That was a fun one, huh? One of the most fun trade deadlines I can remember (no, I am not a Red Sox or Braves fan), with so many major leaguers and minor leaguers shifting around the league that some GMs in your league may have missed out on some interesting low-key swaps that could have some long-term dynasty implications.
I gotta say, I am looking forward to this article much more than I was last week while peering into my obligatory crystal ball:
"I'm going to come clean with you: I feel very uncomfortable writing this article.
When I have opinions, you may notice that I am not afraid to scream them from the mountaintop, or even jokingly threaten legal action against major league teams for use of my favorite nickname...
...but trade deadline predictions? They're just not my favorite.
While it can be fun to speculate, there are just so many variables at play. Each team has an evolving (or not-so-evolving) financial plan, and they certainly each have their own philosophy in terms of when and how to make a playoff push."
That was probably the most accurate prediction I had in the whole thing!
It was interesting to see teams move in completely different directions despite being in similar Wild Card positions. The Giants decided it wasn't their year, while the Royals decided they're going to give the AL whatever they can.
Similarly, the Rangers made some competitive moves, while the Guardians appear to be cashing out their chips...
...too soon?
Same as last week - I won't be getting to analysis on EVERY single team, but we'll have some fun along the way. I bet there's a player or two who got moved that you didn't even notice!
No? Just me?
San Diego Padres
Should we be surprised?
When asked if Owen Caissie would be the biggest prospect dealt on the On Deck Podcast, I shrugged and said, "Some big-money coastal team will probably surprise us," which, by now, should be a given.
Especially when it comes to A.J. Preller, the madman himself.
Leo De Vries ended up taking the mantle of the Most Valuable Prospect moved this deadline, with almost every prospect ranking featuring the kid within their top-10. On the way back, the Padres added to an already-exceptional bullpen with one of the most electric arms in all of baseball, Mason Miller.
There is some speculation that San Diego will attempt to convert him back into a starter at some point, but I think that would be a serious error, considering Miller's extensive injury history. Some guys are just meant to be lights-out relievers, and evidently that is still extremely valuable - as evidenced by the LDV return.
The interesting early returns indicate the Padres are happy to let Robert Suarez continue mounting on his MLB-leading saves total, but his leash just got a whole lot shorter if he should slip up for a string of games.
Mason Miller should end up as this team's closer of the future, should the Padres choose to keep him in the bullpen.
With the A's making no major trades besides this one, I'll note this team is going to be, if not already, a lot of fun to watch.
LDV: Dynasty superstar?
LDV looks like a solid #2 hitter in a strong lineup, and he could be up as soon as 2026 if he can work on his contact rate between now and the end of next season - and yes, the Vegas Stadium should be almost as fun as hitting in Sacramento's kiddie park.
Oh, and the Padres also picked up some other studs:
JP Sears came back in the LDV-Miller deal, which is a tremendous upgrade in ballparks for Mr. Sears, who couldn't get away with anything less than his best stuff in Sacramento.
Catcher Freddy Fermin is an immediate offensive upgrade over Elias Diaz
Ryan O'Hearn and Ramon Laureano who should form a fierce 3-headed dragon in the OF/DH slots with Gavin Sheets.
Nestor Cortes - this one somehow flew under the radar for me, but it's a shrewd move for any contender who understands "you always need more pitching".
Nasty Nestor should be able to jump right in and replace Randy Vasquez in the Padres' rotation, but he'll have to play well to keep a spot when Michael King returns.
It may be a Cortes-Sears battle until then, but again...injuries always happen, and you always need more pitching.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Tyler Locklear, sneaky 1B dynasty asset?
From World Series finalist, a young team on the rise...to rebuilding again, seemingly overnight. Hey, better to roll with the punches than to pretend they're not happening (cough Braves cough).
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
