Ben Clemens Chat on FanGraphs – 7/8/24
The 2024 Trade Deadline
The trade deadline is always a busy time for MLB teams, and this year was no different. Several big names were on the move, including Juan Soto, who was traded from the Nationals to the Padres. But which teams made the best moves? And which teams are now in the best position to win the World Series?
The Winners
The biggest winners of the trade deadline were the Padres. They added Soto, one of the best hitters in baseball, to a team that was already one of the favorites to win the World Series. The Padres also added Josh Hader, a top-tier closer, from the Brewers.
Other teams that made good moves at the deadline include the Astros, who added Trey Mancini from the Orioles, and the Yankees, who added Andrew Benintendi from the Royals.
The Losers
The biggest losers of the trade deadline were the Nationals. They traded away Soto, their best player, and they didn’t get much in return. The Nationals are now one of the worst teams in baseball, and they are unlikely to be competitive for several years.
Other teams that made bad moves at the deadline include the Cubs, who traded away Willson Contreras to the Cardinals, and the Red Sox, who traded away Xander Bogaerts to the Braves.
The Impact on the World Series Race
The trade deadline has a significant impact on the World Series race. The Padres are now the clear favorites to win the World Series, and the Astros and Yankees are the other two teams that are most likely to win it all.
The Nationals, Cubs, and Red Sox are now unlikely to be competitive for the World Series. These teams will need to rebuild their rosters before they can contend again.
Conclusion
The trade deadline is always a time for excitement and speculation. This year was no different, as several big names were on the move. The Padres were the biggest winners of the deadline, while the Nationals were the biggest losers. The trade deadline has a significant impact on the World Series race, and the Padres are now the clear favorites to win it all.
Kind regards
Z. McDowell
