Henry Roldán
As expected, the final day of the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline was absolutely insane, with a historic mega-swap, moves that fell through the cracks and a host of additions that will make the fight for the postseason that much closer.
Here at JefeBet, we could not miss this day, and we leave you a summary of the best moves of the day in the Major Leagues, as well as a weighting regarding the importance and quality of the change.
MLB Trade Deadline 2022 Changes for August 2nd
Padres Tap the Market for Juan Soto, Josh Bell, and Brandon Drury
We couldn’t start any other way than with the mega trade of the day between the Padres and the Nationals. San Diego acquired the services of Dominican Juan Soto and first baseman Josh Bell. Whereas the Nationals acquired starter Luke Voit, shortstop C.J. Abrams, left-handed starter MacKenzie Gore, and outfield prospects Robert Hassell III and James Wood, as well as pitching prospect Jarlin Susana.
The Padres also made another trade near the deadline when they added uitility Brandon Drury, one of the most sought-after shortstops on the market, in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, who received infielder/prospect Victor Acosta.
Noah Syndergaard and David Robertson Bolster Phillies’ Pitching Staff
The Phillies were another of the teams that made a lot of moves during the last day of the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline and at the last minute managed to secure the services of starter Noah Syndergaard, who arrives from Anaheim to reinforce one of the best rotations in baseball. In the trade, Philadelphia sent outfielder Mike Moniak and prospect Jodiel Sánchez.
Previously, the organization had also made a couple of moves. The first of these reinforced the bullpen with the acquisition of David Robertson, the experienced reliever who was tempted by several teams after his great performance as a closer for the Cubs, a team that received in exchange prospect and right-handed pitcher Ben Brown.
The Phillies also completed another trade with the Angels by receiving outfielder Brandon Marsh, who will defend the team’s center field. In return, they sent catcher Logan O’Hoppe, ranked the organization’s third-highest prospect by Baseball America, to Anaheim.
Raisel Iglesias Joins Braves Bullpen
The Braves closed a good trade market with the acquisition of reliever Raisel Iglesias, who comes to the team to reinforce one of the best bullpens in baseball. The right-hander, who rescued 16 games this season for the Angels, joins Kenley Jansen, Collin McHugh and A.J. Minter in relief for Atlanta, which sent reliever Jesse Chávez and left-handed pitcher Tucker Davidson to Anaheim.
Eric Hosmer Ends up in Boston
After a rather eventful morning, Eric Hosmer finally ended up coming to the Red Sox after vetoing his move to the Washington Nationals in the trade that sent Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres. The first baseman activated his no-trade clause to avoid moving to the U.S. capital and was traded to Boston, where he will strengthen one of the team’s weakest positions.
The Padres will assume nearly the entire cost of Hosmer’s remaining three-year contract, while sending prospects Max Ferguson and Corey Rosier in the trade. Meanwhile, San Diego received pitching prospect Jay Groome.
Whit Merrifield Moves to Toronto
The Blue Jays saved the day with a late-inning acquisition in the form of Whit Merrifield. The experienced utility infielder comes to a Blue Jays team that occupies one of the American League wild cards and had only acquired the services of reliever Anthony Bass from the Marlins.
While Merrifield is not having one of his best years in the Major Leagues, he is considered one of baseball’s hardest hitters to retire. It only remains to be found out more about his vaccination status, as he recently missed the Kansas City series in Canada because he didn’t have them. The Royals received right-handed pitcher Max Castillo and prospect Samad Taylor.
Twins Strengthen with Tyler Mahle, Jorge López, and Michael Fulmer
The Twins quietly, but wisely, reinforced the areas where they have had the most problems this season with productive arms. Minnesota now has Tyler Mahle in its rotation, while the relievers received a breath of fresh air with the addition of two experienced arms in Jorge López and Michael Fulmer.
Mahle sent three prospects to the Reds: infielders Spencer Steer and Christian-Encarnación Strand, as well as left-handed pitcher Steven Hajjar. For López, they traded left-handed pitchers Cade Povich and Juan Rojas, and right-handed pitchers Yennier Cano and Juan Nuñez to Baltimore. As for the Tigers, they sent right-handed pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long.
Joey Gallo Traded to Dodgers
Joey Gallo’s novel with the Yankees came to an end on Tuesday after the New York team sent him to the Dodgers. For his services, the Los Angeles team sent right-handed pitching prospect Clayton Beeter to the Big Apple and will pay the nearly $4 million remaining on the outfielder’s contract.
Darin Ruf Arrives in the Big Apple with Mychal Givens
The Mets closed out the trade market with two arrivals that are unlikely to meet the expectations that had been built around the organization. The first one is the experienced first baseman Darin Ruf, who arrives from the Giants in exchange for utilityman J.D. Davis.
The second move was the acquisition of reliever Mychal Givens, who will bolster New York’s bullpen, from Chicago in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Saul González.
Yankees and Cardinals Swap Starter and Outfielder
In a move that went somewhat unnoticed, the Cardinals finished bolstering their rotation with left-hander Jordan Montgomery, who arrives from the Yankees in exchange for outfielder Harrison Bader, considered one of the best center field defenders in the league.
Montgomery joins José Quintana as the two starters bolstering St. Louis, while Hader comes in to fill the void left by Joey Gallo’s departure to the Dodgers.
Sailors Reinforce Different Areas
After the acquisition of Luis Castillo, the Mariners were somewhat subdued in the market until late in the afternoon. At that time, they made a couple of strange moves, which, although they have added some depth to the team, the status of a couple of players has attracted attention.
The first two are reliever Matthew Boyd and catcher Curt Casali, both coming over from the Giants and both currently on the injured list. Boyd should return late in the season after not throwing a single ball this year, and Casali has oblique problems. Meanwhile, Jake Lamb came over from the Los Angeles Dodgers to add some power to the lineup.
