The MLB Trade Deadline passed at 4:00 p.m. on July 31, and many trades came down in droves. Here’s a breakdown of the trades, in order as they occurred, with commentary:
Red Sox acquire Yeonis Cespedes and a competitive balance draft pick for Jon Lester, Jonny Gomes, and Cash:
The Red Sox have finally pulled the trigger on a Lester move, and they hit the jackpot. Yoenis Cespedes undoubtedly one of the best young hitters in the game today. This was a huge shock for two reasons: First, Cespedes was included and as far as I know, there was no Cespedes trade talk. Second, because of how this deal is structured. When was the last time a ace-for-cleanup hitter trade went down? I will give both teams credit, Boston got a slugging oufielder they desperately needed. Oakland may have gotten the final piece needed to make the best rotation in all of Baseball.
A’s trade P Tommy Malone to Twins for OF Sam Fuld:
Twins got a great reliever. There is not much to say about this one.
Red Sox trade John Lackey to the St. Louis Cardinals for Allen Craig and Joe Kelly
Lackey was the anchor for the Sox rotation. Now the Sox don’t have an ace, nor do they have an anchor. Lackey joins a team who has had one of the best rotations in baseball since 2011. Lackey has an option for next year. This is an interesting deal.
Brewers get Gerardo Parra from D-Backs for prospects:
Brewers add power and defense to their lineup. Now they get a left-handed bat, and the D-backs get a couple of prospects back. This seems like a nice deal.
Chris Denorfia traded to Seattle for prospects:
Denorfia is one of the best fielders on the market, and the Padres already made a move, trading Chase Headley to the Yankees. Now it looks like they’re trying to get a few prospects to help for the future. Nice deal for both sides.
Andrew Miller to Baltimore for prospects:
Now I was taken back when I heard this because I was certain the Tigers would acquire Miller, but there is speculation that the Tigers backed out because they were a front runner to acquire David Price. Miller is a great lefty and will do a bunch for the O’s, who are looking pretty good after two straight wins over the Angels. This deal makes an already strong team even stronger and helps a team that’s most likely out of contention.
Asdrubal Cabrera traded to Nationals
Got a nice prospect and Nats got an infielder. nice deal
Stephen Drew traded to New York Yankees:
I was completely shocked when I heard this. Everything today has been a shock, but I said, “Why Drew?”. Then I remembered that Drew fits what the Yanks want. Nice deal.
David Price to Detroit in three team deal; Austin Jackson to Mariners, Drew Smyly to Tampa Bay:
This trade is the blockbuster of the day. Price goes to the Tigers for Drew Smyly, and I like the fact that this is a three-team deal because now each team could get prospects they all want. I did hear that the Mariners traded prospect Nick Franklin to Tampa Bay. The Rays got Smyly, Franklin, and a Single-A shortstop from Detroit (#3 prospect on Tigers farm system).
These are the trades that happened at the deadline. Remember, all MLB Teams have until August 31st to trade, but now, all players must pass through waivers before trades can happen.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer