MLB Trade Deadline Recap

Story posted September 1, 2020 in CommRadio, Sports by Logan Bourandas

Although it was a month later than usual this time around, the MLB trade deadline still brought the same hype as years past, as many big names in baseball were dealt to new teams.

There were a few big moves made before the actual deadline day, mostly by the San Diego Padres. The young Padres, powered by an MVP-caliber performance from second-year shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., are currently on track to have their first winning record since 2010. Currently sitting at 22-15 and second in the NL West, San Diego started out by acquiring minor additions such as Mich Moreland, Trevor Rosenthal, Jason Castro and Austin Nola. Getting Nola required giving up the most, as the Padres sent top outfield prospect Taylor Trammell, along with three other players, to get the 30-year-old catcher from the Mariners.

The Padres then struck again on deadline day, acquiring Indians starting pitcher Mike Clevinger to boost their rotation, giving up six players for him in the process. Clevinger was one of the biggest starting pitchers on the market following his discipline for breaking COVID-19 protocols with teammate Zach Plesac by going out with friends while in Chicago.

Clevinger was one of many starters moved during the deadline, as 2019 All-Star Mike Minor was sent from Texas to Oakland to help boost the rotation. The A’s cashed in on Minor’s struggles in the first half, as they managed to get him for two players to be named later. The Braves took a gamble on former Orioles ace Tommy Milone by trading for him for two players to be named later. Milone made his Braves debut the same day he was traded, giving up seven runs in a win over the Phillies. The Blue Jays made a similar move by cashing in on a struggling star, acquiring Robbie Ray and cash from Arizona for a pitching prospect. Ray currently has an ERA over seven and will be a free agent after this season.

That wasn’t the only move the Diamondbacks made, as they continued to sell, sitting in last place in their division with a 14-21 record. Outfielder Starling Marte, who was just acquired last offseason, was traded once again, this time to the surprisingly hot Miami Marlins for three players, including starter Caleb Smith. The Marlins will use Marte to replace Jonathan Villar, who they traded to the Blue Jays immediately after making that trade. Villar was sent to Toronto for outfield prospect Griffin Conine. Villar should be a great fit in a young Blue Jays lineup, thanks to his ability to play almost anywhere on the field.

 

Logan Bourandas is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email lxb5412@psu.edu.