The 2021 MLB trade deadline was unprecedented. More moves occurred than anyone around the league expected, and deals flew in during the final hour of the period. Here is every acquisition from the 2021 MLB trade deadline.
Braves acquire OF Joc Pederson from Cubs for 1B Bryce Ball
It took the Braves one week to sign Joc Pederson after Ronald Acuna Jr. tore his ACL. The Braves took on a prorated portion of Pederson’s $4.5 million salary, and there is a chance he remains with the club in 2022.
Braves acquire C Stephen Vogt from D-backs for 1B Mason Berne
The Braves have started seven different catchers because of injuries in 2021. They were desperate for Stephen Vogt and acted quickly to make the deal happen before the nine-year veteran went elsewhere.
Dodgers acquire OF Billy McKinney from Mets for OF Carlos Rincon and cash
Billy McKinney was removed from New York’s 40-man roster to make room for J.D. Davis. The Dodgers took advantage and acquired McKinney for outfield depth.
Rays acquire DH Nelson Cruz and RHP Calvin Faucher from Twins for RHP Joe Ryan and RHP Drew Strotman
The Rays needed a power hitter in the middle of the lineup, and they upgraded with Nelson Cruz. Cruz was slashing .294/.370/.537 with 19 homers when he was picked up by the Rays.
Mets acquire LHP Rich Hill from Rays for RHP Tommy Hunter and C Matt Dyer
The Mets’ strong pitching stable has dwindled because of injuries to Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Carlos Carrasco. Trading for Rich Hill was necessary for the club to survive until their aces become healthy.
Padres acquire 2B/OF Adam Frazier and cash from Pirates for SS Tucupita Marcano, OF Jack Suwinski, and RHP Michell Miliano
The Padres trading for Adam Frazier was when the madness started to unravel. Frazier is the MLB hits leader, and he ranks fourth in average at .324. He will be under San Diego’s control for one more season through arbitration before hitting free agency.
Yankees acquire RHP Clay Holmes from Pirates for INF Diego Castillo and INF Hoy Park
Yankees added depth to their bullpen with this trade, but Holmes is nothing special. He is pushing a 5.00 ERA with just over 40 innings under his belt in 2021.
A’s acquire LHP Andrew Chafin from Cubs for OF Greg Deichmann and RHP Daniel Palencia
The A’s proved during the trade deadline that they are here to win in October. They will make things difficult for the Yankees with the second Wild Card position. Andrew Chafin was one of Chicago’s most reliable starters in 2021 with a 2.06 ERA.
Astros acquire RHPs Kendall Graveman and Rafael Montero from Mariners for 3B Abraham Toro and RHP Joe Smith
This trade occurred on Tuesday evening before the Astros and Mariners competed. The Astros strengthen their bullpen by adding Graveman and Montero. Graveman is the headliner of the deal with a 0.82 ERA and 10 saves on the year.
Reds acquire RHP Luis Cessa and LHP Justin Wilson from Yankees for a player to be named later
The Reds bullpen has been battered in 2021, and this is why they added Cessa and Wilson from New York. Cessa has a 2.82 ERA this season. Wilson has not been as stellar, but Cincinnati needs bodies for a depleted staff.
Mariners acquire LHP Tyler Anderson from Pirates for C Carter Bins and RHP Joaquin Tejada
The Phillies were going to acquire Anderson, but the deal fell apart because of a medical exam. The Mariners took advantage and strengthened their pitching staff. Anderson has an ERA in the mid 4.00 range, but he is the perfect low-cost option for the club.
Reds acquire RHP Mychal Givens from the Rockies for RHP Case Williams and RHP Noah Davis
The Reds focused on bullpen strength this week by adding Mychal Givens. Givens is 31 years old with a 2.73 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 2021.
Astros acquire RHP Yimi Garcia from Marlins for RHP Austin Pruitt and OF Bryan De La Cruz
Astros have a scary lineup, but their pitching is not the best in the American League. Acquiring Yimi Garcia was a terrific choice. The closer has 15 saves with a 3.47 ERA in 2021.
A’s acquire OF Starling Marte from Marlins for LHP Jesus Luzardo
The A’s needed an extra bat that can steal bases, but they gave away a great prospect to make it happen. Starling Marte has 22 steals and seven homers in 2021, but Luzardo is a talented up and comer in the show.
Brewers acquire INF Eduardo Escobar from D-backs for INF/OF Cooper Hummel and INF Alberto Ciprian
The Brewers have won games with pitching, so it was critical for them to get a talented infielder who can hit. Eduardo Escobar is slashing .246/.300/.478 with 22 bombs in 2021. The Brewers will have to pay the remainder of his three-year $21 million deal.
White Sox acquire 2B Cesar Hernandez from Indians for LHP Konnor Pilkington
The White Sox signing Caesar Hernandez was not surprising considering Nick Madrigal‘s injury. The team parted ways with Madrigal later in the week. Hernandez will be with the team through 2022, and he has a career-best 18 home runs in 2021.
Rockies acquire RHP Ashton Goudeau from Reds for cash considerations
The Reds designated Ashton Goudeau on Thursday, so the Rockies signed him for cash. This was a nice pickup for Colorado.
Blue Jays acquire LHP Brad Hand from Nationals for C Riley Adams
The Blue Jays emphasized pitching during the 2021 MLB trade deadline. This started with Brad Hand, who has been an unreliable closer as of late. However, he ended his time in Washington on a strong note with a save against Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Yankees acquire OF Joey Gallo, LHP Joely Rodríguez and cash from Rangers for 2B Ezequiel Duran, SS Josh Smith, INF/OF Trevor Hauver and RHP Glenn Otto
The Yankees’ first big left-handed batter during the trade deadline was Joey Gallo. The short porch is back in effect at Yankee Stadium, with Gallo and Anthony Rizzo joining the club. Gallo has 25 home runs and 55 RBIs.
White Sox acquire RHP Ryan Tepera from Cubs for LHP Bailey Horn
The White Sox could be the best team in the American League after the 2021 MLB trade deadline. On Thursday, they added Ryan Tepera from Wrigleyville. He has a 2.91 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 43.1 innings.
Mariners acquire RHP Diego Castillo from Rays for RHP J.T. Chargois and 3B Austin Shenton
The Mariners made up for trading Kendall Graveman by signing Diego Castillo. He has a 2.72 ERA with 49 strikeouts this season.
Dodgers acquire LHP Danny Duffy and cash considerations from Royals for a player to be named later
Danny Duffy spent his entire career in Kansas City, but he controlled his own future as a 10-and-5 rights player. He could have vetoed any trade, but the wing decided to accept a new challenge with the World Series favorites, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Duffy is not expected to return from an injury until late August.
Yankees acquire 1B Anthony Rizzo from Cubs for RHP Alexander Vizcaíno and OF Kevin Alcántara
The short porch was in full effect once New York locked up Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo was a staple in Chicago for years, but he is looking forward to the next few months in New York. He will head into the free agency pool after the season but expect a fair number of homers from Rizzo in the Bronx.
Red Sox acquire OF Kyle Schwarber from Nationals for RHP Aldo Ramirez
The Red Sox had a rough week during the 2021 MLB trade deadline. They signed Kyle Schwarber, who has power. Although, the outfielder does not significantly improve the club compared to the White Sox and Astros.
Padres acquire RHP Daniel Hudson from Nationals for RHP Mason Thompson and SS Jordy Barley
Mason Thompson is the ninth-ranked prospect in the Padres organization, so Daniel Hudson came at a hefty cost. Hudson has posted a 2.20 ERA with a 38% strikeout rate.
Rays acquire RHP Shawn Armstrong from Orioles for cash considerations
The Orioles were rumored to sell Trey Mancini and John Means. However, they did not make much noise except for a minor trade with the rays for Shawn Armstrong. Armstrong has been horrendous, but it’s an extra wing for Tampa Bay.
Phillies acquire LHP Braeden Ogle from Pirates for C Abrahan Gutierrez
Braeden Ogle was a fourth-round pick in 2016. He has a 3.13 ERA in Triple-A. He will likely contribute at the big-league level because of Philadelphia’s bullpen woes in 2021.
Brewers acquire LHP Daniel Norris from Tigers for RHP Reese Olson
Brewers took Daniel Norris from the Tigers. He is coming up on free agency following the season.
Pirates acquire IF/OF Michael Chavis from Red Sox for LHP Austin Davis
Michael Chavis was sold by the Red Sox, which was a questionable move by the team. Chavis is a contributor, but he has struggled. In 2019, he had a breakout rookie campaign with 18 homers in 95 games. The Red Sox took Austin Davis, who has a 5.65 career ERA.
Rays acquire OF Jordan Luplow, RHP DJ Johnson from Indians for RHP Peyton Battenfield
Jordan Luplow has played average with Tampa Bay, but he has shown signs of greatness against right-handed hitters. DJ Johnson may not contribute to the club, considering he only has one appearance in 2021 after spending 2020 in Japan.
Astros acquire RHP Phil Maton, C Yainer Diaz from Cleveland for OF Myles Straw
The Astros showed that you could never have enough pitching by adding Phil Maton. Maton will be with the Astros until at least 2023. Since the beginning of 2020, he has a 4.57 ERA in 63 innings. Yainer Diaz is a prospect who will not contribute in 2021.
Brewers acquire RHP John Curtiss from Marlins for C Payton Henry
The Brewers wanted to solidify its bullpen with the division on lock. They acquired John Curtiss, a 28-year-old reliever who has a 2.22 ERA over 65 innings. He will not be a free agent until 2025, so Milwaukee will have longevity with this impact player.
Giants acquire LHP Tony Watson from Angels for LHP Sam Selman
The Giants brought back Tony Watson, who was with the club from 2018 to 2020. As a Giant, he had a 3.20 ERA in 153 outings. He was not as strong with the Angels this season, but he has always pitched well in San Francisco.
Phillies acquire SS Freddy Galvis from Orioles for RHP Tyler Burch
The Orioles are not building around Freddy Galvis. They dealt him to the Phillies for Tyler Burch. Galvis played for the Phillies from 2012 until 2017. His slash line is 249/.306/.414, but he has a stellar glove at shortstop.
Padres acquire OF Jake Marisnick from Cubs for RHP Anderson Espinoza
The Cubs traded their entire club during the 2021 MLB trade deadline. The Padres gained depth with Jake Marisnick, who has a career slash line of 229/.282/.388 with 61 homers. San Diego will be the fifth stop in his MLB career.
Braves acquire OF Eddie Rosario and cash from Indians for 1B/3B Pablo Sandoval
The Braves improved their roster during the deadline. They took Eddie Rosario from the Indians, but he has not played since the beginning of July. They will have to pay the remainder of his $8 million salary.
Blue Jays acquire RHP Joakim Soria from D-backs for two players to be named later
The Blue Jays have a strong lineup, but it will be due to pitching trades during the deadline if they make the playoffs. He will bring 229 saves and 14 years of experience to Toronto.
Red Sox acquire RHP Hansel Robles from Twins for RHP Alex Scherff
The Red Sox traded for a very inconsistent Hansel Robles. Robles has been a closer, but the wing has also been ineffective. His best season was 2019, when he posted a 2.48 ERA. However, the pitcher has a 4.91 mark in 2021.
Braves acquire OF Adam Duvall from Marlins for C Alex Jackson
The Marlins made questionable moves during the 2021 MLB trade deadline. The Braves replaced Acuna Jr. with Adam Duvall from the Marlins. Duvall has 22 homers in 2021, which could help Atlanta make a playoff push.
Braves acquire RHP Richard Rodriguez from Pirates for RHP Bryse Wilson, RHP Ricky DeVito
After Duvall, the Braves added Richard Rodriguez, who will be a late-inning reliever. He has a 2.82 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 38.1 innings of work.
Cardinals acquire J.A. Happ and cash from Twins for RHP John Gant, LHP Evan Sisk
The Cardinals took a lousy pitcher and traded him for a worse pitcher and a check. This was questionable and unnecessary for the franchise.
Cardinals acquire LHP Jon Lester from Nationals for OF Lane Thomas
The Cardinals signing Jon Lester made up for them giving away John Gant. Lester will likely hit 200 career wins the Cardinals. He is four victories away from this honor.
Braves acquire OF Jorge Soler from Royals for RHP Kasey Kalich
The Braves locking up Jorge Soler could be the best move of the deadline for the franchise. This moved showed that they are preparing to win the National League East in 2021. Soler was the 2019 American League Home Run leader. In his past nine games, he has homered six times.
Yankees acquire LHP Andrew Heaney from Angels for RHP Janson Junk, RHP Elvis Peguero
The Yankees delivered with left-handed batters, but they needed a better pitcher than Andrew Heaney. Heaney has a career ERA of 4.57. This is a rental for New York because the 30-year-old will be a free agent at the end of the season.
A’s acquire C Yan Gomes, 2B Josh Harrison from Nationals for C Drew Millas, RHP Seth Shuman, RHP Richard Guasch
Yan Gomes will sit behind Sean Murphy in Oakland, but the ten-year veteran will provide a lot of depth at catcher. Oakland needs a backup for Murphy. Josh Harrison is labeled as a second baseman, but he has played all three outfield positions, which is valuable considering his consistent bat.
Phillies acquire RHP Kyle Gibson, RHP Ian Kennedy, RHP Hans Crouse from Rangers for RHP Spencer Howard, RHP Kevin Gowdy, RHP Joss Gessner
The Phillies took three pitchers from Texas, but the headliner of this deal was Kyle Gibson. Gibson was slated to go to a contender. His acquisition makes the Phillies a possible winner of the National League East. Philadelphia will also control Gibson through 2022 before he hits free agency.
Dodgers acquire RHP Max Scherzer and SS Trea Turner from Nationals for C Keibert Ruiz, RHP Josiah Gray, RHP Gerardo Carrillo, and OF Donovan Casey
We are the best team in baseball, and we do what we want. This is what the Dodgers front office said by signing max Scherzer and Trea Turner. They had to give up their #1 and #2 prospects to acquire these two players. However, this is fine in a big market.
White Sox acquire RHP Craig Kimbrel from Cubs for 2B Nick Madrigal and RHP Codi Heuer
Chicago’s pitching staff is phenomenal, but they had to give away Nick Madrigal to make this deal possible. The White Sox have an All-Star closer in Liam Hendriks, but they took Craig Kimbrel from the Cubs. Nobody will want to see the White Sox in the American League postseason.
Blue Jays acquire RHP Jose Berrios from Twins for SS/OF Austin Martin and RHP Simeon Woods Richardson
The Blue Jays acquisition of Jose Berrios was a waste. This team may not make the playoffs, and they had to give up their #2 and #4 prospects to sign the right-hander. He has posted a career 3.48 ERA through 121.2 innings. This could be a move that Blue Jays fans regret for years.
Mets acquire SS Javier Baez, RHP Trevor Williams, and cash from Cubs for OF Pete Crow-Armstrong
Francisco Lindor is on the injured list with an oblique strain. Steve Cohen was not going to allow this injury to ruin the team’s season. Javier Baez will fill the void until Lindor returns, then he will move to second base, where the two-time All-Star has nearly 300 starts.
Giants acquire 3B/OF Kris Bryant from Cubs for OF Alexander Canario and RHP Caleb Kilian
The 2021 MLB trade deadline ended with Kris Bryant going from Chicago to San Francisco. Bryant is a powerful right-handed bat who has won an MVP and made four All-Star appearances. He can play either corner in the infield as well as the outfield.
