Biggest Winners From The 2022 MLB Trade Deadline

Minnesota Twins

While their division rivals White Sox and Guardians did little to nothing, the Twins were busy bringing in extra pieces to help them defend their 1 game lead on the AL Central. The Twins acquired SP Tyler Mahle from the Reds, RP Michael Fulmer from the Tigers, backup C Sandy Leon from the Guardians, and closer Jorge Lopez from the Orioles. The Twins also only had to give up 1 of their top-15 prospects in order to do this, 24 year old IF prospect Spencer Steer, who headlined the deal with the Reds for Tyler Mahle. This day keeps the Twins in the driver’s seat for the division and could prove very helpful in the coming months for fending off the White Sox and the Guardians.

San Diego Padres

The Padres made arguably the two biggest splashes of the 2022 Trade Deadline. First, they acquired elite closer Josh Hader from the Brewers, in exchange for a haul including their own closer Trevor Rogers, RP Dinelson Lamet, OF Esteury Ruiz, and high-end pitching prospect Robert Gasser. Then, the Padres turned around and acquired MVP-caliber OF Juan Soto & All-Star 1B Josh Bell from the Nationals. For this stunner, the Padres had to give up young SP Mackenzie Gore, 21 year old SS CJ Abrams, 1B Luke Voit, and top prospects Robert Hassell III, James Wood, and Jarlin Susana. This trade is in my, and a lot of people’s opinions, the biggest trade in MLB history. The Padres weren’t done however, next they acquired utilityman Brandon Drury from the Reds in exchange for prospect Victor Acosta, who at the time was the #8 prospect in the Padres system. Next, the Padres got Eric Hosmer off the roster, sending him to the Red Sox along with two prospects, receiving pitching prospect Jay Groome in return. To boot, the Padres are paying $44M of the remaining $46M left on Hosmer’s deal. Lastly, the Padres sent OF Brent Rooker to the Royals in exchange for backup C Cam Gallagher. Quite a busy day for the Padres and it firmly makes them an NL contender along with the Mets & Dodgers.

New York Yankees

The strong get stronger. That is always how the deadline seems to go, and it’s mostly the same this season. The Yanks came into the deadline as the best team in baseball and added more pieces to help themselves down the stretch. First they picked up All-Star OF Andrew Benintendi from the Royals for 3 minor prospects. They followed up that move by picking up the second-best starting pitcher available, Frankie Montas (also isn’t that just a perfect name for a Yankee? coming from a Red Sox fan here…) and Lou Trivino for the bullpen. In exchange, they had to send the Athletics pitching prospect Ken Waldichuck (#77 in a recent top-100) and some other lesser prospects. They also acquired reliever Scott Effross from the Chicago Cubs, and even found a taker to ship Joey Gallo out of town. On top of that, they actually got a good prospect in return for him, which was a head-scratcher. They convinced the Dodgers to send them Clayton Beeter, who looks like a solid pitching prospect, in return for the massively-struggling Joey Gallo. The final move the Yanks made was an interesting one, and I am still not certain if I think it will work out or not. They sent LH SP Jordan Montgomery (who is having a solid season) to the Cardinals in exchange for OF Harrison Bader who is currently still working his way back from injury. This move is one I would not have made, but we will see how it works out. Regardless of this one, the rest of the moves make the Yankees a more formidable team in the postseason, which they are all but destined for at this point.

Part two to come…

If you enjoyed this article, please consider subscribing to be notified of new articles!