The MLB trade deadline passed on Monday, and it was anything but uneventful. With dozens of trades occurring in the frantic 72 hours leading up to the deadline, fans were left buzzing with a mix of excitement and disappointment. While some teams made bold moves to reshape their rosters, others failed to pull the trigger on deals that could have had a significant impact. As we reflect on this year's trade drama, we can't help but wonder about seven hypothetical trades that might have shifted the landscape of Major League Baseball.
Pursuing Rafael Devers
The San Diego Padres were rumored to have considered making a play for Rafael Devers of the San Francisco Giants. Though the logistics of such a trade were complicated due to Devers’ hefty contract of $203.5 million through 2033, the idea of Devers sporting the Padres colors was intriguing. The thought alone highlights A.J. Preller's penchant for exploring big moves, even if the likelihood was low.
While Padres fans may have debated welcoming yet another player who is past their prime, the chaos and drama surrounding such a transaction would have captured imaginations. Devers' formidable power, which includes 23 home runs this season, could have injected the team’s struggling DH position, which only managed seven home runs by the deadline.
Joe Ryan’s Under-the-Radar Value
Joe Ryan, the talented right-hander from the Minnesota Twins, emerged as a popular target for the Atlanta Braves. In a month where the Twins began to revitalize their season with a 15-9 record in July, they opted to become buyers rather than sellers at the deadline. Despite the great interest presumed from the Braves, the idea of Ryan joining an already impressive rotation was left unrealized.
This trade would have enhanced Ryan's visibility, as he could have thrived as part of the NL East leaders. The potential pairing with Chris Sale could have mirrored legendary duos such as Johnson and Schilling. Both players rank high in strikeout-to-walk ratios, making them a fearsome prospect for opposing hitters.
Hunter Goodman to the Rays
Another intriguing hypothetic involved Hunter Goodman, the Colorado Rockies' catcher, who was rumored to be in discussions with the Tampa Bay Rays. Speculated to be worth a top prospect from the Rays’ system, Goodman's rumored move was halted quickly, with Tampa pivoting to acquiring Liam Hicks instead.
Had Goodman landed in Tampa, the dynamic would have been transformed. The notion of Goodman teaming up with fellow 30-homer slugger Junior Caminero would have provided the Rays with powerful right-side batting. This dynamic combination could have fundamentally altered the Rays' batting strategy moving forward.
George Kirby’s Potential Move
Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby was viewed as a hot commodity in the days leading up to the deadline, especially after the Mariners started to evaluate their position on their starting rotation. Interest from the Chicago Cubs highlighted the urgency for a solid pitcher as they reshuffled their lineup.
Kirby, who possesses an elite command and a versatile seven-pitch arsenal, had the potential to be a game-changer for the Cubs. His ability to be a consistent Game 1 starter would have bolstered Chicago’s pitching depth significantly, transforming their postseason aspirations.
The Yankees and CJ Abrams
The New York Yankees' search for a shortstop led them to CJ Abrams from the Washington Nationals, with reports suggesting the Yankees showed interest in a deal. However, negotiations stalled, and they ended up fielding George Lombard Jr. instead.
Though the decision could ultimately benefit the Yankees, missing out on Abrams, who boasts an impressive .911 OPS with 28 home runs, raises the question of what might have been. Abrams had the potential to serve as a substantial boost both defensively and offensively, particularly in light of Aaron Judge's uncertain status as he recovers from injury.
Red Sox Eye on Zach Neto
The Boston Red Sox were one of the teams aggressively seeking a shortstop, particularly focusing on Zach Neto from the Los Angeles Angels. With the Red Sox' caught up in a three-player deal for Adley Rutschman, they had their sights set on upgrading their shortstop position.
Neto's remarkable performance, averaging 26 homers per 162 games, could have provided a powerful presence in Boston’s lineup. Given their recent offensive efficiency, he would have added yet another potent weapon in a lineup that has regularly produced runs.
Phillies’ Bullpen Boost with Mason Miller
Amidst a flurry of trades, the Philadelphia Phillies explored options to bolster their bullpen. There was brief speculation surrounding a potential acquisition of Mason Miller, one of the hardest throwers in MLB. Ultimately, the Padres’ recent successes led to a staunch asking price for Miller, which the Phillies opted not to meet.
Had Miller joined the Phillies, their bullpen could have become one of the most formidable in the league, featuring two pitchers capable of consistently delivering 100 mph fastballs. This would have been a game-changer, particularly in late-inning leverage situations in critical matchups.
As we look back at the trade deadline maneuverings and what could have been, it’s clear that the MLB landscape was rife with possibilities. While some deals made headlines, the hypothetical trades represent missed opportunities that could have transformed entire seasons. The question remains: what will the next trade deadline bring in terms of surprises and excitement?
