The 2024 MLB Trade Deadline: Winners, Losers, and Eh

By Connor Stone

With the trade deadline now behind us, how do you feel about your team’s transactions? Has your opinion of their moves improved, worsened, or remained unchanged?

This year’s trade deadline was characterized more by sheer volume than by standout quality. The deals, which stretched from the initial flurry of trades last Thursday to a flurry of last-minute deals on Tuesday, certainly provided ample discussion points.

It was a uniquely active deadline. Sellers were at a distinct advantage, with high asking prices leading many buyers to pay a premium for players. The Florida teams—Tampa Bay and Miami—demonstrated effective strategies for team-building in smaller markets, while the Southern California squads—San Diego Padres and Los Angeles

Dodgers—showed how to enhance a roster for the postseason.

After evaluating the trades made by all 30 teams, here’s a roundup of the most notable moves, from the best and worst trades to the most peculiar and strategic maneuvers.

Best Trade: The Yankees' acquisition of Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Marlins in exchange for catcher Agustin Ramirez, infielder Jared Serna, and infielder/outfielder Abrahan Ramirez. Chisholm brings crucial athleticism, speed, and power to the Yankees, which should play well at Yankee Stadium. Meanwhile, the Marlins acquired a promising catcher and two additional solid prospects, making this trade beneficial for both sides.

Worst Trade: The Tigers' last-minute deal sending Jack Flaherty to the Dodgers for shortstop Trey Sweeney and catcher Thayron Liranzo. Flaherty, with a 2.95 ERA and a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio, was arguably the top starting pitcher available. The return from the Dodgers seemed insufficient given Flaherty's performance.

Best Buyers: The Padres, Dodgers, Phillies, Mariners, and Yankees. The Padres added key relievers Tanner Scott and Jason Adam, while the Dodgers acquired veteran starter Jack Flaherty and versatile players Tommy Edman and Amed Rosario. The Phillies addressed needs with closer Carlos Estevez and outfielder Austin Hays. The Mariners bolstered their lineup with Randy Arozarena and added veteran leader Justin Turner, alongside reliever Yimi García. The Yankees improved with Chisholm and reliever Mark Leiter Jr., who excelled in high-leverage situations.

Best Sellers: The Marlins and Rays. Miami significantly enhanced their farm system with high-caliber prospects, focusing on both immediate and future needs. The Rays continued their tradition of savvy trading, securing outfielder Aidan Smith, right-hander Brody Hopkins, and other promising players, showing their knack for maximizing value.

Best Job of Holding: The Twins, who only made one trade acquiring reliever Trevor Richards from the Blue Jays. With limited payroll flexibility, they opted not to disrupt their current roster, instead focusing on the health of key players like Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton as they pursue a division title or wild-card spot.

Worst Job of Holding: The Rockies, who made only minor moves, trading relievers Nick Mears and Jalen Beeks. It’s surprising they didn’t explore more significant trades, particularly for expiring contracts or valuable assets like third baseman Ryan McMahon, to accelerate their rebuilding efforts.

Weirdest Trade: The Reds dealing starting pitcher Frankie Montas to the Brewers for outfielder Joey Wiemer, right-hander Jakob Junis, and cash. Montas, despite some inconsistency, could have commanded a more substantial return. The Reds’ return seemed underwhelming, lacking impactful prospects.

Biggest Overpay: The Astros' trade with the Blue Jays for Yusei Kikuchi. Houston gave up three solid prospects for a rental pitcher with recent struggles, making this trade appear excessively costly.

Best Position Player Traded: Jazz Chisholm Jr., who moves to a ballpark perfectly suited for his pull power and athleticism. His versatility and energetic presence make him a great fit for the Yankees.

Best Starting Pitcher Traded: Jack Flaherty, the top starter moved this deadline, provided his health holds up. Other notable mentions include Erick Fedde and Trevor Rogers.

Best Reliever Traded: Tanner Scott, who was dealt from the Marlins to the Padres. His outstanding performance this season makes him the top reliever traded.

Most ‘Under-the-Radar’ Reliever Traded: Lucas Erceg, who went from the A’s to the Royals. With a strong ERA and high velocity, Erceg’s addition could prove valuable.

Best Prospect Traded: Agustin Ramirez, the catcher acquired by the Marlins in the Jazz Chisholm deal. He’s expected to hit with significant power.

Best Lineup Fit: Josh Bell, acquired by the Diamondbacks from the Marlins. With first baseman Christian Walker injured, Bell is a perfect temporary replacement.

Team That Improved Its Bullpen the Most: The Padres, who bolstered their already strong bullpen with Jason Adam and Tanner Scott, now featuring a top trio of relievers.

Power Hitter Who Will Benefit Most from a Trade: Randy Arozarena, joining the Mariners, where he will play in front of larger crowds and benefit from a more dynamic environment.

Pitcher Who Will Benefit Most from a Trade: Paul Blackburn, moving from Oakland to the Mets. He will have access to better analytics, run support, and defensive support in New York.

Most Creative Executive: Erik Neander of the Rays, adept at buying low and selling high, demonstrated his skill with strategic trades like those involving Christopher Morel and Dylan Carlson.

Best Job of Dumping an Entire Farm System: A.J. Preller of the Padres, who traded away a significant portion of their farm system to position the team as a serious World Series contender for this year and next.

GM Who Asked for Too Much in Trades: Scott Harris of the Tigers, who sought a king’s ransom for ace Tarik Skubal. Though it was a steep ask, it was understandable given Skubal’s value.

GM Who Didn’t Ask for Enough in Trades: Chris Getz of the White Sox, who traded key assets for a return that seemed inadequate for a rebuilding team.

GM Who Made Too Many Trades: Peter Bendix of the Marlins, who orchestrated ten trades, showcasing an aggressive approach to restructuring his team.

Most Bizarre Deadline: The Giants, who made puzzling moves including keeping Blake Snell, trading Jorge Soler for minimal return, and acquiring Mark Canha while selling off other assets. Their strategy was confusing given their proximity to a playoff spot.

Player Who Should Have Been Traded but Wasn’t: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The Blue Jays missed an opportunity to trade their star player, whose value was high, potentially missing out on a significant return as the team faces rebuilding.

Player Who Was Traded but Should Not Have Been: Dylan Carlson, who might have thrived with the Rays. His trade could prove regrettable if he excels elsewhere.

Fastest Player Traded: Jonatan Clase, traded to the Blue Jays from the Mariners, known for his exceptional sprint speed.

Best Base Stealer Traded: Tommy Edman, who brings impressive stolen base numbers and efficiency to his new team, the Dodgers.

NL Fan Base That Had the Most to Celebrate: The Padres, who despite trading away their farm system, made substantial improvements for a playoff push.

AL Fan Base That Had the Most to Celebrate: The Mariners, who added Randy Arozarena and Justin Turner, enhancing their lineup and bullpen.

Best Reunion: Tommy Pham’s return to St. Louis, where he hit a grand slam in his first game back with the Cardinals.

Fan Base That Heard Nothing: Minnesota Twins fans, who saw only a minor trade for reliever Trevor Richards.

Trade Im Surprised We Didn't See:

Orioles receive — LHP Tarik Skubal