What an exciting and eventful MLB trade deadline it’s been! Several high-profile names have changed teams over the past few days. The impact of some of these trades will be felt for years to come as some top prospects were also moved.
Things really got going on Wednesday night when Joey Gallo was shipped to the Yankees. Starling Marte was traded from the Marlins to the Athletics and Eduardo Escobar was acquired by Milwaukee. It’s interesting to see three of the top targets moved with so much time to spare in the deadline.
Joey Gallo is here. pic.twitter.com/sCPcWEegDf
— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) July 30, 2021
Then, things took a turn into crazy town on Thursday night. In the late afternoon, it was being reported that the San Diego Padres were close on a deal to land ace Max Scherzer. Then, the Yankees doubled down and nabbed Cubs’ first baseman, Anthony Rizzo. By the time I was live on The Sports Stove Podcast, the script had flipped.
MLB Trade Deadline and an interview with Tim Dillard https://t.co/EKMFBiVac4
— The Sports Stove Podcast (@SportsStove) July 30, 2021
By then it was becoming clear that the Dodgers had the framework of a deal to grab Scherzer right from under the Padre’s collective nose. They were able to pivot and land reliever Daniel Hudson, but the sting of not getting Mad Max has to hurt. Late Thursday night, the Red Sox finally got into action by trading for Nats slugger Kyle Schwarber.
It’s official. Max Scherzer and Trea Turner are Los Angeles Dodgers.
— MLB (@MLB) July 30, 2021
And this roster is STACKED. pic.twitter.com/WXWjWsNeDD
Trade Deadline Day
The Blue Jays got in on the fun on Friday, trading for Twins pitcher Jose Berrios. Toronto surrendered two of their top four prospects in the deal. Austin Martin (SS/OF), the #5 overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft, and RHP Simeon Woods-Richardson are headed to Minnesota.
OFFICIAL: We’ve acquired RHP José Berríos from the Twins in exchange for SS/OF Austin Martin and RHP Simeon Woods Richardson.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 30, 2021
Welcome to the #BlueJays, @JOLaMaKina! ? pic.twitter.com/rxbnDn251Z
Then, the two Chicago teams combined to complete their second trade in as many days. The Cubs sent coveted closer Craig Kimbrel to the White Sox in exchange for Nick Madrigal and Codi Heuer.
The NL East, mostly quiet on the sellers front, came alive on deadline day too. First, Atlanta traded Pablo Sandoval to Cleveland for Eddie Rosario. They then added Adam Duvall from Miami for backup catcher Alex Jackson.
The Phillies got busy, trading for the Kyle Gibson–Ian Kennedy Texas two-step combo platter.
The Mets, currently in first place in the underachieving division, swung for the fences by making a deal for Javier Báez. Going back to the Southside is their #5 prospect, outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
We’ve acquired two-time All-Star infielder Javier Báez, RHP Trevor Williams and cash considerations from Chicago (NL) in exchange for minor league outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. https://t.co/iguq38bish
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 30, 2021
The A’s added to their earlier haul of Marte and Andrew Chafin. They acquired utilityman Josh Harrison and catcher Yan Gomes from Washington.
Then, at the eleventh hour, the Giants finally did something and landed perhaps the most desirable position player available. Kris Bryant.
The moment Kris Bryant was traded. He was crying. What an emotional moment. pic.twitter.com/0cSnTfSh71
— Cubs Live (@Cubs_Live) July 30, 2021
Takeaways
The Red Sox Believe In Chris Sale
The fact that Boston stood pat after trading for Schwarber suggests that they’re comfortable with their team. Schwarber wasn’t really a need but it’ll be interesting to see if they ask him to play first base, a position of need. Sale, on the verge of returning, must have the confidence of the coaching staff and the front office.
The White Sox Want To Shorten The Game
In bringing in Craig Kimbrel, the White Sox can now boast of having the best back-end of a bullpen in baseball. Teams trailing in the late innings will have a hard time coming back against Kimbrel and Liam Hendricks. This reminds me of the 2016 Kansas City Royals, who rode a stellar ‘pen to a World Series Championship.
Liam Hendriks has the second-most saves in the league. Craig Kimbrel has the lowest ERA amongst relief pitchers.
— MLB (@MLB) July 30, 2021
The @WhiteSox‘s 1-2 punch is next level. pic.twitter.com/tf2iohsv6K
Wild, Wild West
After the Scherzer to San Diego, I meant Los Angeles drama, this division will be one to keep an eye on. The Padres were almost undoubtedly in the Berrios sweepstakes, so they have to be feeling disappointed. The Giants get Kris Bryant right before the deadline and that has to be invigorating. What can you say about the Dodgers? The rich get richer. This team is definitely rich, both in talent and assets, and paying the CBT (competitive balance tax) isn’t an issue.
All eyes on Max. pic.twitter.com/yQCyqU6WJQ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 30, 2021
It seems as though the Giants should’ve made a trade for a starting pitcher. They’ve gotten great starting pitching from a mostly unheralded group. I guess “settling for” the best position player on the market will have to do.
