MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: August 7, 2026, 12:08 AM ET

Trade Deadline Fallout: Winners, Losers, and Big Deals

The 2026 MLB trade deadline has passed, and the Dodgers emerged as clear winners after acquiring two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, while the Orioles and Brewers stumbled in their pursuits. Handing out deadline awards reveals what we learned from the deals, including titles for the teams with the most interesting elements of the deadline. The updated MLB Power Rankings show how the moves impacted each club's standing, and ranking the prospects involved highlights the potential stars of tomorrow headed the other way in those deals.

The Yankees entered the deadline with question marks on their roster but left it without a splashy move, leaving many to wonder if they did enough. Tigers president Scott Harris dismissed criticism of the Skubal return, saying that's not how markets work for top players, defending the decision to move the ace before the deadline.

Dodgers' Skubal Era Begins

Tarik Skubal didn't have his best stuff in his Los Angeles debut, landing only 51 strikes on 85 pitches as the Dodgers dropped the game to the Cubs, but he was still "plenty good" in the loss. The Dodgers, way ahead of the Yankees on the World Series odds board, are now the clear betting favorites after the acquisition. Skubal said he doesn't sympathize with people who blame the Dodgers, noting that "every team could trade for me." The Dodgers also revealed that catcher Dalton Rushing has a slight tear in the UCL in his right elbow, adding to their injury concerns.

Cubs on the Rise

Pete Crow-Armstrong emerged as the favorite to win NL MVP after slugging two home runs in a win against the Dodgers that saw Shohei Ohtani also go deep twice at Wrigley Field. Kevin Gausman, expected to make his Cubs debut on Friday, said he is happy to be in Chicago after being acquired in a deadline deal. The injury-depleted Cubs also acquired Clay Holmes and Tyrone Taylor from the Mets for infielder Jefferson Rojas.

Phillies Rolling

Cristopher Sanchez became the first 15-game winner in the majors this season, earning his fifth straight win as the Phillies beat the Nationals 7-3 on Thursday night. Bryce Harper, who homered in Monday night's 6-3 win over Washington, will move to right field for the remainder of the season after the club swung a deal for three-time batting champion Luis Arraez. Nationals All-Star outfielder James Wood was placed on the 10-day injured list after suffering a left oblique strain while batting Monday night.

Red Sox Surging

Sonny Gray pitched three-hit ball and struck out eight over six innings for his AL-leading 14th victory as Boston beat the White Sox 4-0 on Wednesday night. The Red Sox acquired three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles, the biggest in a slew of deadline moves for Boston, and Breslow said the surging team deserved the big additions. Rutschman said he's just trying to fit in with a Red Sox team that has been on a roll over the last month. Garrett Crochet, the Red Sox ace who hasn't pitched since late April because of injury, says he's open to a relief role if he's able to recover in time for the stretch run. First baseman Triston Casas had arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist, the team announced Thursday, in the latest setback to land him on the injured list.

Braves Answer Critics

The Braves faced plenty of criticism after they failed to pick up a top-line starting pitcher at the trade deadline, but Bryce Elder and Grant Holmes have pitched like they didn't need one. Looking for late-season heroes? Start with Atlanta, where some players are making strong postseason pushes as the fantasy trade deadline approaches.

Mets Notes

Multiple sources told ESPN that former Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta in June arranged for Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor to vent and work through their disconnected relationship. Mets rookie Jefry Yan had a viral celebration after his first MLB strikeout, jumping high in the air with his feet spread apart before slapping the grass with his left hand.

Injury Report

Twins ace Joe Ryan is expected to need a stint on the injured list after an MRI revealed a mild left glute strain. Reds right-hander Hunter Greene, who has made only five starts since coming off the injured list, was put on the 15-day IL because of right elbow soreness. Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta exited his first rehab outing Tuesday with some minor tightness in his right elbow, according to manager Craig Stammen. Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage lasted only two innings Tuesday night before leaving his start against the Astros because of left knee discomfort. Cardinals All-Star right fielder Jordan Walker was scratched from the starting lineup Tuesday night against the Yankees because of right knee inflammation. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz was placed on the 10-day IL with a strained thumb while Jeffrey Springs went on the 15-day IL with hip discomfort.

Roster Moves Across the League

The Mariners released veteran catcher Mitch Garver, who appeared in 50 games this season, and outfielder Rob Refsnyder, 35, among seven roster moves on Tuesday afternoon. Veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who is hitting just .203 with eight home runs, has been released by the Pirates. Infielder Angel Genao, who is Cleveland's top prospect per ESPN rankings, has been called up by the Guardians, carrying a .309 average at Triple-A Columbus. With the Brewers' trade-deadline acquisition of veteran starter Dustin May, rookie right-hander Brandon Sproat became the odd man out of the rotation and was optioned to Triple-A. Left fielder Mickey Moniak, who is hitting .277 with 18 home runs and 49 RBIs this season, has reached a two-year extension with the Rockies through 2028.

Suspensions and Discipline

Mariners reliever Gabe Speier was suspended three games and manager Dan Wilson one after Speier hit Detroit's Gleyber Torres with a pitch in the eighth inning of Wednesday night's game.

Around the League

George Lombard Jr. became the third-youngest Yankee to homer in his first game, doing it on a night when his little brother also went deep in his own professional debut. The Royals activated All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. from the injured list Tuesday after he missed two weeks with back tightness. Left-hander Cody Bradford, in his comeback from elbow surgery, will make his first start for the Rangers since the end of the 2024 season Wednesday against the Giants. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob de Grom, told the Texas Rangers before Monday's trade deadline that he wanted to stay with the 55-57 team, saying "I want to be here." The Padres shored up their starting rotation at the trade deadline, acquiring left-hander Robbie Ray from the Giants and right-hander Casey Mize from the Tigers.

Broadcasting and Special Events

Beloved longtime San Francisco Giants broadcaster and former major league pitcher Mike Krukow is stepping away from the booth after this season following a nearly four-decade run. Spain World Cup hero Ferran Torres, who became the second-ever substitute to score the winner in a men's World Cup final, will throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium weeks after his historic goal.

Fantasy Focus

Following the Skubal trade, fantasy managers should pick up a pair of Tigers who could see increased roles in Detroit's revamped rotation and bullpen.