Winners and Losers of the Trade Deadline

Topfanstatsguy’s Winners and Losers of the Trade Deadline 

By Jackson Westfall

Every July, teams acquire talent they hope will propel them into the postseason. Some trades are better than others and I wanted to go over the biggest winner and loser at this year's deadline.

Biggest Winner

The Baltimore Orioles made out really well, which was needed because they have been scuffling as of late and needed reinforcements for the division title push. First off, they added to their rotation which needs arms with all the injuries they have had. They acquired Zac Eflin and Trevor Rodgers who are solid, controllable arms that will get them quality innings. The pieces moved were surplus anyways, and that is a big win for Baltimore. They also got some bullpen help in Seranthony Dominguez, who has looked lackluster this season but has playoff experience and success. They gave up Austin Hayes in that trade, which let them get an underrated piece in Eloy Jimenez, who despite his injury history is a very toolsy outfielder who, when healthy, can be a power speed threat. The fact that they gave up almost nothing to upgrade their outfield with a right handed bat is fantastic. All in all, they filled all of their big needs and look primed to make a run at the division. 

Biggest Loser 

It is surprising that the biggest loser at this year’s deadline is the worst team in baseball, the Chicago White Sox. They traded away several players including the aforementioned Eloy Jimenez, Michael Kopech, and Erik Fedde with Miguel Vargas being the biggest player they got in return. They held onto Garrett Crochet, their biggest trade asset amid reports of him refusing to pitch without an extension from the team he goes to- oof. This team is on track to have the worst 162 game record ever. Losers of 20 straight at the time of this article's publishing, they feel like they are going nowhere and have no direction as a ball club. 

My favorite trade

The Mariners acquiring Randy Arozarena was fantastic for both teams. The Mariners add a much needed bat to their anemic offense and Tampa Bay does what they do best and acquires prospect capital that they will no doubt turn into all star talent.

My least favorite trade 

The Dodgers acquiring Tommy Edman is a head scratcher. They needed outfield help, and instead they acquired Edman in addition to Amed Rosario. Edman has speed and positional versatility, but struggles to get on base and lacks power. It will be interesting to see if he returns to form after ankle and wrist injuries have kept out all year. 

At the end of the day, there is still plenty of baseball left to play and each and every team is hoping that their trade deadline deals will propel them to World Series glory.