2024 MLB Trade Deadline

Written by: Thomas Brown

The MLB trade deadline often brings significant roster changes, with teams either bolstering their lineups for a playoff push or selling off valuable assets to build for the future. Here are some of the best last-moment transactions in recent MLB trade deadline history.

Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros (2017):

○ Teams Involved: Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros

○ Impact: Verlander’s arrival was pivotal for the Astros, leading to their first World Series title in 2017. He earned ALCS MVP honors and was dominant throughout the playoffs.

Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers (2018):

○ Teams Involved: Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers

○ Impact: Machado provided the Dodgers with a powerful bat and strong defense at shortstop, aiding their journey to the World Series

Yoenis Céspedes to the New York Mets (2015):

○ Teams Involved: Detroit Tigers and New York Mets

○ Impact: Céspedes sparked a dramatic turnaround for the Mets, who won the NL East and reached the World Series

Zack Greinke to the Houston Astros (2019):

○ Teams Involved: Arizona Diamondbacks and Houston Astros

○ Impact: Greinke strengthened an already impressive Astros rotation, contributing to their World Series run.

David Price to the Toronto Blue Jays (2015):

○ Teams Involved: Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays

○ Impact: Price significantly improved the Blue Jays’ pitching staff, helping them secure their first playoff appearance in 22 years.

CC Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers (2008):

○ Teams Involved: Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers

○ Impact: Sabathia was instrumental in the Brewers’ playoff push, posting an 11-2 record with a 1.65 ERA in 17 starts.

Josh Donaldson to the Cleveland Indians (2018):

○ Teams Involved: Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians

○ Impact: Donaldson added power to the Indians’ lineup, though his overall impact was limited by injury.

Andrew Miller to the Cleveland Indians (2016):

○ Teams Involved: New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians

○ Impact: Miller played a pivotal role in the Indians’ bullpen, significantly contributing to their World Series run.

These trades exemplify the high-stakes environment of the MLB trade deadline, where bold moves can make a significant difference in a team’s quest for a championship.