The 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) trade deadline has come and gone, concluding with more modest moves rather than headline-grabbing trades. Among the market movers, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Seattle Mariners emerged as winners, enhancing their rosters with the addition of impressive talent. The Dodgers, in particular, went against the market trend, securing a starter when there were few available. Jack Flaherty, who joined the Dodgers at the last moment of the deadline, brings an impressive batting record and an ability to defy free passes, addressing the team’s anxieties about their October rotation.
Their securing of talent was a contrast to the Chicago White Sox, who held onto players that could have drawn high demand in the market. The team retained players like Garrett Crochet and Luis Robert Jr. and traded away Erick Fedde, Tommy Pham, and Michael Kopech for a minimal return. The Seattle Mariners were winners, enabling a much-needed boost to their offense by bringing in Randy Arozarena and supplementing the team with Justin Turner.
For the Astros, they fulfilled one necessity by boosting their rotation but fell short in upgrading their first base. The cost of enhancing their team with Yusei Kikuchi was higher than expected and did not include the desired improvements to their roster. Peter Bendix, who took over the Miami Marlins after Kim Ng’s departure, emerged as another deadline winner, modifying the team’s lineup with a wealth of new prospects.
The Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins were among the losers, failing to capitalize on the chance to strengthen their teams. Despite securing Frankie Montas and Aaron Civale, the Brewers remain uninspired and out of sync with October’s plans. Similarly, Minnesota failed to boost their already strong roster, only adding reliever Trevor Richards and missing the chance to make greater challenges in the AL Central.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays seized the opportunity of the market and revamped their farm system, therefore preparing for the team’s future. Their trading of numerous players brings in new talent for future development. The current Rays, however, ended up as losers, having dismantled their core team amidst a winning streak. Finally, the San Francisco Giants missed the opportunity to define their team’s direction, ending up as losers by dumping salary and remaining complacent despite their average first half.
