The 2024 MLB trade deadline saw teams secure the biggest deals to strengthen their rosters for the rest of the season. From acquiring key players to trading prospects, each deal could shape the future of the teams involved.
- Major trades, like Jack Flaherty joining the Dodgers and Carlos Estévez moving to the Phillies, show teams’ strategies for boosting their chances in the playoffs.
- Teams like the Blue Jays and Padres made moves involving top prospects, which could shape their future plans.
- Some trades were clear wins or losses, but many balanced immediate benefits with long-term potential.
Dodgers Strengthen Rotation with Jack Flaherty
To Dodgers:
- Jack Flaherty (SP)
To Tigers:
- Thayron Liranzo (C, Prospect)
- Trey Sweeney (IF, Prospect)
The Los Angeles Dodgers secured Jack Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers, enhancing their rotation with a reliable starter. Flaherty, having a strong season, joins a Dodgers team looking to fortify its pitching staff amidst injuries.
The Tigers received promising prospects, bolstering their farm system as they rebuild for the future.
Phillies Acquire Closer Carlos Estévez
To Phillies:
- Carlos Estévez (RP)
To Angels:
- George Klassen (P, Prospect)
- Samuel Aldegheri (P, Prospect)
The Philadelphia Phillies addressed their bullpen needs by acquiring Carlos Estévez from the Los Angeles Angels. Estévez, known for his consistency, adds depth to a Phillies team eyeing a deep playoff run.
The Angels gained two promising pitching prospects, strengthening their future pitching options.
Mariners Land Randy Arozarena
To Mariners:
- Randy Arozarena (OF)
To Rays:
- Aidan Smith (OF, Prospect)
- Brody Hopkins (P, Prospect)
The Seattle Mariners traded for Randy Arozarena, adding a proven outfielder to their roster. Arozarena, known for his postseason performance, brings experience and talent to the Mariners.
The Rays received two lower-tier prospects, a somewhat surprising return given Arozarena’s track record.
Padres Focus on Bullpen with Jason Adam & Tanner Scott
To Padres:
- Jason Adam (RP)
- Tanner Scott (RP)
- Bryan Hoeing (P)
To Marlins:
- Robby Snelling (P, Prospect)
- Adam Mazur (P, Prospect)
- Dylan Lesko (P, Prospect)
- Graham Pauley (IF, Prospect)
- J.D. Gonzalez (C, Prospect)
- Homer Bush Jr. (OF, Prospect)
- Jay Beshears (IF, Prospect)
The San Diego Padres made a bold move to strengthen their bullpen, acquiring Jason Adam and Tanner Scott. In exchange, they gave up a significant portion of their top prospects, indicating a win-now approach.
The Marlins received a substantial boost to their farm system, trading bullpen strength for future potential.
Cubs Secure Isaac Paredes
To Cubs:
- Isaac Paredes (3B)
To Rays:
- Christopher Morel (OF)
- Additional Low-Level Prospects
The Chicago Cubs traded for Isaac Paredes, adding a power bat to their lineup. Paredes, coming off a strong season, fills a critical role at third base. The Rays received Christopher Morel and prospects, focusing on developing future talent.
Astros Acquire Yusei Kikuchi
To Astros:
- Yusei Kikuchi (SP)
To Blue Jays:
- Jake Bloss (P, Prospect)
- Joey Loperfido (IF/OF, Prospect)
- Will Wagner (IF, Prospect)
The Houston Astros added Yusei Kikuchi to their rotation, addressing a need to start pitching depth. The cost, including that of top prospect Jake Bloss, was significant, reflecting Kikuchi’s potential impact despite the mixed recent performance.
White Sox Trade Erick Fedde
To Cardinals:
- Erick Fedde (SP)
To White Sox:
- Miguel Vargas (IF)
- Jeral Perez (IF, Prospect)
- Alexander Albertus (IF, Prospect)
The Chicago White Sox sent Erick Fedde to the St. Louis Cardinals in a deal that netted them former top prospect Miguel Vargas and two young infield prospects.
The Cardinals gained a reliable starter as they pushed for a playoff spot, while the White Sox focused on rebuilding their roster.
Orioles Strengthen Rotation with Zach Eflin
To Orioles:
- Zach Eflin (SP)
To Rays:
- Mac Horvath (IF, Prospect)
- Jackson Baumeister (P, Prospect)
- Matthew Etzel (OF, Prospect)
The Baltimore Orioles acquired Zach Eflin to bolster their starting rotation. Eflin, a consistent performer, adds stability to the Orioles’ pitching staff. The Rays received several prospects, focusing on future development rather than immediate impact.
Mets Add Paul Blackburn and Huascar Brazoban
To Mets:
- Paul Blackburn (SP)
- Huascar Brazoban (RP)
To Athletics and Marlins:
- Minor-League Prospects and Cash Considerations
The New York Mets bolstered their pitching staff by adding Paul Blackburn and Huascar Brazoban.
Blackburn provides rotation depth, while Brazoban strengthens the bullpen. The Mets traded minor-league prospects and cash considerations, indicating a strategic push for the postseason.
Pirates Acquire Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Bryan De La Cruz
To Pirates:
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa (IF/Utility)
- Bryan De La Cruz (OF)
To Blue Jays and Marlins:
- Charles McAdoo (IF, Prospect)
- Additional Cash Considerations
The Pittsburgh Pirates made moves to enhance their lineup, acquiring versatile infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa and outfielder Bryan De La Cruz. These trades aim to provide depth and versatility as the Pirates look to remain competitive in the playoff race.
Cardinals Trade Dylan Carlson for Shawn Armstrong
To Rays:
- Dylan Carlson (OF)
To Cardinals:
- Shawn Armstrong (RP)
To bolster their bullpen, the St. Louis Cardinals traded outfielder Dylan Carlson to the Tampa Bay Rays for reliever Shawn Armstrong. Carlson, a former top prospect, struggled with injuries and performance, while Armstrong provided the Cardinals with a reliable bullpen option.
Overall, these trades will shape the rest of the season and possibly have long-term effects on the teams involved. As the season progresses, we’ll see which teams’ strategies pay off and who emerges as the big winners and losers from this year’s trade deadline.
