The 2026 Trade Deadline Deals That Just Missed the List

 In whittling the list down to only ten entries yesterday, I found myself, as usual, with enough entries for two other lists. One is going to consist of the deals I couldn't really understand. That'll be tomorrow probably. This list is going to be a ton of the deals from yesterday that I do understand, but not enough to top the 10 that made the list. These are good trades, quality trades, from good organizations. They vary from 'fine' to 'genuinely good and basically #11'

So here we go, in ascending order:

-Logan O'Hoppe and Chase Silseth to the Rangers, Angel Arredondo to the, heh, Angels

Why it works: The Rangers have been stuck between two backup catchers all year, and O'Hoppe, as mediocre as he's been lately, gives them a genuine starting option to go forward.

Why it didn't make the list: Right after making this list, the Rangers lost a few more games, slid to second and are now even less of a competitor than they were, so this was the highest profile trade the Rangers made. In fact, they nearly sold, actively shopping Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, and actually dealing one of their infielders. Needless to say, it was a disappointing deadline for the Rangers, and this being their only acquisition...hurts.

-Brenton Doyle to the White Sox, 2 prospects to the Rockies

Why it Works: Doyle could be a nice depth OF choice for the Sox, and could swap in with Braden Montgomery and Sam Antonacci when needed. He's not what he was a few years ago, and has been pretty bad the last few years, but he could still be helpful as a bench bat.

Why it didn't make the list: This is a useful move, but it doesn't propel the White Sox forward like some of their other moves. Doyle may also crap out in Chicago as well.

-Dean Kremer to the Twins, Jhomnardo Reyes to the Orioles

Why it works: Kremer is a very steady sixth starter who often jumps in and makes the opportunity his own when needed, and even through injuries this year has provided strong work for the O's. The Twins have lacked back-end rotation stability, and have been shuffling between first and second year guys like Zebby Matthews and Connor Prielipp without much success. Kremer gives them a nice assurance.

Why it didn't make the list: Because there's still two teams in the Twins's way, and they both had much better deadline additions. Kremer is nice and all but isn't Jack Morris.

-Brent Suter to the Braves, Nacho Alvarez to the Angels

Why it works: win-win for the Braves. Not only do they get a worthy bullpen addition, with Suter's excellent work both as a longman and a spot guy, but Nacho Alvarez doesn't have to wait in Gwinnett for Austin Riley to get hurt anymore. 

Why it didn't make the list: Purely a functionality move, not exactly an exclamation point. Similarly,

-Tyler Mahle to the Braves, Anthony Molina to the Giants

Why it works: Mahle will take over for the recently-injured Reynaldo Lopez and help Chris Sale, Martin Perez, Grant Holmes and Bryce Elder keep this team a competitor. The back half of the rotation was an issue, Mahle's a well-known mid rotation sleeper hit when healthy, this buttresses an already strong Braves team.

Why it didn't make the list: Mahle was having a very okay year in SF, and we're never sure when there's gonna be another injury with him. I think about when the Twins dealt for him at the deadline a while ago hoping he'd bring them far and he got hurt pretty soon into it. Hopefully something similar doesn't happen here. 

And while we're on the subject of Braves slick moves:

-Eli White to the Red Sox, Tyler Uberstine to the Braves

Why it works: The Braves now have Ronald Acuna, Mauricio Dubon, Michael Harris, Mike Yastrzemski and, in the minors, Brewer Hicklen, to play the outfield. All of them are versatile, fulfill many needs, and can hit better than Eli White. White was here for his defense, but on a team with Harris and Yaz it didn't make much sense. I think he'll be better on a Myles Straw-type role on the Sox, meshing with that M.O.

Why it didn't make the list: Because the Braves's highest profile move of the deadline might have been selling White. Which is what happens when Jacob deGrom nixes a trade to Atlanta at the last minute.

-Jeff Hoffman to the Twins, 3 prospects to the Blue Jays

Why it works: There weren't a lot of closing options dealt this year. Kirby Yates maybe, but that's a gamble. Lot of middle relief guys. Jeff Hoffman can close, and the Twins might need him to. The hope is he'll be better in Minneapolis than he was in Toronto, and harken back to his Phils numbers. 

Why it didn't make the list: Because the return of Hoffman's better numbers still isn't a definite, and it may be more of the same. Also, see earlier remark about the Twins maybe putting the cart before the horse here.

-Brooks Raley to the Phillies, 2 prospects to the Mets

Why it works: David Robertson is retired, so the next best thing is trading for Raley, a 38-year-old relief specialist who will definitely be better than a lot of in-house options for the Phils. Raley's having a nice season, and he, along with Caleb Killian will attempt to class up this bullpen [once again]

Why it didn't make the list: I've seen this film before, and I didn't like the ending. 

-Huascar Brazoban to the White Sox, 2 prospects to the Mets

Why it works: More fun with the Mets' pen. Brazoban is younger, more ferocious and has a higher ceiling, plus the White Sox just need a guy like him to coast behind. If they are, in fact, gearing up for a stretch run, fixing the bullpen is the right idea, as the previous incarnation of it left a lot to be desired. 

Why it didn't make the list: This is a very good nuts & bolts move but because the White Sox didn't need a ton of front-facing spots filled, I can't say it moves the needle much. 

-Luis Castillo to the White Sox, Nolan Jones, Seranthony Dominguez and Boston Smith to the Mariners

Why it works: The Mariners, thankfully, did not sell, but they made Castillo available, as he was clogging up roster space and making it harder for Kade Anderson to eventually make his debut. He also wasn't having a great year, but glints of his former glory did come through here and there. The Mariners were able to deal him without damaging their attempt to compete, and got back a solid October bullpen piece in Dominguez and a potential under-the-radar spoiler in Jones. The White Sox finally bring some name brand recognition to their rotation, and slotting in Castillo will add depth that Noah Schultz was not completely bringing. 

Why it didn't make the list: Because I don't think this is peak Castillo we're dealing with sadly, and they didn't bring him on to be the ace.

-Dustin May, Jojo Romero to the Brewers, 2 prospects to the Cardinals

Why it works: The Brewers didn't really need to do a ton this deadline, though they apparently offered a nice deal for Skubal which was turned down. This one still does a lot, as May provides for a solid late-rotation starter to possibly displace Robert Gasser or Brandon Sproat, while Romero slides in behind Megill and Uribe to make for an excellent potential October bullpen. The rich getting richer in a much more subtle way than the Dodgers.

Why it didn't make the list: Because the Brewers' biggest move of the deadline was getting Dustin May. I wish I didn't have to put it like that, but I do.

-Robbie Ray to the Padres, 2 prospects to the Giants

Why it works: A less anonymous Padres rotation, after it looked like they were gonna deal King. Ray could be a solid ace piece, and will really help this team going forward. He's in the midst of a true comeback year, and has cemented himself as one of the last few classic starters we have left.

Why it didn't make the list: The Padres are far from a shoo-in for the playoffs, and have so many obvious flaws that I don't know if I can fully embrace their will to compete yet.

-Jo Adell to the Guardians, Jacob Cozart to the Angels

Why It Works: The Guardians did a ton of underrated stuff this deadline. The Nathaniel Lowe move. Adding Craig Yoho. This was probably my favorite thing they did, even if it wasn’t as big as Foster Griffin. Jo Adell is a genuine power bar, a great outfielder and an exclamation point on a lineup that prefers to hide. They needed a Jo Adell, and they needed a lineup piece to prove they weren’t running it back.

Why it didn't make the list: Yasiel Puig looked like a sure bet too. Adell, like Rhys Hoskins, has incredible upsides in between frustration. Which will it be?

-Lars Nootbaar to the Diamondbacks, 3 prospects to the Cardinals

Why it works: The D-Backs didn’t do much at all but arguably this was all they needed. Nootbaar, like many Cards outfielders, was past his sell-by date and seems to be a great fit for the Arizona offense, in addition to great defense. 

Why it didn't make the list: like the Padres, the D-Backs aren’t quite a postseason lock and need to do a lot to catch up to the pack. Plus, much like Lourdes Gurriel, who he will be covering for, Noorbaar has a tendency to get hurt when things are going well. 

-Casey Mize and Gage Workman to the Padres, 2 prospects to the Tigers

Why it works: A terrific pitching piece goes to a team that needs the help. Mize, Ray and King are all ace material and could singlehandedly claw this team back to prominence. Mize’s upsides, as we’ve seen in the last few years, are dominant, well pitched stretches with low run output. Better here than Detroit arguably.

Why it didn't make the list: it nearly did, and I think the Padres-ness of it all prevented it. Who knows, maybe if they make a real run this’ll look better.

-Luke Weaver to the Pirates, Sammy Stafura to the Mets

Why it works: One of the best relief pieces on the board goes to a team that desperately needed bullpen help. The idea is that Weaver will close, and I think he’ll be terrific at it, and further legitimize this underrated Pirates team. Plus, something very fitting about the Pirates old closer succeeding for the Yanks while the Yankees’ old closer gets to do well in Pittsburgh. The Dream Weaver will fit right in. 

Why it didn't make the list: basically #11, and I think the dividing line was clear after the Ramos move. Weaver’s addition makes the Pirates better but they’re gonna need to do the rest themselves. 

Tomorrow, you will get a post containing the trade deadline deals that are still vexing me. Hopefully this is also nice content.

Top 10 Trade Deadline Deals of 2026

 Well...a lot happened this time around. 

Following the brass today was HARROWING. So much was happening, and so quickly. Almost evenly displaced as well, like there'd be a move, I'd have time to make a custom of them, and the next two moves would be up. And I think it was all a well rounded bunch. Last year the emphasis was on relief pitching, this year it was a little of everything. Some teams needed starting help, some teams needed outfield bats, some teams needed catchers [and some needed catchers and somehow forgot to deal for any]. A lot went down, even to the point where, after the BIG MOVE happened a few days ago, I was worried nothing would top it. And...I mean, we'll get to it, but there certainly was competition. 

I have a lot of other posts planned for deadline week, I have a 'best of the rest' one planned, I have a 'the ones I didn't understand' post in a bit. But we've got to do the top 10. This kept sliding by the whole day and got to the point where it is now. One spot stayed the same. And...yeah.

Anyway, we start with one I really didn't think was gonna happen this deadline:

#10: Heliot Ramos to the Yankees, 2 prospects to the Giants

So, the Yankees went into the deadline looking for bullpen work and a catching upgrade, and got neither. So Heliot Ramos, a very savvy lineup addition, makes it to the end of this list without going forward. Let me just stress that I love this move, Ramos is young, controllable, and powerful. He's been hurt for a bit but he's hitting .264 with 9 homers and 34 RBIs in 74 games. He's a ferocious hitter with a huge upside and a lot to accomplish, and...he gets to hit in Yankee stadium. The tricky part is it crowds the outfield a bit. Right now it's Ramos/Jones/Dominguez/Grisham, and eventually Bellinger and Judge are gonna come back and it's gonna get even more crowded. It's bad enough that Paul Goldschmidt's gonna have even less at-bats now [more on that in another post], now we're crowding the active roster. It's gonna be worth it if Ramos continues his very strong work, which is very likely.

#9: Taylor Ward to the Mariners, 3 prospects to the Orioles

The Mariners have the kind of team that should work more in concept, because you have Randy Arozarena, Brendan Donovan, Julio Rodriguez, Dominic Canzone and Josh Naylor there and the contact game is ailing. So in comes Taylor Ward to make it even more ridiculous. Ward's having another excellent season, but it's a very contact heavy one without much need for power. He only has 7 homers and 30 RBIs, and that is appalling from a guy who's had 100 RBIs and 36 homers JUST A SEASON AGO. Wouldn't a trip to Seattle be a fun time to start power-hitting? Ward's an excellent outfield bat with some versatility and perks, and he could be the lineup piece that the Mariners need to save their season. I just think he really fits with what they're doing in Seattle. I'm also really happy the Mariners didn't deal Kirby or Emerson. Yes, that prevents against the possibility of stretch Kade, but their rotation is excellent and didn't need to be broken up beyond Castillo.

#8: Kevin Gausman to the Cubs, 2 prospects to the Blue Jays

The Jays had a really weird deadline, because they both sold and bought at the same time. And arguably they should have committed more to one than both. Ultimately, they chose to part with one of their longest-tenured stars, the mighty Kevin Gausman, where he will become something the Cubs have desperately needed this year: an actual ace. Justin Steele's been hurt, Cade Horton's out for a while, Shota Imanaga's struggled. They need stability, and Gausman is a veteran arm with postseason experience who can back up the already strong offense. This is a downslope of a year compared to his peak, as he is 5-10 with a 4.38 ERA, but he's still a fundamentally strong pitcher with a lot of great starts left in him. I think he will greatly aid the Cubs down the stretch. Perhaps not as much as someone a little further down, but enough to land on this list.

#7: Luis Arraez and Caleb Killian to the Phillies, 2 prospects to the Giants

This is arguably a little low, but it's down here because the Phillies really needed a better option at fourth or fifth starter and didn't get one. They also needed an outfield bat...and didn't get one. So Luis Arraez, as good as he is, is an odd consolation for so many pieces of this lineup that needed help, and if we miss out on a World Series, it could be Dombrowski's fault for not going further. However...the Phillies now have Luis Arraez. And that's a very good thing. One of the best contact hitters in the game, and a terrific defensive 2nd baseman, joins this lineup, and moving Stott, Bohm and Harper around supremely improves the defense in general. Arraez is electric wherever he is, and the Phils could see that fully going forward. We also got Caleb Killian, who's a terrific bullpen arm with a great upside. Very much a win for Philly, even if the team isn't fully improved by this deadline.

#6: Foster Griffin to the Guardians, 4 prospects to the Nationals.

The Guardians had a sneakily good deadline, bringing on a lot of pieces that lift this team up to where they can really chase Chicago. Foster Griffin was their best move, because their fifth man in the rotation was Slade Cecconi, and as good as he can be, they could do better. Their rotation is now Messick, Williams, Bibee, Griffin and Cantillo, and that's among the best in the bigs. Griffin isn't an ace, but he's an excellent mid-rotation arm with 12 wins and a 3.05 ERA under his belt, and that's from playing for a very okay Nationals team. He'll thrive in a playoff environment in Cleveland, and build on this belated rookie season to become an even bigger force going forward. 

#5: Clay Holmes and Tyrone Taylor to the Cubs, Francisco Rojas to the Mets

This one ways a little more than Gausman to me for the Cubs pitching additions, because Holmes, until the injury, was having the best season of his career, and one of the only good seasons on the Mets. Through 9 games he had a 2.39 ERA, and was proving that the Mets moving him to the rotation was a good idea after all. The idea is that once Holmes is active [as well as Braxton Garrett], he'll be able to aid the Cubs rotation, and I see him as a front-facing integral arm that could lead them through some postseason games. Tyrone Taylor's also an excellent outfield depth option for this team, and could be very helpful on a postseason roster. The Cubs weren't fully ready before, and now they are.

#4: Freddy Peralta to the Rays, 3 prospects to the Mets

This deal will work out if the thesis, that the Mets were just a really poor fit for Peralta, is true. Peralta succeeded in Milwaukee, a small market team built on contact and pitching. That's also the Rays. Low budget, small core, close wins, and an impressive rotation. Peralta levels it up, as good as Rasmussen and Martinez have been. Shane McClanahan's gonna miss some time, and Peralta will be relied upon to deliver Brewers numbers as an ace for a Rays team with a shot at a #1 seed. Peralta's 4.99 ERA will need to come down if the Rays want to take advantage of this deadline, and I have a feeling it will. Meanwhile, Jett Williams is still chilling in the Brewers' farm system, and Brandon Sproat is getting all kinds of starts, so...lolMets.

#3: Liam Hicks to the Rays, Brayden Taylor and 2 prospects to the Marlins.

I like this one a little better for the Rays, simply because it fixes a lot of problems. It ups their catching game, ensuring Nick Fortes doesn't have to start behind the plate as much. It also gives them a proven contact bat with some kick against righthanded pitchers, and a very well-trusted lineup presence. I think he's just one of those guys who can pop into any lineup and just dive right in with excellent production, so I think he'll love Tampa. And also, he drains the Rays' farm system a little more so other teams can have a chance. Just a really cool, sneaky move by the Rays that positions them further towards a late run.

#2: Adley Rutschman and Jake Rogers to the Red Sox, Carlos Narvaez and 4 prospects to the Orioles.

I would say since Varitek left, the Red Sox have had a revolving door at catcher. So many guys that could have been the one, or should have. Victor Martinez, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Sandy Leon, Christian Vasquez, Connor Wong, Carlos Narvaez, and the list goes on and on. So to finally have an answer at catcher, and for it to be Adley Rutschman a terrific hitting catcher whose team already foreshadowed this move by signing Samuel Basallo to a multi-year deal...that is huge. Rutschman's having another great season, but it did feel like this O's team was moving past the need for him. With this Boston team he'll fit right in, and be another huge lineup piece of a team that's quickly becoming a serious wild card threat. Very much a case of giving a team exactly the guy they need going forward.

But of course...nothing was gonna top the #1 piece on the board. Even if you disagree with its existence, this deal needed to be #1.

#1: Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers, River Ryan, Zyhir Hope and 1 other prospect to the Tigers

So. The best team in baseball got the best pitcher in baseball. In 16 starts, Skubal had a 2.79 ERA, 7 wins, 116 Ks and a 2.9 WAR. He's still in his peak, is effortlessly brilliant, and was never gonna stay in Detroit. The Dodgers taking him happened because they had a well-stocked farm system where even their lower tier prospects were more than other teams were offering. It's disappointing that, like a lot of recent Dodger developments, nobody else could stop it from happening. But now Sku gets to help the Dodgers go for a threepeat, and it's gonna make electric October baseball even if they don't get all the way. It's also gonna add fuel to the fire that Skubal will, in all likelihood, choose to stay in LA going forward. Definitely shifts the balance of the game, which is what the trade deadline is for. 

So yeah. A lot happened. A lot of teams won. And now the Dodgers are even scarier. Sets up the last third perfectly.

Sometime tomorrow there'll be a 'best of the rest' post most likely, with a lot of other deals that didn't make this list. 

The 2025 Trade Deadline Deals I Didn't Get

 I acknowledge, in doing these posts where I talk about trade deadline deals that baffled me, that I'm not a GM, and that I don't have history as a GM. I'm just a fan who sees baseball from one perspective. But sometimes even from where I'm sitting, the moves a GM has made, especially from how well-informed most GMs are, don't make sense to me at all. And a lot of times they just feel like a team is making a trade just to make a trade, which is never a good thing to me. 

I checked back at the last few posts of these, and occasionally you do find a move that has aged well, like Trevor Rogers going to Baltimore last year [in exchange for Kyle Stowers, which I still think was a mistake] or Josh Bell going to Miami in 2023. But...a lot of them are just fueled by complacency and have ramifications on everything else. And that's what I fear about some of these ones.

In order from somewhat understandable to completely baffling, here are some trade deadline deals I really don't understand. 

-Amed Rosario to the Yankees, Clayton Beeter and an additional prospect to the Nationals

In the wake of deals for Ryan McMahon, Jose Caballero and Austin Slater, I don't really get this one as much. I get the idea of fattening the bench, giving the Yanks more depth options and giving the infield more possibilities. And I like that. But I don't know about Amed Rosario because he hasn't really been too impressive anywhere. He was barely that impressive with the Nats, he was a slightly-above average bench guy with subpar fielding. I don't know if he was worth Clayton Beeter, who, at the very least, still had some promise. Maybe I'm wrong and Rosario's a clutch guy, but I just felt like this one was gratuitous. 

-Danny Jansen to the Brewers, prospects to the Rays; Nick Fortes to the Rays, prospect to the Marlins

These are two separate trades but they basically act as one motion for the Rays, who decided they wanted to swap their perfectly fine, consistent everyday catcher for a slightly more controllable one. It feels like a 'was this trip really necessary' move, because I *think* the Rays are still trying to compete, seeing as they got Adrian Houser and all, and...this is still a catching downgrade. Getting Fortes out of Miami I get, because between Agustin Ramirez and Liam Hicks he was now a third-stringer, but I don't see why the Rays had to trade their main catcher to a fellow competitor to justify landing him. This does work in a Rays-style 'big brain' move to avoid having to pay Jansen, but...it's still not a good baseball move, at least not from where I'm standing. 

-Michael Soroka to the Cubs, two prospects to the Nationals

The Cubs really made a run at Mitch Keller, but ultimately it just wasn't going to happen, so they're left with their biggest rotation addition being Michael Soroka, a guy who was 3-8 with a 4.87 ERA with the Nats. Soroka, literally since coming up, has constantly been in 'don't overthrow in case of injury' mode constantly, and while he's actually been rather consistent this year, he still feels like a 'what could have been' guy more than actually being anything. And so if the Cubs are trying to upgrade their rotation, I really don't understand going for this guy rather than getting someone better. Like Matz to Boston, it just feels like a consolation, but not enough of one. 

-Mike Yastrzemski to the Royals, prospect to the Giants

This one in particular felt cruel, unnecessary and avoidable. The Giants are down but could theoretically still compete. The Royals are up but are still in the AL Central scrum. Neither are committing much at all. And yet the Giants still felt it necessary to deal Yaz, one of their longest-tenured stars, for practically nothing because a team that's literally in the same deal they're in asked. Yaz is beloved in San Francisco, and has given them so month, and it felt like he was handed over for nothing. This is gonna look even worse if the Giants bounce back and still compete. And yes, Yaz is already hitting homers in KC.

-Nestor Cortes to the Padres, Brandon Lockridge to the Brewers

Similarly cruel, the Nasty Nestor era in Milwaukee lasted just two games before an injury plopped him onto the IL, and because the postseason rotation is once again set without him [sound familiar???] he probably just asked to be dealt. This actually works out for the Brewers because Lockridge has plugged right into Chourio's spot, and is kind of a steal for them. I'm not sure when Cortes will be back, and if the Padres use him in the playoffs I reckon they'll be very careful with him, especially if they play LA. Mostly this move just feels like pouring salt on a wound, and I mostly just feel bad for Nestor. 

Similarly,

-Shelby Miller, Jordan Montgomery to the Brewers, cash/APTBNL to the Diamondbacks

It's a salary dump. I understand that. And Miller is actually very helpful for this team's bullpen plan going forward. But I really don't understand trading for a guy who isn't even gonna play for your team at all. Montgomery's contract ends this year, and he's out til mid-next year. There's a chance that Montgomery somehow decides to re-up with Milwaukee and has a comeback year, but like...we're not at that point yet, we're rounding out the contract that's basically useless because he overthrew 2 years ago. Unless the Brewers know something I don't, they're just hanging onto an injured guy for the hell of it. 

-Kyle Finnegan to the Tigers, 2 prospects to the Nationals.

Now this one I do pretty much get. Finnegan's a proven closing option, the Tigers need bullpen help, I'm with ya there. Except the Tigers actually have two guys who are decent closers this year. Will Vest and Tommy Kahnle. They've both been fine. So now you're getting a third guy that can close games. Plus, Finnegan is 33 and as good as he's been, he's had moments of frustrating inconsistency. And both Finnegan and Montero are additions that would have made more sense about 3 years ago. The Tigers made a bunch of pitching additions that were all on the older side, which stands out when you're talking so much about being a young team. And furthermore,

-Charlie Morton to the Tigers, prospect to the Orioles.

You have to replace Reese Olson, a strong young starter who's out the rest of the year, and you go with a frigging 41-year-old who began the year with an 8 ERA??? Like, we're all glad Morton's come around since mid-May and has become excellent again, but you understand why a 41-year-old is a liability, right? The Braves figured this out last year. Obviously Mike Elias didn't figure this out, but we've established that he's not exactly a sudoku expert. Morton is a fine pitcher, and will fill innings, but in a year where the Tigers could have added another big arm, they went with serviceable ones. Because that's all that seemed available. 

And on that point,

-Dustin May to the Red Sox, 2 prospects to the Dodgers

Neither of these teams made a good decision here. The Sox were trying for Dylan Cease and other starters of that caliber, and kept striking out. So they accepted an offer from the Dodgers. Dustin May has been healthy this year for the first time in a while, and has been one of the few consistent starters the Dodgers have had this year, and despite the fact that they're STILL losing people to injuries on a frequent rate, they still felt they could lose a pitcher. That is the overconfidence of the Dodgers right there. Yeah, give one away to the Red Sox, they seem desperate. You HOPE that Glasnow and Snell hold up, and you hope that Ohtani was just having a rough outing, but if they all go down and you're stuck with Ben Casparius and Justin Wrobleski because you were too overconfident to resist dealing a starter to another competitor, you have no one to blame for yourself. May will probably be fine in Boston, but the Dodgers did this haphazardly and cruelly. 

And here's the one I think was the most baffling:

-Carlos Correa to the Astros, prospect to the Twins

The narrative of this season was that the Astros were trying to move on. They lost Bregman and Tucker, so they moved Altuve to left, and attempted to reestablish themselves as a Rays-style juggler of replacement-level talent. It didn't work. And then suddenly it did. The Astros built a new identity thanks to the still-strong rotation, a new ace in Hunter Brown, excellent starts from Jeremy Pena and Isaac Paredes and a star-making rookie year from Cam Smith. Then Pena and Paredes got hurt, the team downturned and Seattle got two surefire lineup weapons. And then this rumor came out about the Astros trying to bring back Carlos Correa.

So, Thursday Correa gets traded back to Houston, it's billed as a return to the glory of the 2017-era teams. Then Jeremy Pena is reinstated from the IL, and it's confirmed that Correa is going to play third, which he's never played before. And it sounds to me like, once again, the Astros are using nostalgia for the 2017 team to cover for bad baseball moves. It happened with moving Altuve to left, and now it's happening here. Come see the hero shortstop, now playing third base for some reason. And yes, there's this belief that Isaac Paredes is gone for the rest of the season, but...what if he isn't? What if he comes back, and you now have nowhere to play Carlos Correa? And now you have to admit that he's a glorified utility guy with reduced contact ability. What then?? 

It really feels like the Astros didn't think this through. They wanted it to still be 2017 so badly that they forgot that 8 years have passed, Correa isn't that guy anymore and this team was trying to move on. It's a frantic backpedal that could ruin the momentum and lead someone else to win the West. Or...it could work, and the Astros fumes alone could get this team back to glory.

Who knows? Maybe they're geniuses. But right now they certainly don't look like it.

The 2025 Trade Deadline Deals That Missed the List

 Yesterday I talked about a lot of deals made at the trade deadline that I really liked, and ones that had immediate ramifications towards the season picture. Not every deal is gonna look like a slam dunk at moment one. Last year we were all wondering why Tommy Edman was a throw-in to LA and by October we all understood. It's very likely that an under-the-radar move is gonna pave the path to a ring for someone. Which is why I do these honorable mention ones the day after, because I talk about the deals that didn't make my list but still intrigue me in some way.

Now, as for ones that don't make sense at all, those will be a future post. But for now, please enjoy some trade deadline deals I thought were cool, but not cool enough to be in my Top 10. From least significant to most significant:

-Andrew Kittredge to the Cubs, 1 prospect to the Orioles

Why It Works: The Cubs needed bullpen help, and Kittredge has been strong since coming back from an injury in mid-May. He's a respectable workhorse with most of the health concerns behind him.

Why it Didn't Make the List: 'Most of'. Even if he's been sharp lately, there's still the reality that since his breakthrough all-star season with the Rays he's been inconsistent. The Cubs have whipped together an impressive bullpen of older guys, but Kittredge could be another liability waiting to happen.

-Ramon Urias to the Astros, prospect to the Orioles

Why It Works: Urias was blocking Jordan Westburg at third, it allows the homegrown infield to continue to develop. 

Why it Didn't Make the List: This makes a little less sense after another Astros move. I think ultimately they've admitted that the Brendan Rodgers experiment did not work, and are plugging in another similar-caliber talent at 2nd, but as I'll get into later, getting replacement-level guys to fill big positions may be the more cost-effective tactic, but it's not sustainable. Urias will be fine as an infield replacement, but it's a more economically-sound move than a championship-maker.

-Jake Bird to the Yankees, Roc Riggio and another prospect to the Rockies

Why It Works: Bird has been a proven success for the Rockies this year, plugs in to improve the bullpen effort and doesn't have to shave the beard [EDIT: ....really???]

Why it Didn't Make the List: I am...really worried about Roc Riggio in Denver. He was already pulling pretty sweet power numbers in Somerset, and he was looking like a cool power prospect...but in Coors Field he's gonna be a 40-homer guy and a serious problem. And his name is literally Roc. It feels like an 'infinity gem' move, and I know I could be wrong but I just get this feeling about him. Like the Tatis-for-James Shields trade, I worry that in a couple years Bird will have given us a 4 ERA and a blown postseason save and Riggio will have become a star for the Rockies that we let get away. 

-Tyler Rogers to the Mets, Jose Butto and 2 prospects to the Giants

Why It Works: Definite bullpen upgrade, and a proven success at that.

Why it Didn't Make the List: I'm gonna get into this at a later time, but a lot of the Giants' deadline moves felt more cruel than anything. I honestly think they still could have competed, and I think lightening the load is one thing but there were some big, long-standing pieces that got dealt really swiftly. Rogers was one of them. 

-Steven Matz to the Red Sox, prospect to the Cardinals

Why It Works: Matz will be a back half rotation addition for a team that's been really struggling to keep its back half healthy. He's been decent enough this year but he can pitch big games.

Why it Didn't Make the List: The Red Sox, a lot like the Cubs, tried to field a big starter at the deadline and had really strange luck with it. They got someone else that..honestly relegates Matz to the same swing role he was in in St. Louis, but they tried to get a Dylan Cease or a MacKenzie Gore and it just wasn't happening. And Matz is their consolation. 

-Jesus Sanchez to the Astros, Ryan Gusto and 2 prospects to the Marlins

Why It Works: Sanchez was heating up in Miami, it lets him be a low-lineup guy in an ailing squad where he can hopefully become the star he couldn't entirely become in Miami.

Why it Didn't Make the List: Again, the Astros are trying to moneyball their way to what they had for 8 years. They're getting affordable, controllable guys who are at replacement level and are trying to steal their way back to a title. Sanchez is fine but he's no Kyle Tucker. And Gusto might be better off in a smaller market like Miami with way more opportunity to start. 

-Bailey Falter to the Royals, 2 prospects to the Pirates

Why It Works: Falter's been steady, and decent enough as a mid-rotation guy for the Pirates, and in a similar role for a better team he could be really helpful. 

Why it Didn't Make the List: Every deadline there's one team who surprises me in declaring that they're competing. Usually it's someone like the Braves. This year it is the Royals. They're behind the Guardians, who sold a little this deadline, and they're way back in the wild card race. Injuries have dulled this team. I don't know if they have it this year, and some of their moves could be for nothing. OR, their GM would have you believe, they're exactly what they need to become a force again. This is a good move, but I don't know if the Royals were the right team to make it.

-Miguel Andujar to the Reds, prospect to the A's

Why It Works: Andujar has been a surprise utility bat for the A's. Doesn't need to be the star, but he'll stop in and be a power bat. The Reds need a guy like that honestly to spice things up. Sneakily great move. If Hayes isn't gonna be that power corner, Andujar sure will. Like everything Candelario was supposed to be.

Why it Didn't Make the List: Because it's Miguel Andujar and there were like 5 years between his rookie smash and his comeback last year, and I'm beginning to think that they probably didn't exist. 

-Harrison Bader to the Phillies, 2 more prospects to the Twins

Why It Works: Bader is a defensive upgrade from a lot of the Phils' OF options, his bat has been very trustworthy this year, and he's known for great Octobers. Honestly, match made in heaven. 

Why It Didn't Make the List: Because in a deadline season where the Phillies were chasing Luis Robert and Steven Kwan, Bader comes off like a disappointment. The fans were expecting a big name, Bader isn't that. But the Phils wanted to keep Andrew Painter, so...

-Camilo Doval to the Yankees, 4 prospects to the Giants

Why It Works: Camilo Doval can be hot and cold, but when he's on he's untouchable. In Yankee Stadium, in relief or save situations, Camilo Doval will be intimidating as hell. Between Doval, Bednar and Hill, the Yankees really fixed their bullpen this July, and Doval might be the biggest exclamation point.

Why It Didn't Make the List: Because Bednar's the better closer right now, and because there's some nonsense about Aaron Boone continuing to think that Devin Williams is better than both of them in the ninth. 

-Chris Paddack to the Tigers, prospect to the Twins

Why It Works: This is probably the best thing the Tigers did at the deadline, even after whiffing on Suarez. Paddack was having a decent comeback year for the Twins, he's a solid late-rotation guy and he's a true workhorse. In one start for the Tigers he's already proved his worth.

Why It Didn't Make the List: ...because the best guy the Detroit Tigers got at the deadline was Chris Paddack. The Dodgers and Tigers have so many great pieces already that their biggest deadline moves were more 'sneaky good' than anything. 

-Jose Caballero to the Yankees, Everson Pereira and a player to be named later to the Rays

Why It Works: Speaking of sneaky good, the Yankees just netted themselves the best base-stealer in the AL. Volpe and Cabby in the same infield is a pretty good combo, and being a super-ute he can play just about everywhere and get on base a ton. Cabby is one of those excellent 'spare part' type players who can do just about anything and can endear himself easily. 

Why It Didn't Make the List: Because the Yanks made a ton of infield additions at the deadline and Cabby likely isn't gonna start that often. Goldy-Chisholm-Volpe-McMahon is a pretty awesome infield, but if Chisholm and Volpe keep making errors, Cabby's a great contingency plan.

-Ryan Helsley to the Mets, 3 prospects to the Cardinals

Why It Works: Helsley, from like the start of the season, was one of the best relief pieces on the board, and the Mets, who've needed relief help, landed him early and efficiently. Helsley's been fine for the Cards this year but now he's pitching for a competitor.

Why It Didn't Make the List: Because they got Helsley to be an eighth inning guy, and the Phils, Padres and Yankees got their big closers to, uh...close games. Look, I can never tell if Edwin Diaz is good in the ninth or not, he never seems to know, but if for some reason he decides he's not good in the ninth again then Helsley is a good cover...but then again Helsley's got a 3.27 ERA in the ninth this year. So now the pressure is on to see if Diaz actually rounds out a season without pissing off Mets fans, or if a guy who's been struggling to close games will be forced to close games...in Queens...in October. Either way, it's gonna be interesting. 

-Shane Bieber to the Blue Jays, prospect to the Guardians

Why It Works: Well, the Jays just added a Cy Young winner with incredible consistency and perks to their rotation that already has 5 proven winners. They were already a favorite, and this puts them over the edge without needing to exert themselves.

Why It Didn't Make the List: Because Shane Bieber hasn't pitched since last April and the pressure will be on for him to perform to that standard once he eventually finishes rehabbing. There's a high probability he'll be back this season, and in time for a stretch run. But we don't know if this will rush him or not. To go from a steady rehab pace to now kicking into high gear to help the Jays compete is quite the adjustment. This has the potential to be a steal for the Jays, but only if it works.

-Adrian Houser to the Rays, Curtis Mead and 2 prospects to the White Sox

Why It Works: Houser's been on a tear since May, it gets him on a better squad with more upward momentum, and he's not the 'rotating good player' anymore.

Why it Didn't Make the List: The Rays made this move as a rare buying moment in a deadline of selling. They're in such a crossroads that they both bought and sold this deadline. Some of their moves were frankly quite puzzling. This one, at the very least, gives them a strong, trusted veteran starter that, worse comes to worse, they can flip for prospects in a year. But it also feels moot if the Rays are headed downward, which it's looking like they are. It's contingent on whether or not the Rays can still chase a wild card spot with all this load lightened, and I don't know how likely that is. 

-Willi Castro to the Cubs, 2 prospects to the Twins

Why It Works: One of the best utility players in the bigs goes to a lineup that needed more flexibility. Castro will be a very nice contact performer in a lineup centered around power, and he'll be an infield sub anywhere he plays. 

Why It Didn't Make the List: Because it's the Cubs getting a utilityman as their biggest deadline addition. Although the Brewers' biggest additions were a backup catcher and a pitcher they can't even use til next year, so it works out. 

-Zack Littell to the Reds, Hunter Feduccia and a prospect to the Rays, Ben Rortvedt and 2 prospects to the Dodgers.

Why It Works: Funny that this is the only 3-team trade of the year. Anyhow, Zack Littell as a mid-to-late rotation addition in Cincinnati helps them immensely, and looks to make their rotation look even better when Hunter Greene returns. Greene-Abbott-Lodolo-Littell-Burns/Singer is pretty awesome. A year without Williamson or Lowder and they didn't let a black hole in the rotation kill them. 

Why It Didn't Make the List: Hayes was a bigger addition for the Reds, and Littell's homer-allowage is still somewhat worrying.

-Freddy Fermin to the Padres, Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek to the Royals

Why It Works: I so badly wanted to include this one because I think this was the smartest thing the Royals did. They knew Fermin wasn't getting the playing time he deserved under Perez, and the Padres NEEDED a sure thing at catcher with Luis Campusano not being that guy. Fermin being a primary catching option in San Diego not only helps them now but helps them going forward. And it also clears the rotation a little, as Bergert and Kolek were depth guys that were hopping in to save spots after injuries. They're now looking at a rotation of Pivetta-Cease-Darvish-Vazquez-Sears, and that looks pretty good to me. Also, because the Royals just lost Kris Bubic and are still without Cole Ragans and Michael Lorenzen, they needed guys that were MLB-ready that could start this week. Between Falter, Bergert and Kolek they have guys that can eat innings. 

Why It Didn't Make the List: Because Fermin is not enough of a name to really outdo a bunch of the low-tier trades on the list.

Tomorrow I'll post one of these about deals that didn't make sense to me. That'll be fun.