The arms race ignited in the AL West commenced with Lucas Giolito, and rapidly escalated thereafter.
Subsequent to the acquisition of Giolito by the Los Angeles Angels, signifying their resolute intent to contend for the postseason, their adversaries in the division, Texas and Houston, responded with significant maneuvers of their own. They secured the services of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander just before the trade deadline on Tuesday. This sequence of events is poised to create a riveting competition as the season progresses.
Scherzer and Verlander, who had previously been teammates with both the Tigers and Mets, were transferred from New York to two separate rivals within the AL West. Notably, Verlander makes a swift return to Houston, less than a year after clinching the Cy Young Award with the Astros, marking his third such accolade, aligning with Scherzer’s own count.
Let’s examine the prominent purchasers and purveyors during this year’s trade deadline, and delve into how their actions have redefined their prospects moving forward:
Acquiring assets to fortify their position, the Texas Rangers (with a current record of 61-46 and occupying the top spot in the AL West) have made substantial moves:
They have secured the following players:
- C Austin Hedges
- LHP Jordan Montgomery
- C Kevin Plawecki
- RHP Max Scherzer
- RHP Chris Stratton
These acquisitions signify the Rangers’ proactive approach in bolstering their roster for the ongoing season and beyond.
Traded away in the process are:
- SS Luisangel Acuña
- RHP Spencer Howard
- LHP John King
- RHP Tekoah Roby
- SS Thomas Saggese
Analysis: The recent setbacks involving Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi due to injuries have left the Texas Rangers facing a challenging situation. Their reliance now turns to Max Scherzer and Jordan Montgomery, both expected to anchor the rotation. Despite the precariousness of their division lead, the Rangers exhibit unwavering determination to maintain their top spot.
Meanwhile, the Houston Astros (currently holding a record of 61-47 and occupying second place in the AL West) have taken steps to enhance their squad:
They have acquired the services of:
- RHP Kendall Graveman
- RHP Justin Verlander
This move reflects the Astros’ proactive strategy to reinforce their roster as they strive to navigate the competitive landscape and make a push for success.
In the process of these transactions, the following players were traded:
- OF Ryan Clifford
- OF Drew Gilbert
- C Korey Lee
Analysis: The Houston Astros previously experienced the departure of Justin Verlander to the Mets in the previous offseason through free agency. However, an unexpected turn of events saw Verlander’s return, with New York shouldering a significant portion of his remaining $57.5 million contractual obligations until the conclusion of the upcoming season. This fortuitous situation might have influenced Houston’s relatively restrained approach in the current trade market.
On a different note, the Los Angeles Angels (holding a current record of 56-52 and positioned in third place within the AL West) have actively shaped their roster:
They have successfully acquired the following players:
- 1B C.J. Cron
- RHP Lucas Giolito
- RF Randal Grichuk
- RHP Dominic Leone
- RHP Reynaldo López
This series of acquisitions underscores the Angels’ commitment to strengthening their lineup as they aim to contend within a competitive division and push towards their postseason aspirations.
In the process of these trades, the following players were moved:
- LHP Mason Albright
- LHP Ky Bush
- LHP Tucker Davidson
- SS Jeremiah Jackson
- RHP Jake Madden
- C Edgar Quero
Analysis: The Los Angeles Angels, faced with the specter of potential playoff absence yet again this season, demonstrated a determined stance. Despite their current position closer to the fourth spot in the division than the second, they chose to retain Shohei Ohtani and make a resolute push for the postseason. The acquisitions of Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López, both of whom could become free agents in the upcoming offseason, highlight the Angels’ aggressive approach. This endeavor came at the cost of parting ways with Edgar Quero, who ranks as the 65th top prospect in the league according to MLB Pipeline.
Concurrently, the Los Angeles Dodgers (boasting a current record of 60-45 and securing the foremost position in the NL West) have orchestrated strategic moves to enhance their roster:
They have successfully acquired the following players:
- RHP Joe Kelly
- RHP Lance Lynn
- SS Amed Rosario
- LHP Ryan Yarbrough
These acquisitions underscore the Dodgers’ proactive measures to solidify their lineup as they strive for continued success within their division and the broader league context.
Trades and Team Analysis:
Los Angeles Dodgers (60-45, first place in NL West)
Traded: RHP Phil Bickford, LHP Justin Bruihl, SS Derlin Figueroa, LHP Adam Kolarek, RHP Jordan Leasure, 2B Devin Mann, RHP Nick Nastrini, RHP Noah Syndergaard, RF Trayce Thompson.
Analysis: Despite speculation about landing Verlander or Dylan Cease, the Dodgers weren’t able to secure those deals. They almost acquired Eduardo Rodriguez but faced a setback due to his no-trade clause.
Tampa Bay Rays (66-44, second place in AL East)
Acquired: RHP Aaron Civale, C Alex Jackson, RHP Manuel Rodríguez, RHP Adrian Sampson.
Traded: 1B Kyle Manzardo, RHP Evan McKendry, RHP Luis Patiño, RHP Josh Roberson.
Analysis: After a strong start, the Rays fell behind Baltimore in the standings. They made an intriguing move, acquiring Civale from Cleveland, a pitcher under contract until 2025. This trade cost them a top-50 prospect in Manzardo.
Chicago White Sox (43-65, fourth place in AL Central)
Acquired: LHP Ky Bush, RHP Juan Carela, LHP Jake Eder, RHP Jordan Leasure, C Korey Lee, RHP Nick Nastrini, RHP Luis Patiño, C Edgar Quero, RF Trayce Thompson.
Traded: 3B Jake Burger, RHP Lucas Giolito, RHP Kendall Graveman, RHP Joe Kelly, RHP Reynaldo López, RHP Lance Lynn, RHP Keynan Middleton.
Analysis: Despite the struggles, the White Sox managed an impressive haul, keeping hold of Dylan Cease. Their acquisitions, including Quero, Eder, Nastrini, and Bush, boost their prospect ranks.
New York Mets (50-56, fourth place in NL East)
Acquired: SS Luisangel Acuña, RHP Phil Bickford, OF Ryan Clifford, OF Drew Gilbert, C Ronald Hernandez, SS Jeremiah Jackson, RHP Justin Jarvis, LHP Adam Kolarek, SS Jeremy Rodriguez, 2B Marco Vargas.
Traded: LF Mark Canha, RHP Dominic Leone, CF Tommy Pham, RHP David Robertson, RHP Max Scherzer, RHP Justin Verlander.
Analysis: Despite selling star players, the Mets flexed financial strength and landed prospects. They added a top-50 prospect in Acuña. Scherzer’s comments hint at a different approach in the upcoming free agency.
St. Louis Cardinals (47-61, last place in NL Central)
Acquired: LHP John King, RHP Adam Kloffenstein, 2B César Prieto, RHP Sem Robberse, RHP Tekoah Roby, LHP Drew Rom, SS Thomas Saggese, RHP Zack Showalter, RHP Matt Svanson.
Traded: SS Paul DeJong, RHP Jack Flaherty, RHP Jordan Hicks, LHP Jordan Montgomery, RHP Chris Stratton.
Analysis: Uncommon for the Cardinals to be sellers, they couldn’t land top prospects but acquired Prieto, who excelled across Double-A and Triple-A.
Detroit Tigers (47-60, third place in AL Central)
Acquired: 2B Hao-Yu Lee, SS Eddys Leonard.
Traded: RHP Michael Lorenzen.
Analysis: Detroit’s failed Rodriguez deal with the Dodgers led to a quieter deadline. They flipped Lorenzen to Philadelphia after a season-long contract.