It came, I waited, I watched, and I reported. But what most people don’t see are some of the last minute trades that get overlooked. We’ll be looking at some of these under-the-radar moves made at the literal deadline.
Mets
The Mets made a few more moves, one that could change the landscape of the American League, and another that will have people googling who the player is (I know that I had to). First and foremost, they moved Justin Verlander back to the Al West, in a reunion with the Houston Astros. Not only for this year, mind you, but possibly for 2024 and 2025 if things play out that way, and Steve Cohen, owner the New York Mets, was more than happy to send money to Houston. In return, he only asked for arguably their two best Outfield prospects in Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford. Billy Eppler went ahead and continued to gather pieces for the future in a buzzer beater of a deal at the last minute with the Angels in a trade of RHP Dominic Leone for SS/2B prospect and Eppler draftee in Jeremiah Jackson. Jackson has been at Double-A this year and 2022, with his offense picking up as of recent. They also managed to grab Adam Kolarek and Phil Bickford for straight cash from the Dodgers, so they had arms to get through the season. One of the other final moves was OF Tommy Pham being sent to the Diamondbacks for 17-year old SS Jeremy Rodriguez. The Mets end up with a total of a ten prospects in Gilbert, Clifford, Jackson, Vargas, Rodriguez, Acuna, Hernandez, Jarvis, Crow, and Marceaux since trading away Eduardo Escobar in late June.
Orioles
The Orioles were a logistical fit for a move with anyone, really. But they wanted the best, and they got one of them in Jack Flaherty for infielder Cesar Prieto, LHP Drew Rom who were the O’s #16 and #18 prospects respectively, along with RHP Zack Showalter. Flaherty brings a veteran, accomplished arm in a young clubhouse and hope that he can recapture that 2019 form where he placed in the top 4 of voting for the Cy Young award. This would help the first place Orioles run away with the AL East and hopefully have a good rotation to use in the playoffs.
White Sox
The South Siders ended up keeping Tim Anderson, although rumors were swirling that he may be moved. Dylan Cease also ends up staying in Chicago, but the Sox did send two more players to other teams. Jake Burger was sent to Miami in return for #4 prospect, LHP Jake Eder. They also ended up moving RP Keynan Middleton to the Yankees for Minor League SP Juan Carela.
Marlins
In addition to the forementioned move for INF/DH Jake Burger who has 25HR, the Marlins sent away Garrett Cooper, Minor League RHP Sean Reynolds, and cash to the Padres for LHP Ryan Weathers. With the move, they went and grabbed Josh Bell from the Guardians in return for Jean Segura and prospect Kahlil Watson. The Cleveland Guardians plan on releasing Jean Segura as he has struggled at the plate this year, they simply had to take on his contract to make the deal work.
Pirates
The Rangers had to put Jonah Heim, their young and good hitting Catcher on the IL recently, so they were in desperate need of a replacement, who ended up being Austin Hedges of the Pirates for International Free Agency money.
Padres
The Padres made a last minute deal with the Royals for Closer Scott Barlow in exchange for the Padres #10 prospect RHP Henry Williams and RHP Jesus Rios. Barlow will act as the setup-man to Josh Hader for the Friars.
Dodgers
The LA Dodgers HAD a deal in place with the Detroit Tigers for SP Eduardo Rodriguez, but as is his right, E-Rod nixed the deal as the Dodgers were on his 10-team no-trade clause list. This sent the team scrambling, ending up with Ryan Yarbrough from the Royals in return for 1B Devin Mann and SS Derlin Figueroa.
Red Sox
After shopping around Alex Verdugo, he ultimately ended up staying. Boston, however, did make a last minute deadline move for INF Luis Urias from Milwaukee for Minor League RHP Bradley Blalock.
