MLB Trade Deadline 2020: Biggest Deals & Surprises

Hey baseball fans! Let's dive into the whirlwind that was the MLB Trade Deadline 2020. It was a season like no other, shortened and squeezed due to, well, you know. But that didn't stop teams from wheeling and dealing, trying to gear up for a playoff push or, in some cases, shedding salary and looking toward the future. This trade deadline was especially interesting, because contenders had to make quick decisions in a very limited sample size of games, so let's get into the details of the teams that made huge moves.

What is the MLB Trade Deadline?

Before we get into the specifics of 2020, let’s make sure everyone is on the same page. The MLB Trade Deadline is the last day that teams can trade players to other teams and have those players be eligible to play in the MLB postseason. For many years, the trade deadline used to be on July 31st. However, with the new collective bargaining agreement, the trade deadline is now August 1st, unless that date falls on a weekend. In that case, it will be the closest weekday to August 1st. The MLB Trade Deadline is an important date in the season, because buyers are looking to add the final pieces to get them ready for the postseason, and sellers are looking to acquire young talent in exchange for players on expiring contracts.

Biggest Deals of the 2020 Trade Deadline

Okay, guys, let’s break down some of the mammoth deals that went down. These trades had fans buzzing and definitely shifted the landscape of the league. So, who were the big winners and losers? Let's get to it!

San Diego Padres Go All-In

The San Diego Padres, hungry to end their playoff drought, were arguably the most aggressive team at the deadline. They made a flurry of moves, acquiring impact players to bolster their roster. The biggest splash was the acquisition of starting pitcher Mike Clevinger from the Cleveland Indians. Clevinger, a dominant right-hander with playoff experience, instantly became the ace of the Padres' staff. This acquisition signaled that the Padres were serious about contending for a World Series title. The Padres were not done making big moves, because they also acquired Trevor Rosenthal from the Kansas City Royals to become their new closer. Rosenthal was having a great year for the Royals, and the Padres were looking to have him shut the door in the 9th inning. Rosenthal gave the Padres another weapon to use in the playoffs, while adding another experienced player in the clubhouse. To top things off, the Padres acquired veteran Mitch Moreland from the Boston Red Sox to add a power bat to their lineup. Moreland provided the Padres with a much-needed left-handed bat, and he was known for his clutch hitting. The Padres clearly saw an opportunity to win and went all-in to try to make it happen. Although they had to give up valuable prospects to make these deals, the Padres were confident that the upgrades would be worth it in the long run.

Toronto Blue Jays Add Pitching

The Toronto Blue Jays, surprisingly in playoff contention, needed to shore up their pitching staff. They acquired Taijuan Walker from the Seattle Mariners to add depth to their rotation. Walker, a former top prospect, had shown flashes of potential throughout his career. The Blue Jays hoped that a change of scenery would unlock his full potential. In another move to bolster their bullpen, the Blue Jays acquired veteran reliever Robbie Ray from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ray, known for his high strikeout rate, added a power arm to the Blue Jays' bullpen. He was expected to be a valuable asset in high-leverage situations. While these moves weren't as splashy as some others, they addressed key needs for the Blue Jays and improved their chances of making a deep playoff run. The Blue Jays were a young team on the rise, and these additions helped them gain valuable experience and build a foundation for future success. The Blue Jays needed some veteran arms to guide their young team, and these moves paid off for the team, as they have been perennial playoff contenders.

Atlanta Braves Bolster Their Outfield

The Atlanta Braves, looking to repeat as National League East champions, made a move to strengthen their outfield. They acquired Adam Duvall from the Miami Marlins to add a power bat to their lineup. Duvall, a veteran outfielder with a proven track record of hitting home runs, provided the Braves with much-needed thump in the middle of their order. He was also a solid defender in the outfield, giving the Braves added versatility. The Braves needed another outfielder due to injuries to key players, and Duvall was a perfect fit. He provided them with a reliable option who could contribute both offensively and defensively. The Braves were confident that Duvall would be a valuable asset as they pursued another World Series title, and he has stuck around with the team ever since.

Surprises and Disappointments

Of course, not every team's deadline moves panned out as expected. There were some surprises and disappointments along the way. Let's take a look at some of the unexpected twists and turns:

No Moves for Some Big Names

Despite rumors swirling around several high-profile players, some potential deals never materialized. Guys like Trevor Story, who were expected to be on the move, stayed put with their respective teams. This left some fans scratching their heads, wondering why their team didn't pull the trigger on a deal. It's possible that teams were unwilling to meet the asking price, or that the players themselves preferred to stay where they were. Whatever the reason, the lack of movement for some big names was definitely a surprise. Every year there are always players that are expected to be on the move, but ultimately do not get traded. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as injuries, poor performance, or a change in team strategy. Regardless, it always makes for an interesting storyline.

Unexpected Sellers

Some teams that were expected to be buyers at the deadline surprised everyone by becoming sellers instead. The Los Angeles Angels, despite having superstars like Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon on their roster, decided to trade away some of their veteran players. This signaled that the Angels were shifting their focus to the future and were willing to sacrifice short-term success for long-term gains. It was a disappointing development for Angels fans, who had hoped to see their team contend for a playoff spot. The Angels have been in a state of mediocrity for the past decade, and they are looking to rebuild their team from the ground up. Selling at the deadline was a necessary step in that process.

Trades That Didn't Pay Off

Not every trade works out as planned. Some teams made deals that ultimately didn't improve their roster or help them achieve their goals. For example, the Boston Red Sox acquired infielder C.J. Cron from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for two minor league players. Cron struggled to produce in Boston, batting just .207 with one home run in 12 games. The Red Sox ended up releasing Cron before the end of the season, making the trade a complete bust. This is a reminder that even the most well-intentioned trades can backfire, and that there's no guarantee of success when acquiring new players. Sometimes a change of scenery can help a player turn their career around. Other times, it simply doesn't work out, and the team is left with nothing to show for their efforts.

Final Thoughts on the 2020 Trade Deadline

Overall, the MLB Trade Deadline 2020 was a wild ride. We saw some aggressive moves by teams looking to contend, some surprising decisions by teams shifting their focus, and some trades that just didn't pan out. It all added up to an exciting and unpredictable period in baseball. The 2020 season was unique due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which shortened the season. With the expanded playoff format, more teams were in contention than usual, which made the trade deadline even more exciting. While we can analyze the winners and losers on paper, the true impact of these trades wouldn't be fully realized until the games were played. And that's what makes baseball so great, right? You never know what's going to happen!