MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: August 3, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Trade Deadline Frenzy: Pitchers and Power Hitters on the Move

The trade deadline saw a flurry of activity as teams bolstered their rosters, particularly focusing on pitching and offensive firepower. The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their aggressive approach by acquiring Tarik Skubal, a move that sent shockwaves through the league and raised questions about why other teams didn't offer more. Skubal himself commented that he doesn't "really sympathize with people that blame the Dodgers for anything they've done," asserting that "Every team could trade for me." Tigers president Scott Harris defended the timing of the Skubal trade, stating that "that's not how markets for the top players work" and dismissing the idea of waiting until the deadline. In other significant pitching acquisitions, the Cleveland Guardians traded for Nationals All-Star Griffin, and also acquired outfielder Jo Adell and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. The Houston Astros, who have surged into first place in the AL West, acquired center fielder Daulton Varsho from the Blue Jays. The San Diego Padres shored up their starting rotation by acquiring left-hander Robbie Ray from the Giants and right-hander Casey Mize from the Tigers. The Minnesota Twins acquired starting pitcher Dean Kremer from the Orioles. The Atlanta Braves acquired pitcher Tyler Mahle, from the San Francisco Giants, and also acquired outfielder Lane Thomas and minor league left-hander Bailey Falter from the Royals in exchange for two minor league pitchers. The Milwaukee Brewers acquired right-hander Dustin May and left-hander JoJo Romero from the Cardinals, and right-hander Antonio Sentazela from the Rockies. The Chicago Cubs acquired right-hander Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the Mets for infielder Jefferson Rojas. The New York Yankees, tops in the American League wild-card race, acquired veteran outfielder Heliot Ramos from the San Francisco Giants. The Pirates acquired reliever Camilo Doval in a trade with the Yankees, seeking bullpen help. The Boston Red Sox acquired three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles, marking a significant deadline move for Boston. The Philadelphia Phillies acquired left-hander Brooks Raley from the Mets for two minor leaguers to strengthen their bullpen. The Tampa Bay Rays acquired Freddy Peralta in a trade with the Mets, bolstering their rotation. The White Sox are acquiring right-handed reliever Huascar Brazobán from the Mets in exchange for minor league pitchers Gabe Davis and Zach Franklin. The Mariners, who were in the market for a right-handed bat, are acquiring outfielder Taylor Ward in a trade with the Orioles. The Angels sent outfielder Jo Adell to the Guardians on Monday for catching prospect Jacob Cozart. White Sox are acquiring right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo from the Mariners for Seranthony Dominguez, Nolan Jones and prospect Boston Smith. The Blue Jays are acquiring right-hander Jose Soriano in a trade with the Angels. The Mets have traded reliever Luke Weaver to the Pirates in exchange for infield prospect Sammy Stafura. The Guardians have acquired relief help and outfield depth from the Brewers, trading for right-handed pitcher Craig Yoho and switch-hitter Blake Perkins.

Offensive Firepower and Star Player Transactions

Beyond pitching, offensive talent also changed hands at the deadline, with some notable acquisitions aimed at boosting run production. The Phillies have acquired three-time batting champion Luis Arraez from the Giants, marking his fifth team in five years. Bryce Harper homered in Monday night's 6-3 win over the Washington Nationals, will soon move to right field for the remainder of the season following his club's deal for Arraez. The Yankees acquired infielder Luis Garcia Jr., who is hitting .283 with 23 homers and 76 RBIs, from the Nationals in exchange for four right-handed pitchers. top players to consider claiming off the fantasy baseball waiver wire this week include a pair of Tigers following the Skubal trade.

Injury Updates and Player Status

Several teams are dealing with injuries to key players, impacting their lineups and rotation depth. Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz will see a hand specialist in Los Angeles on Monday about his injured right thumb and could be headed to the injured list. Carlos Correa's recovery from surgery to repair a torn ankle tendon is progressing quicker than expected, and Houston's star infielder isn't ruling out a return this season. The Pirates placed Ryan O'Hearn on the 10-day injured list Saturday because of a strained left quad that is expected to cause him to miss six to eight weeks. Reynaldo Lopez was a late scratch due to left knee inflammation on Saturday night against the Nationals and later was placed on the injured list. Giants second baseman Luis Arraez was scratched from the lineup minutes before Saturday night's game against the Padres due to cramps. The Seattle Mariners placed outfielder Luke Raley on the 10-day injured list on Saturday due to a left forearm strain. The Mariners have placed third baseman J.P. Crawford on the 10-day injured list with left wrist inflammation. The Cubs placed reliever Gavin Hollowell on the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation and recalled left-hander Antoine Kelly from Triple-A Iowa.

Team News and Milestones

In other team-related news, members of the 1986 World Series champion New York Mets celebrated the 40th anniversary of the franchise's last title on Saturday. The Baltimore Orioles signed right-handed reliever Yennier Cano to a two-year contract extension for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, with a club option for 2029. Houston starter Tatsuya Imai will pitch out of the bullpen for Houston's weekend series against the Texas Rangers after struggling in his last start. The Tigers called up prized outfield prospect Max Clark from the minor leagues and scratched Casey Mize from his scheduled start as they began their final series before the trade deadline. Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski dragged the Angel Stadium grounds crew through the dirt Sunday, calling the pitching mound "awful" and a possible injury risk. Arizona's Tim Tawa tried to bunt to break up a Cleveland perfect game bid on Sunday, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said it was a perfectly acceptable decision even though tensions boiled over. The Giants are suspending payment to injured outfielder Harrison Bader after he aggravated his injured left foot in a scooter crash last weekend. Two-time Cy Award winner Jacob de Grom, told the Texas Rangers before Monday's trade deadline that he wanted to stay with the 55-57 team.

Fantasy Baseball and Prospect Watch

As the trade deadline passes, fantasy managers are assessing the landscape for potential waiver wire pickups and evaluating prospects involved in deadline deals. Players like Skubal, now with the Dodgers, are likely to be highly sought after in fantasy leagues. The top players to consider claiming off the fantasy baseball waiver wire this week include a pair of Tigers. Evaluating the impact of prospects traded, such as those involved in deals like the one sending infielder Jefferson Rojas from the Mets to the Cubs, is crucial for dynasty league managers. The potential stars of tomorrow headed the other way in those deals are also important to track.