Now that the dust has settled a little after the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline, we can finally analyze how everything went. This year, it seemed like more teams were buying than selling. Did your team add needed pieces for a stretch run into the playoffs? Or did they work on building a core that can contend in the future? Lets dive in…
Winner #1: Seattle Mariners
I might be a little biased on this one, but the Mariners started their deadline moves a week before the actual deadline. They were in need of two things: some offense and impactful bullpen arms. Both, of which they addressed. Acquiring Randy Arozarena and Justin Turner should add enough firepower to the offense to help when Julio Rodriguez and J.P. Crawford return. Between the pitchers and hitters that the Mariners acquired, they added 144 games of playoff experience to a young but talented roster.
Did they acquire a big bat like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. No, but they acquired some offensive pieces that will help without giving up any of their top prospects. With a starting rotation like the one the Mariners have, your offense has to at least be average. Arozarena and Turner raise this offense to that floor at least.
Loser #1: Houston Astros
The Astros improved their rotation by gaining an average starting pitcher in Yusei Kikuchi, but they overpaid to get him. Since coming to the MLB, Kikuchi hasn’t posted an ERA under 3.8, he hasn’t exactly been dominant in his time with the Mariners or the Blue Jays. Currently, he holds a 4.75 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP, it’s tough to say that’s the type of pitcher they needed.
Can he eat up innings? Certainly, but there’s no guarantee that Kikuchi is impactful in the Astros rotation. The Astros had some chances to improve at first base, but they failed. Being tied for first place with the Mariners, who had a solid deadline… the Astros needed to improve and they didn’t really do that.
Winner #2: San Diego Padres
Some could say that the Padres started their trade deadline acquisitions early in the season when they acquired Luis Arraez. Making up ground in the playoff race doesn’t always come cheap. AJ Preller has never shied away from trading his prospects either. On the last day of the 2024 MLB trade deadline, the Padres created a powerhouse bullpen by adding left-hander Tanner Scott and right-hander Bryan Hoenig.
Not to mention, a few days prior they also added Jason Adam from the Tampa Bay Rays. According to MLB Pipeline, the trades cost the Padres six of their top-12 prospects. To celebrate, the Padres took a two-game series against the NL West-leading Dodgers.
Loser #2: Chicago White Sox
There’s no question that the White Sox are in the midst of a horrible season. What makes it worse? The White Sox had some of the most coveted pieces at the 2024 MLB trade deadline, but yet they didn’t move Garrett Crochet or Luis Robert Jr. Maybe the front office was caught off guard by Crochet’s camp saying a deal would need to come with an extension. Maybe they make these trades in the offseason.
Winner #3: Miami Marlins
The Marlins tore it down at the trade deadline. Trading several of their big names, such as Jazz Chisholm, Tanner Scott and Josh Bell. In doing so, they acquired several coveted prospects like Robby Snelling and Connor Norby. It’s clear that the Marlins are heading into a rebuild. They were one of the only teams to take advantage of the sellers’ market.
Loser #3: Minnesota Twins
Even while in contention, the Twins didn’t really do much. They acquired Trevor Richards from the Blue Jays in a deal that was overshadowed by a lot of other big deals. The players feel disheartened with their lack of action. The Twins will go as far as their trio of Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa and Royce Lewis take them. The trio is injury prone but also talented.
Honorable Mention Winner: Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays were another team that took advantage of the sellers market. The postseason odds have been diminishing for awhile. With one of the sports lowest payrolls, it made sense for them to sell some of their most expensive assets for younger, more controllable players. Not to mention, they also acquired Christopher Morel from the Cubs.
Honorable Mention Loser: Atlanta Braves
The idea of getting the 2021 World Series band back together looks fun on paper, but let’s be real acquiring Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson was not enough for the Braves. They played it safe at the trade deadline, which I can respect. But it wasn’t smart to leave their pitching depth unaddressed.
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