The expectation going into todays MLB trading deadline was the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees making a splash in the market to bulk up their pitching depth. The Yankees looking for starting pitching, while of course the Red Sox looking for a relief arm for a struggling bullpen. Both teams would end up standing pat going into the last stretch of the season. This is the only trade deadline now, there is no longer a waiver deadline. MLB implemented the one deadline rule just this year.
When Sox GM Dave Dombrowski stepped to the podium at about 4:15 p.m. and stated that the team “Didn’t have a gaping a hole and that we believe that we have some talent in the minor leagues that can help us in the long run.” Dombrowski also would go on to realistically admit that losing to the Yankees on Sunday and having a slim shot at winning the division had an effect on the strategy going into the deadline. On a final note on the Sox deadline Dombrowski stated that “if we were closer to first, i would have been more open-minded” also said that “the club needs to play better on a consistent basis. That is the way I look at it”.
With that being said the Sox go into a pivotal final stretch as they sit just two games out of the second wild card, four games out of the first wild card, and nine games out of first in the division.
On that note a lot of big trades did go down today in the MLB, the biggest winner being the Houston Astros.
In a last minute deal the Astros acquired All-Star starting pitcher Zack Greinke from the Diamondbacks for two of the Astros top prospects. The team also acquired relievers Aaron Sanchez and Joe Biagini from the Blue Jays.
Other Notable Deals:
- The Indians traded starting pitcher Trevor Bauer to the Reds for outfielder Yasiel Puig
- The Rays acquired Jesus Aguilar from the Brewers for Jacob Faria
- The Brewers also acquired Drew Pomeranz from the Giants for top prospect Mauricio Dubon
- The Braves acquired All Star closer Shane Greene from the Tigers and relief pitcher Marc Melancon from the Giants
- The Cubs acquired Tigers star Nick Castellanos
- The Giants send outfielder Sam Dyson to the Twins while also acquiring utility man Scooter Gennett from the Reds.
- The Diamondbacks also found a replacement for Greinke as they acquired Mike Leake from the Mariners.
