Now that the dust has settled on a historic MLB trade deadline day, it’s time to take stock of where teams are. Some organizations have been energized by an influx of new talent, while others have to be feeling decimated. But the real winners after all the moving and shaking? It’s the game of baseball and its fans.
Max Scherzer, Javier Baez Among MLB Stars Dealt On Busy Trade Deadline Day https://t.co/sBodaCnuJx pic.twitter.com/9pHzzhMNiJ
— Forbes (@Forbes) July 30, 2021
The frequency of trades and the caliber of players that were moved were compelling enough. The fact that teams on the fringes of contention were aggressive made it the day baseball fans won’t soon forget.
In Case You Were Living Under A Rock
Obviously, the Dodgers stole the show by stealing Max Scherzer away from the Padres at the last minute. This added to their World Series credentials, and it attached a new layer of contentiousness to a simmering rivalry. When the Giants swung for, and landed, Kris Bryant, they solidified the NL West as a three-headed monster.
Had a blast talking baseball with @metheney_6 @Imari_M17 and @notsocooljules make sure to have a listen and click the link for more great episodes! #podcast @BellyUpPodcasts #baseball #mlb https://t.co/II7J6hGuHx
— Graeme Wallace (@BusWallace) August 2, 2021
There was considerable speculation about what the Yankees might do. They had been a disappointment and featured a right-handed heavy lineup that lacked athleticism. General Manager Brian Cashman is under fire but he responded by landing both Joey Gallo and Anthony Rizzo.
Anthony Rizzo wasted no time hitting homers for the Yankees ?
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 31, 2021
(via @Yankees) pic.twitter.com/tpgX78lvpq
Rizzo has been on fire since donning the pinstripes and the Yankees are in the thick of the AL wild-card race. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Major League Baseball is better when the Yanks are competitive.
Arms Race
The Chicago White Sox have been one of baseball’s best teams and didn’t have obvious needs after netting Cesar Hernandez. So they focused on adding to their bullpen and turned what was already a strength into a super strength.
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— Belly Up Fantasy ? (@BellyUpFantasy) August 2, 2021
They added Craig Kimbrel and Ryan Tepera to a late-inning group that already includes Liam Hendricks and Michael Kopech. This should make late-game comebacks against the Southsiders a challenging task, to say the least.
The #WhiteSox have acquired All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-handed pitcher Codi Heuer and second baseman Nick Madrigal. pic.twitter.com/mfDsPKy4uq
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 30, 2021
The Houston Astros similarly had the luxury of focusing on their ‘pen. While their additions of Kendall Graveman and Rafael Montero weren’t flashy, the duo should tighten up their late-inning relief.
The White Sox and Astros could meet in the postseason. The new pitchers on either side should make their potential matchup even more compelling.
Going For It
It wasn’t just the frontrunners who were aggressive last week. The A’s, Blue Jays, Phillies, and Braves all took measured steps towards improvement. The front offices of those teams should be applauded. They looked at the standings, saw their positions, and pushed their chips to the center of the table.
Starling Marte is the first @Athletics player with 3+ H & 3+ SB in a game since Coco Crisp in 2011. pic.twitter.com/b6k0gHMwXP
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) August 1, 2021
The AL East race is better with Rizzo, Nelson Cruz, Kyle Schwarber, and Jose Berrios in it. The Athletics could inch closer to the Astros with the likes of Starling Marte and Andrew Chafin. I personally don’t believe a team from the NL East will be in the World Series. However, the team that wins makes the playoffs, and good for three teams for trying!
There’s Always Next Year, Fans
To the fans of the Orioles, Tigers, Royals, Rockies, or Pirates (first of all, I salute your loyalty) you may not want to hear all that. Your team is on the verge of, or in full-on rebuilding mode. At least there are some exciting players on your team. You can revel in playing spoilers, knowing things will get better.
Finally, to the fans of the Chicago Cubs and the Washington Nationals, I’m truly sorry. Especially the Cubs. Haven’t seen a team dismantled so quickly, ever. But I will remind you that they did win a World Series in the very recent past. And, as any long-suffering fan will tell you, years of misery are all worth it for a shot at championship glory.
Several teams took chances, tried to improve, go for glory, and to have their names etched in history. And, in the end, isn’t that what it’s all about?
