, a former top 100 prospect.
Overall, the front office's execution was underwhelming. The value received in the three-team trade with the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Dodgers feels inadequate. White Sox will White Sox.
Cincinnati Reds
Overall, the MLB trade deadline for the Reds was uneventful. The club did manage to capitalize on a few of its assets and add a handful of players to its farm system. Over the last two days of the deadline, the Reds executed various trades.
The organization brought Mariners IF Ty France, Brewers OF Joey Wiemer and pitcher Jakob Junis, Rangers infielder Davis Wendzel, and Red Sox pitcher Ovis Portes. Departures include RP Lucas Sims, SP Frankie Montas, and C Andrew Salcedo.
The Reds attempted to balance the line between buyer and seller. This is understandable given the team's postseason aspirations, yet at 52-55 and five games back in the NL. Wildcard race, they've got some work to do over the season's final two months.
Cleveland Guardians
The Tribe made some moves at the MLB trade deadline, acquiring Washington Nationals outfielder Lane Thomas and San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Alex Cobb (who has not yet pitched in the 2024 season). They addressed their top two needs: another quality bat in the lineup and a starting pitcher.
Lane Thomas is slashing .253/.331/.407 with eight home runs, 40 RBI, and 28 stolen bases. The Guardians likely preferred a bat with more consistent pop, yet the trade market was thin. The #14th-ranked offense in OPS, however, did address a need.
Alex Cobb is different from what the Guardians were seeking in terms of starting pitching. They were rumored to be in the hunt for Garrett Crochet, Jack Flaherty, and Erick Fedde but instead opted to acquire a guy who hasn't thrown a single pitch this year. Cobb has been recovering from hip surgery and still has a shoulder issue he dealt with during the spring.
However, Cobb has an excellent arm when healthy. He made the All-Star team last year, going 7-7 with a 3.87 ERA. How much do these acquisitions help the Tribe? The Guardians hold the number one seed in the American League at 65-42, with the Orioles breathing down their necks.
Colorado Rockies
It's the Colorado Rockies—nothing notable whatsoever. They did manage to trade relievers Nick Mears and Jalen Beeks for a trio of solid pitching prospects, yet it feels like the club missed out on opportunities to move other valuable pieces.
Cal Quantrill, Austin Gomber, and Brendan Rogers are the primary value players on this roster. They all have one more year under team control and remain in Colorado.
Earlier in the summer, the front office indicated its commitment to a youth movement over the final months of the 2024 season to assess what they have on the roster. Many expected an active deadline to begin an assessment for the 2025 team and beyond, yet it wasn't the case.
The organization's lack of presence at the deadline highlights the club's ineptitude and, more importantly, its inability to do what needs to be done to get the team back on track. The consistent failure to produce valuable big-league talents and improve the organization has set up the Rockies to remain the same.
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers played much better baseball leading up to the All-Star break and the following week. Yet, a recent onslaught of injuries, including the club's best position player, Riley Greene, has otherwise completely stalled their momentum. The Tigers entered the trade deadline sitting five games under .500 and are now on the outside looking in for a postseason berth.
The players exiting the organization include Mark Canha to the San Francisco Giants, Jack Flaherty to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Carson Kelly and Andrew Chafin to the Texas Rangers. Rumors were circling the league regarding AL Cy-Young Candidate Tarik Skubal, who was inevitably not moved at this year's deadline despite being in conversations with the Dodgers, Orioles, and other marquee ball clubs.
The biggest question regarding these moves is the yielded return for dealing Jack Flaherty, who has pitched some of his best ball this season. Detroit received catcher/first baseman Thayron Liranzo and shortstop Trey Sweeney, the No.8 and No.22 prospects in the Dodgers farm system, respectively. Overall, the Tigers will look to the 2025 season and beyond, pending a sensational final two months.
Houston Astros
After a horrible start to the 2024 MLB season, things are humming again in Space City. At the deadline, the Astros acquired two left-handed arms: SP Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays and RP Caleb Ferguson from the New York Yankees.
Kikuchi has historically struggled towards the end of the season, but if anyone can acquire a pitcher and coach them up, it's the Houston Astros. If he can eat up some innings for this starting rotation and help propel them into the postseason, fans will change their tune on the move.
As of July 31st, the Houston Astros sit at 55-52, just one game from the Seattle Mariners in the AL West and three and a half games back in the AL Wildcard. If this starting rotation can get healthy and the bullpen can show more consistency, the Astros will remain in the thick of the postseason hunt over the season's final few months.
Kansas City Royals
It took some time, but the Kansas City Royals made moves mid-afternoon before the deadline. Overall, the team made four marquee trades to elevate the roster. The Royals now sit ten games above .500 with a two-game lead in the AL Wildcard.
The first trade came before this year's MLB Draft: the Royals acquired Washington Nationals RP Hunter Harvey. The Royals bullpen has been a glaring issue the entire season, and Harvey addresses the need.
The next trade was a move for starting pitching, acquiring Michael Lorenzen from the Texas Rangers. Lorenzen was an All-Star a year ago, but his advanced metrics aren't anything to write home about. Nonetheless, the club addressed a need.
Paul DeJong was acquired from the Chicago White Sox, bringing a much-needed power bat presence to the lineup. He doesn't hit for average or draw consistent walks, yet he posts a .430 slugging percentage with 18 home runs this season.
Reliever Luis Erceg of the Oakland Athletics wraps up the additions, adding another high-octane reliever to the bullpen. With his stuff, he will likely become the team's closer. His fastball averages 98 mph, yet his slider is one of the best pitches in baseball. The pitch ranks ninth in baseball with a .067 BAA, .067 slug, and xWOBA of .162.
Major kudos to the organization for not giving up any marquee players of value and bringing in players at positions of need. Overall, this is an excellent deadline for Kansas City.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels made one of the prominent early moves of the deadline, sending closer Carlos Esteves to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri. The two minor league pitchers rank No.3 and No.8 in the Angels' farm system, respectively.
The club executed another minor move, acquiring reliever Mike Baumann from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for cash considerations. Baumann is a solid addition to the bullpen.
The roster had several valuable players who could be moved, such as Taylor Ward, Luis Rengifo, Tyler Anderson, and Matt Moore. Despite their value, all remain with the Angels.
Overall, it is a quiet deadline for the organization. The front office must continue to prioritize rebuilding its poorly ranked farm system to compete in the 2025 season and beyond.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers put on an absolute clinic at the deadline. The acquisition of Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty highlights the additions. Following injuries to several arms in the starting rotation, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Bobby Miller, and Walker Buehler, the club had to get an impact starter.
Flaherty has been one of the best pitchers in baseball, posting a 2.95 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and strikeout/whiff/walk percentages in the 94th percentile of baseball. Huge acquisition.
The club is also getting Clay Kershaw back off the 60-day injured list, and Tyler Glasnow was recently activated off the 15-day injured list. This pitching staff is getting healthy at the right time as we march through the dog days of summer. Other acquisitions include utilityman Tommy Edman, utilityman Amed Rosario, reliever Michael Kopech, and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier.
Overall, this is an excellent deadline for the Dodgers. If this starting rotation can stay healthy, with Yamamoto also set to return in August and Mookie Betts set to return sometime closer to October, the Dodgers will be one of the front runners in the race to the World Series.
Miami Marlins
The Marlins may be one of the worst clubs in baseball this season, but we must give them credit for pulling off six trades and acquiring a lot of valuable prospects. After a wildcard berth in 2023, the Marlins were hopeful of returning to the postseason before an onslaught of injuries to the starting rotation and the league's worst offensive production. The club acquired nine other prospects to rebuild its farm system.
Additions include LHP Robby Snelling, RHP Adam Mazur, 2B/OF Connor Norby, C/1B Agustin Ramirez, 1B/3B Deyvison De Los Santos, RHP Jun-Seok Shim, INF Garrett Forrester, INF Jared Serna, INF Graham Pauley, INF Wilfredo Lara, OF Andrew Pintar, OF Kyle Stowers, INF Abrahan Ramirez, RHP Will Schomberg, and INF Jay Beshears.
The departures include CL Tanner Scott, CF/2B Jazz Chisholm Jr., 1B/DH Josh Bell, OF Bryan De La Cruz, LHP Trevor Rogers, LHP AJ Puk, RHP Huascar Brazoban, RHP JT Chargois, and RHP Bryan Hoeing.
` Overall, the Marlins were wise to ship off critical contributors from the 2023 playoff roster; they should continue to retool the farm system and prioritize rehabbing its starting pitchers to compete in the 2025 season and beyond. Great work snagging that many talented prospects.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers were one of the few teams in baseball that had the luxury of not needing any marquee upgrades across the diamond, hence their quiet yet efficient presence at the trade deadline. Pitching was the most significant need for this roster, which they addressed.
The Brew Crew began additions to the staff earlier this month, acquiring SP Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bays on July 3rd. RP Nick Mears of the Colorado Rockies followed this past Saturday, with SP Frankie Montas of the Cincinnati Reds rounding out the group of arms.
Frankie Montas will join the Brewers' rotation this weekend when the team starts a two-city, six-game road trip against the Washington Nationals. Including him, the Brewers now have six candidates for the rotation: Montas and Civale via trade, Freddy Peralta, Colin Rea, and Tobias Myers. The best part about addressing these needs? Milwaukee did not have to give up much regarding top prospect capital.
The team sits at 61-46 atop the NL Central, six games ahead of the Cardinals and Pirates, and possesses the third-best overall seed in the National League. If these additions prove worthwhile, the Brewers should be a formidable foe come October.
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins had one of the quietest trade deadlines. Their only acquisition was middle relief bullpen arm Trevor Richards of the Toronto Blue Jays. The Twins get a right-handed reliever who posts a 4.64 ERA this season but can provide long relief out of the pen.
The bullpen depth will help, especially with Steven Okert's and Caleb Thielbar's struggles, not to mention Brock Stewart's new shoulder issue that will send him back to the injured list. Starting pitching was never addressed despite the organization's open desire to acquire a boost to the rotation, similar to last season's deadline.
Minnesota will be banking on their existing talent to get healthy and stay healthy into October. They currently sit at 58-48, six and a half games back in the AL Central, with possession of the second National League Wildcard seed.
New York Mets
It was an exceptional deadline in Queens, as the Mets acquired five pitchers and a quality bat. Following the end of May, the Mets turned it into high gear, playing much better baseball. Recent injuries to Christian Scott and Kodai Senga in the starting rotation bred this aggressiveness from the front office, ensuring this hot streak is kept.
Pitcher acquisitions include Phil Maton and Tyler Zuber from the Tampa Bay Rays, Ryne Stanek from the Seattle Mariners, Paul Blackburn from the Oakland A's, and Huascar Brazoban from the Miami Marlins. Left-handed outfielder Jesse Winker from the Washington Nationals was a much-needed addition to the room; he will serve as a pure rental until he hits free agency this November.
There isn't precisely a high-impact addition, but the Mets acquired quality arms for the starting rotation and bullpen without giving up too much prospect capital. They currently sit seven games above .500, seven and a half games back in the NL East, and possess the second wildcard seed in the National League. If good play continues in Queens and the additions prove effective, the Mets could be back in the postseason.
New York Yankees
Staying in New York, let's head to the Bronx. The Yankees executed what might be the best trade of the 2024 deadline, acquiring CF/2B Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins. It's no secret that the Yankees' performance has fallen off a cliff in the last month and change, so adding an electric bat to the diamond was an absolute must-get. The 26-year-old and 2022 All-Star has already made an impact, tallying three home runs in his first three games with the Yanks.
Relief pitching was the other premium that needed to be addressed; they did so by acquiring Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs and Enyel De Los Santos from the San Diego Padres. Getting two strikeout relievers was a welcomed addition, as the bullpen ranks around the league average in strikeout percentage. The additions will help, but more guys must step up and make an impact for a notable postseason run in 2024. The club currently sits just half a game back in the AL East and possession of the first wildcard spot in the American League.
Oakland Athletics
To many's surprise, the Oakland A's chose to hang on to their players of value in OF Brent Rooker, OF JJ Bleday, and CL Mason Miller. Miller has been statistically the best pitcher in baseball and one of the top closers across the league. With progress being made on the field and Miller suffering an injury to his hand, Oakland opted not to execute a firesale. The only move the front office made was sending relievers to contending teams; many were surprised to see Luis Erceg get moved despite the promising potential he has shown.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies were active at this year's deadline, executing four trades to acquire an outfielder to hit lefties and retool the bullpen. The club acquired OF Austin Hays (BAL), CL Carlos Estevez (LAA), LHP Tanner Banks (CWS), and pitching prospects Seth Johnson and Moises Chace (BAL).
Departures include Gregory Soto, Seranthony Domínguez, Cristian Pache, and prospects George Klassen, William Bergolla, and Samuel Aldegheri. These were wise moves; they didn't have to give up too much of their top prospect capital and addressed positions of need on the roster.
For the most part, the Phillies should coast into October. If they can stay healthy and continue to build their lead in the NL East, they will be a top contender.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates had a strong trade deadline, addressing positions of need and bolstering the foundation of this roster. The club brought in six new additions: OF Bryan De La Cruz (MIA), UTIL Isiah Kiner-Falefa (SDP), RP Jalen Beeks (COL), RP Josh Walker (NYM), INF/OF Nick Yorke (BOS), and INF/OF Billy Cook (BAL).
The team upgraded by the deadline without using money or prospects. The club was in talks to acquire Miami OF/2B Jazz Chisholm Jr. before the Yankees swept in and landed him. The deal would likely have cost them one of their top prospects, like Terrmar Johnson.
The Pirates have seen a significant uprise in market value and national presence, mainly due to Paul Skenes's sensational rookie campaign run. But overall, this team has played solid baseball this season. When healthy, the top of the rotation is a dynamic trio for October baseball, and they added depth and versatility to the lineup at the trade deadline.
They currently sit three games above .500, six games back in the NL—Central, and just two games back in the National League Wildcard hunt. If the top of this rotation stays healthy and the lineup's deadline additions pan out, watch out for Jolly Roger in October.
San Diego Padres
The Padres went all in at the deadline, revamping their bullpen for a postseason run. The downside? They gave up all of their top pitching prospects to do so. San Diego traded away their top three pitching prospects, Dylan Lesko, Robby Snelling, and Adam Mazur, to receive a much-needed bullpen upgrade. The additions include CL Tanner Scott (MIA), RHP Bryan Hoeing (MIA), and RHP Jason Adam (TBR).
The major takeaway should be that the Padres are pushing for a playoff berth this year, and outside of the bullpen, there were no holes that needed to be filled on the diamond. My only knock would be the price given up to acquire Jason Adam, but with Lesko's regression, it doesn't surprise me that the organization elected to move off him while he still holds value.
They are 58-51 and five and a half games back in the NL West and possess the third National League Wildcard seed. If the revamped bullpen does its job, the Padres will be a force to be reckoned with in postseason baseball.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants executed a few trades at the deadline, including trading DH Jorge Soler RP Luke Jackson to the Atlanta Braves, SP Alex Cobb to the Cleveland Guardians, RP Mike Baumann to the Los Angeles Angels, and acquiring OF Mark Canha from the Detroit Tigers.
That's it, nothing crazy. Blake Snell was rumored to be in trade talks following his hot stretch of starts in July, yet nothing came to fruition. In reality, the Giants dumped the contracts of underperforming veterans and added a quality bat to the outfield.
The Giants will unlikely make any noise in the season's final two months. They sit three games under .500, 10.5 games back in the NL—West, and five games back in the wildcard. The team has been average all season long and lacks a presence of electricity. I believe, pending a miraculous stretch leading into October, the club is looking to the 2025 season and beyond.
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are among the biggest winners in this year's trade deadline. We talked about their approach to yesterday's deadline: adding quality bats. They did so by acquiring former All-Star OF Randy Arozarena (TBR) and former All-Star DH/1B Justin Turner (TOR), finally giving them a sense of pop in the lineup.
They also added a high-end reliever from Toronto in Yimi Garcia, giving them an upgrade from Ryne Stanek, who they traded to the New York Mets this deadline. We discussed it before and will again; if this lineup can improve and be a consistent presence with the elite pitching staff, the Mariners can make serious noise in the playoffs.
The team currently sits a game ahead of the Houston Astros in the AL East and possesses the American League's third overall seed. Let's see if the lineup additions can do their job.
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals addressed all of their necessary needs at the deadline. The question remains whether it will propel the team into a postseason run. They acquired a top-of-the-market starter in Erick Fedde from the White Sox and brought Tommy Pham back to St. Louis. A former clubhouse favorite, Pham brings experience and a needed righty batter. The front office also swapped Dylan Carlson for RP Shawn Armstrong of the Tampa Bay Rays, bolstering the bullpen with a quality right-handed reliever.
The team is three games above .500, six games back from the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, and just two games back in the National League Wildcard. The front office hopes the needed acquisitions will pay off in the home stretch to October.
Tampa Bay Rays
An absolute firesale of a trade deadline in Tampa Bay, the organization essentially shipped off its core: SP Zach Eflin, OF Randy Arozarena, and 3B Isaac Parades. They also let go of several key role players, including Jason Adam and Amed Rosario.
Regardless of this firesale, the farm system has been completely rebuilt, with nine acquired prospects via trade immediately jumping into the team's top 30 prospect list, according to MLB Pipeline. The Rays are looking to the 2025 season. They still possess several marquee players, including Taj Bradley, the best pitcher in baseball for a month, and Shane McClanahan, who is set to return from Tommy John surgery next year.
Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers are another team with a quiet deadline. The additions are C Carson Kelly and RP Andrew Chafin from the Detroit Tigers. Chafin has been one of the best left-handed relievers in the baseball season, with a 2.78 xERA in the 92nd percentile and absurd strikeout numbers: 35.4 chase%, 34.4 whiff%, and 30.9 K%, all in the upper ninety percentiles.
The Rangers were not looking to be flashy at the deadline, considering their positioning in the standings. They are four and a half games back in the AL West and seven games back from the American League Wildcard. They are getting healthier in the starting rotation, and adding Chafin was a fantastic acquisition. I'm just not confident in the team's ability to make up as much ground as is required.
Toronto Blue Jays
There were no significant surprises for the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline this season. The team is out of postseason contention, so they wisely opted to dump expiring contracts and rebuild the farm system. Departures include C Danny Jansen, UTIL Isiah Kiner-Falefa, DH Justin Turner, OF Kevin Kiermaier, RP Yimi Garcia, RP Nate Pearson, RP Trevor Richards, and SP Yusei Kikuchi.
The big haul of the deadline comes from the Houston Astros - Toronto received pitcher Jake Bloss, Houston's No. 2 ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, outfielder Joey Loperfido, their No. 3-ranked prospect, and infield prospect Will Wagner. Bloss instantly jumped to the No.3 ranked prospect in the Blue Jays farm system.
It's easier to take this organization seriously once John Schiender is fired from the manager position. Time and time again, the roster is filled with talent but never manages to do something meaningful.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals had a quiet deadline, moving OF Lane Thomas, OF Jesse Winker, and RP Dylan Floro and keeping RP Kyle Finnegan. This team played well leading into the All-Star break but has lost all momentum, sitting 11 games under .500 and nine games back from the NL. Wildcard. They've shown progress as an organization this season, but 2025 and beyond will be the time to watch this squad.
Overall, it was a quiet and tame trade deadline compared to years past. The frontrunners, the Dodgers, Phillies, Guardians, and Orioles, all improved their rosters. Mid-tier contenders, the Royals, Pirates, Red Sox, Brewers, and Mariners, all made moves to improve their ability to make a playoff run drastically. It will be a fun few months leading into October. Nothing beats playoff baseball.