With so many players coming and going at such a dizzying pace, it can be tough to keep track of everything happening during the MLB Trade Deadline. There’s so much activity in such a short amount of time that it can feel overwhelming, especially with deals going down to the wire and terms changing at the last minute.
As teams race to finish their shopping lists before the deadline, we’ll keep you updated with all the moves you need to know about, big and small. Trade deadlines can be chaotic, but we’ll try to keep things orderly here.
All MLB betting odds are current as of Wednesday, Aug. 3, from Caesars Sportsbook.
MLB Trade Deadline Tracker 2023
Juan Soto & Josh Bell acquired by Padres (Aug. 2)
From Nationals for MacKenzie Gore, Luke Voit, C.J. Abrams, Robert Hassell III, Jarlin Susana, & James Wood
After landing Josh Hader from the Brewers on Monday, the Padres made even bigger waves by winning the Juan Soto sweepstakes on Tuesday.
San Diego acquired the superstar outfielder along with coveted first baseman Josh Bell, who’s batting .301/.384/.493 with 14 homers and 57 RBIs.
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In return, Washington receives six players, including rookie pitcher MacKenzie Gore, first baseman Luke Voit, rookie shortstop C.J. Abrams, and top outfield prospect Robert Hassell III.
Both teams are winners here. The Nationals have their core of the future and the Padres get a legitimate chance to reach the World Series for the first time since 1998. Back San Diego to win the pennant as our MLB bet of the day.
Raisel Iglesias acquired by Braves (Aug. 2)
From Angels for Jesse Chavez & Tucker Davidson (minors)
The Braves got this one done just before the 6 p.m. ET deadline, adding Angels closer Raisel Iglesias to their bullpen.
While Iglesias has struggled somewhat this year relative to his usual standards, he’s been one of the better closers in baseball over the past half-decade with 156 saves. The 32-year-old is 2-6 with a 4.04 ERA, a 3.17 FIP, a 1.06 WHIP, and a 12.1 K/9 this season.
Jordan Montgomery acquired by Cardinals (Aug. 2)
From Yankees for Harrison Bader & Player to be named later or cash considerations
The Cardinals added lefty Jordan Montgomery to their rotation as they look to keep pace with the Brewers in the NL Central.
Montgomery has been a solid mid-rotation starter for New York over the past couple of seasons with a 3.77 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, and an 8.6 K/9 in 51 starts since the beginning of 2021. He also has postseason experience and is used to pitching in a high-pressure environment.
The Yankees get back Harrison Bader, who hasn’t done much with the bat this season (.673 OPS) but has chipped in 15 steals across 72 games. Bader is currently on the IL with plantar fasciitis and hasn’t played since late June.
Read more MLB Trade Deadline analysis
Whit Merrifield acquired by Blue Jays (Aug. 2)
From Royals for Samad Taylor (minors) & Max Castillo
The Blue Jays supplemented their lineup with former All-Star Whit Merrifield.
Merrifield is in the midst of a down season after leading the AL in doubles (42) and stolen bases (40) last year, batting just .240/.290/.352 this season. His six home runs and 15 steals have still been helpful to fantasy teams, however.
Noah Syndergaard acquired by Phillies (Aug. 2)
From Angels for Mickey Moniak & Jadiel Sanchez
The Phillies gained another arm for their rotation by acquiring Noah Syndergaard from the Angels.
Syndergaard is enjoying a solid rebound campaign after injuries limited him to just two starts in 2020 and 2021 combined. While his 7.2 K/9 is the lowest of his career, he still has a respectable 3.83 ERA, 3.95 FIP, and 1.21 WHIP.
Tyler Mahle acquired by Twins (Aug. 2)
From Reds for Spencer Steer (minors), Christian Encarnacion-Strand (minors), & Steven Hajjar
After beefing up their bullpen with Jorge Lopez, the Twins added to their rotation as well by acquiring Tyler Mahle from the Reds.
While not as talented as former Cincinnati rotation-mate Luis Castillo, Mahle is still a quality starter in his own right. Since the beginning of 2020, Mahle is 20-15 with a 3.93 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, and 384 strikeouts in 332 innings.
Mahle will look to strengthen a Twins pitching staff that has received the 13th-highest ERA (4.19) from its starting pitchers this year as Minnesota tries to hang on to first place in the AL Central, which should be more doable with all of the arms they just acquired.
David Robertson acquired by Phillies (Aug. 2)
From Cubs for Ben Brown (minors)
The Phillies solidified the back of their bullpen by acquiring an established closer in David Robertson from the Cubs.
After a couple of rough seasons, Robertson has bounced back this year at age 37 with a 2.23 ERA, 14 saves, and 51 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings.
With 151 career saves, the former All-Star looks like the new primary closer in Philadelphia.
Joey Gallo acquired by Dodgers (Aug. 2)
From Yankees for Clayton Beeter (minors)
A year after trading for Joey Gallo, the Yankees are moving on from the beleaguered slugger.
Gallo struggled mightily during his time with New York after coming over from the Texas Rangers, batting just .159/.291/.368 with nearly three times as many strikeouts (194) as hits (67). Now with Los Angeles, the Dodgers are hoping a change of scenery will help the 28-year-old former All-Star rediscover his groove at the plate
Eric Hosmer acquired by Red Sox (Aug. 2)
With Corey Rosier (minors) & Max Ferguson (minors) from Padres for Jay Groome (minors)
After rejecting a trade to the Nationals as part of the Juan Soto blockbuster, Eric Hosmer is headed to Boston.
The Red Sox were in desperate need of help at first base, where their platoon of Bobby Dalbec and Franchy Cordero has provided horrific results on both offense and defense. While Hosmer’s .272/.336/.391 batting line is underwhelming for a first baseman, it still represents an upgrade for Boston, especially when paired with his Gold Glove fielding.
Brandon Drury acquired by Padres (Aug. 2)
From Reds for Victor Acosta (minors)
The Padres weren’t done wheeling and dealing after landing Soto, bringing in Brandon Drury from the Reds as well.
Drury was having an outstanding offensive season for Cincinnati, batting .274/.335/.520 with 20 home runs, 59 RBIs, and 62 runs. The versatile veteran is also capable of playing multiple positions, giving San Diego’s roster additional flexibility.
Jorge Lopez acquired by Twins (Aug. 2)
From Orioles for Cade Povich (minors), Yennier Cano, Juan Nunez (minors), & Juan Rojas (minors)
The Twins bolstered their bullpen on Tuesday when they acquired All-Star closer Jorge Lopez from the Orioles. The right-hander boasts a 1.68 ERA, a 0.97 WHIP, and 19 saves over 48 1/3 innings with 54 strikeouts.
Lopez arrives at the perfect time for first-place Minnesota, which has seen its lead in the AL Central reduced to one game after more than two months of sub-.500 baseball. Meanwhile, Baltimore appears content to play for next year despite surging into the playoff hunt over the past month.
Frankie Montas acquired by Yankees (Aug. 1)
With Lou Trivino from A’s for JP Sears, Ken Waldichuk (minors), Luis Medina (minors), & Cooper Bowman (minors)
After missing out on Luis Castillo, the Yankees still landed the quality rotation arm they sought by netting Frankie Montas from the A’s along with reliever Lou Trivino in exchange for three young pitchers and a second baseman.
Montas has quietly been one of the better pitchers in the American League over the past few years despite toiling for some terrible Oakland teams. Since the beginning of 2021, he’s compiled a 3.30 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, and a 9.8 K/9 across nearly 300 innings.
Trivino has struggled this year with a 1-6 record, a 6.47 ERA, and a 1.87 WHIP, but his 12.7 K/9 and 3.84 FIP suggest better days are on the horizon. He also brings closing experience to New York with 36 career saves under his belt.
Josh Hader acquired by Padres (Aug. 1)
From Brewers for Taylor Rogers, Dinelson Lamet, Esteury Ruiz (minors), & Robert Gasser (minors)
The Padres and Brewers swapped closers in a blockbuster trade on Monday, with Milwaukee sending Josh Hader to San Diego in exchange for Taylor Rogers and three other players.
Hader is a four-time All-Star who currently leads MLB with 29 saves. He struggled in July with a 12.54 ERA over 11 appearances, however, which may have prompted the Brewers to deal him.
Rogers is right behind Hader with 28 saves but also had a rough July, finishing last month with a 9.31 ERA.
Trey Mancini acquired by Astros (Aug. 1)
From Orioles in Three-Team Trade with Rays
The Astros added another veteran bat to their vaunted lineup by acquiring Trey Mancini from the Orioles as part of a three-team trade with the Rays.
While Mancini’s power numbers are down a bit this year, he still has a solid .268/.347/404 slash line with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs in 92 games. He’s also a proven slugger with at least 21 home runs in each of his previous four seasons, including a high of 35 in 2019.
Luis Castillo acquired by Mariners (July 29)
From Reds for Noelvi Marte (minors), Edwin Arroyo (minors), Levi Stoudt (minors), & Andrew Moore (minors)
The Mariners made the biggest splash of the MLB Trade Deadline thus far when they acquired right-handed ace, Luis Castillo, from the Reds late Friday night. The move reflects an all-in mentality for Seattle, which gave up three of its top five prospects in the deal, including No. 1 prospect Noelvi Marte.
Castillo gives the Mariners another top arm in their rotation as they look to reach the postseason for the first time since 2001 — the longest active playoff drought in North American professional sports. Meanwhile, the rebuilding Reds significantly improved their farm system by fetching an impressive haul of prospects.
A two-time All-Star, the 29-year-old Castillo currently boasts a 2.86 ERA, a 3.20 FIP, a 1.07 WHIP, and a 25.8% strikeout rate over 85 innings this year.
Andrew Benintendi acquired by Yankees (July 26)
From Royals for T.J. Sikkema (minors), Chandler Champlain (minors), & Beck Way (minors)
The Yankees made the first major splash ahead of the deadline by acquiring All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the Royals in exchange for three minor-league pitchers.
With Giancarlo Stanton (Achilles) landing on the IL earlier this week and Joey Gallo mired in a season-long slump, Benintendi immediately plugs a hole in New York’s outfield next to Aaron Judge and Aaron Hicks.
A 2021 Gold Glove recipient who’s hitting .320 this season, Benintendi is capable of helping the Yankees with both his bat and his defense.
More MLB Trade Deadline Deals 2023
- Blue Jays acquire Mitch White & Alex De Jesus from Dodgers for Nick Frasso & Moises Brito (Aug. 2)
- Mets acquire Mychal Givens from Cubs for Saul Gonzalez (Aug. 2)
- Braves acquire Jake Odorizzi from Astros for Will Smith (Aug. 2)
- Mets acquire Darin Ruf from Giants for J.D. Davis, Thomas Szapucki, Nick Zwack, & Carson Seymour (Aug. 2)
- Twins acquire Michael Fulmer from Tigers for Sawyer Gipson-Long (Aug. 2)
- Mariners acquire Matthew Boyd & Curt Casali from Giants for Michael Stryffeler & Andy Thomas (Aug. 2)
- Brewers acquire Trevor Rosenthal from Giants for Tristan Peters (Aug. 2)
- Braves acquire Robbie Grossman from Tigers for Kris Anglin (Aug. 2)
- Phillies acquire Brandon Marsh from Angels for Logan O’Hoppe (Aug. 2)
- Blue Jays acquire Zach Pop, Anthony Bass, & player to be named later from Marlins for Jordan Groshans (Aug. 2)
- Orioles acquire Jake Lamb from Dodgers for cash (Aug. 2)
- Orioles acquire Brett Phillips from Rays for cash (Aug. 2)
- Cardinals acquire Jose Quintana & Chris Stratton from Pirates for Johan Oviedo & Malcolm Nunez (Aug. 1)
- Astros acquire Christian Vazquez from Red Sox for Enmanuel Valdez & Wilyer Abreu (Aug. 1)
- Red Sox acquire Tommy Pham from Reds for a player to be named later (Aug. 1)
- Yankees acquire Scott Effross from Cubs for Hayden Wesneski (Aug. 1)
- Rays acquire David Peralta from Diamondbacks for Christian Cerda (July 30)
- Mets acquire Tyler Naquin & Phillip Diehl from Reds for Jose Acuna & Hector Rodriguez (July 27)
- Mets acquire Daniel Vogelbach from Pirates for Colin Holderman (July 22)
Why the MLB Trade Deadline matters for betting
The regular season is more than halfway over by the time the MLB Trade Deadline rolls around, but it can still have a significant effect on teams’ postseason odds. While teams are still able to call up prospects when rosters expand in September, the trade deadline represents their last chance to acquire established talent in-season.
The baseball season is a grind, and even the best teams deal with attrition and injuries, especially to pitchers. Accordingly, contenders that address their weaknesses midseason give themselves a better chance to remain competitive down the stretch, reach the postseason, and potentially win the World Series.
Oftentimes, a key hitter or pitcher acquired in July becomes even more important during the playoffs, when teams shorten their benches, use fewer starting pitchers, and are quicker to go to their bullpens. General managers can thus use the trade deadline to put the finishing touches on a championship-caliber roster.
On the flip side, teams that either don’t do enough to plug their leaks or actively trade away talent run the risk of falling behind in the standings. Even if they do make the postseason, they may ultimately fall short if they don’t have enough depth to carry them through October.
As such, the trade deadline can have a considerable effect on futures odds. Teams that stock up on talent tend to have shorter postseason and championship odds after the deadline, while teams that sell or stand still see their odds get longer.
So if you think a contender is going to be active buyers at the deadline, you may want to lock in your futures bets before players start switching teams. Because once they do, the odds may never be that good again.
When is the MLB Trade Deadline?
According to the newly agreed-upon CBA earlier in 2022, the MLB commissioner — Rob Manfred or someone else — can instruct to mark the MLB Trade Deadline on a date between July 28 and Aug. 3.
The most common date in recent memory for the MLB Trade Deadline has been July 31. However, if that date falls on the weekend, as it does in 2022, the MLB’s league office will often push to a later date.
In a 2019 rule change, MLB ruled that no players placed on waivers can be traded after that first and only deadline date.
