The Los Angeles Dodgers made the biggest move at the MLB trade deadline by acquiring two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. Skubal joins a strong Dodgers rotation that already includes Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Mookie Betts. He is expected to make his debut for the Dodgers on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs. The Tigers received three minor league prospects in return, including right-handers River Ryan and Brady Smith and outfielder Zyhir Hope. Skubal had a 3.04 ERA in six starts this season and has been effective with 116 strikeouts in 96 2/3 innings. The Dodgers also added backup catcher Ben Rortvedt from the New York Mets in exchange for right-hander Chayce McDermott. The team also acquired left-hander Kris Bubic from the Kansas City Royals for minor league right-hander Carlos Duran. Bubic is currently on the 60-day injured list with shoulder and elbow issues but was expected to return in late August.
Another major transaction came when the New York Mets traded Freddy Peralta to the Tampa Bay Rays for three minor leaguers. Peralta, who could become a free agent after the World Series, has been disappointing with the Mets. The Rays, who are in first place in the AL East, could benefit from his presence in their rotation.
The New York Yankees acquired left fielder Luis Garcia Jr. from the Washington Nationals. Garcia has a career-high 23 homers and 76 RBIs this season, making him a valuable addition to the Yankees’ lineup. He is known for being one of the best left-handed hitters against right-handed pitchers in the National League. The Nationals received four right-handed pitchers for Garcia, including Jake Bird, Yovanny Cruz, Jack Cebert, and Ben Grable.
The Philadelphia Phillies added three-time batting champion Luis Arraez from the San Francisco Giants. Arraez is a contact hitter who rarely strikes out, making him a good fit for the Phillies’ lineup. The Phillies also acquired right-hander reliever Caleb Kilian in the trade in exchange for minor league right-handed pitchers Ramon Marquez and Marty Gair.
The San Diego Padres made a significant move by acquiring right-hander Casey Mize from the Detroit Tigers. Mize, who is a pending free agent, has had his best season so far with a career-best ERA+ of 159. He has improved his strikeout rate and reduced the number of home runs he allowed this season. The Padres also received infielder Gage Workman and sent left-handers Kash Mayfield and Jackson Wolf to Detroit. The Tigers have now traded away two of their top pitchers, including Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize. This marks a major shift in direction for the Tigers, who had high expectations at the start of the season.
The Seattle Mariners acquired outfielder Taylor Ward from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for minor league pitchers. Ward, who has a .246 average with seven home runs and 30 RBIs in 111 games, adds depth to Seattle’s outfield.
The Toronto Blue Jays added right-hander José Soriano from the Angels for three prospects. Soriano, who is under team control through 2028, brings experience to the Blue Jays’ rotation.
The Atlanta Braves signed veteran left-handed reliever Brent Suter for a minor league infielder. Suter, who is 36 years old, provides bullpen depth for the NL East leaders.
The Chicago White Sox added righty reliever Huascar Brazobán from the Mets for minor league pitchers. Brazobán has a 5.56 ERA in 46 games this season and brings experience to the White Sox bullpen.
The Cleveland Guardians acquired Jo Adell from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for minor league catcher Jacob Cozart. Adell, who has 16 homers and 62 RBIs this season, brings power and versatility to the Guardians.
The Chicago White Sox also acquired outfielder Brenton Doyle from the Colorado Rockies for a pair of prospects. Doyle, who has a .214 average with a homer and nine stolen bases, brings Gold Glove-level defense to the team.
The Toronto Blue Jays also added utility player Josh Smith from Texas for rookie left-hander Adam Macko. Smith, who won a Silver Slugger as a utility player in 2024, brings experience to the Blue Jays.
These moves show teams are actively trying to improve their rosters ahead of the end of the season.
IMAGE: Tarik Skubal pitching for the Detroit Tigers during the 2024 Little League Classic.. Photo: Jeffrey Hyde / Wikimedia, taken 2024-08-18, CC BY-SA 2.0