MLB TRADE DEADLINE: THE MOVES THAT WILL MATTER AND THOSE THAT WON'T

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Contrary to expectations, this year's MLB trade deadline brought plenty of action and intrigue. We take a look at which teams made moves that will most help their chances of success in October, and which squandered their opportunities.

As ESPN's Jeff Passan tweeted shortly after the trade deadline passed on Thursday: "That was fun." There was a flurry of moves and trades. The Minnesota Twins sold everyone, the San Diego Padres bought everyone. Relief pitchers were passed around like a hot potato. Not everyone was happy, not everyone was angry, but everyone was entertained.

WHY SO MUCH MOVEMENT?

Most scouts agreed that this year's group of potentially available players wasn't particularly exciting. There was no Juan Soto-type bat or similarly impactful pitcher on the market. But many teams saw an opportunity.

Before the deadline, three teams were tied for the most wins in MLB (64) and another eight teams had at least 59 victories. With the absence of a dominant team, the World Series looks attainable for many clubs. In the American League, seven teams were within 6.5 games of the best record in the league. In the National League, six teams were within 4.5 games of the top.

MOVES THAT WILL MATTER

Padres Acquire Closer Mason Miller from Athletics

A.J. Preller once again showed his willingness to sacrifice top prospects for immediate improvement. When he was willing to headline the package with Leo De Vries - rated as high as the third-best prospect in all of MLB - the Athletics didn't hesitate.

In October, teams want to shorten games with elite relievers. Few teams can match the current Padres. Miller's four-seam fastball averages 101.1 mph and his 13.9 K/9 ratio is elite.

Add him to Robert Suárez (2.51 FIP), Jason Adam (1.89 ERA), Adrian Morejon (1.63 ERA) and others, and October games will be significantly shortened. The Padres are seizing the moment - the Dodgers look vulnerable and this could be their best chance.

Mariners Acquire Third Baseman Eugenio Suárez from Diamondbacks

Seattle would probably have traded everything except Ichiro's legacy for a chance to bolster their chronically anemic offense. Look at these numbers:

• 2024: 1st place (tie) in runs allowed, 21st in runs scored
• 2023: 3rd place in runs allowed, 12th in runs scored
• 2022: 7th place in runs allowed, 18th in runs scored

By acquiring Suárez, the Mariners now have the AL leader in home runs (Cal Raleigh, 41) and the NL leader in RBIs (Suárez, 87). Suárez has 36 home runs this season, while Seattle's third basemen combined for only five.

Phillies Acquire Closer Jhoan Duran from Twins

Philadelphia focused on the World Series and addressed one of their biggest weaknesses. The 27-year-old right-hander with 100+ mph velocity and devastating splitter has a 2.01 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 49.1 innings.

The Phillies have World Series-caliber starting rotation with Zack Wheeler, Christopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez, all with ERAs around 2.50. Duran should bring stability to the bullpen.

MOVES THAT WON'T MATTER

Cubs Acquire Pitcher Michael Soroka from Nationals

This isn't a criticism of Soroka, who has been solid this year. But the Cubs clearly didn't share the Padres' sense of seizing the moment, which is confusing. They have a dynamic offense led by three players who will likely receive MVP votes.

The problem is that one of them - Kyle Tucker - probably won't be in a Cubs uniform in 2026. He's a free agent and the franchise likely won't commit to keeping him long-term. The Cubs' weakest spot was their rotation hit by injuries, but their only addition has a 4.87 ERA.

Angels Acquire Relievers Chafin and García from Nationals

It was fun to see the Angels make a move to add, but it won't matter. Maybe next year.

Red Sox Acquire Starter Dustin May from Dodgers

When May is on his game, the movement on his pitches is jaw-dropping. But injuries have kept him away from consistency - he's never thrown more than 56 innings in an MLB season. He missed all of 2024 and the comeback is tough with a 4.85 ERA in 104 innings.

May should have been a supplemental addition to a Red Sox rotation that desperately needed an impact arm. Instead, May is the showcase acquisition, which shows how the Boston front office failed to deliver what the team needed most.

Thanks to Stats Perform for providing statistical data and photography.

More information:24live.com