The hours before the MLB trade deadline is perhaps the busiest in baseball as teams try to move players to make a playoff run. And in case you missed the MLB trades prior to today’s deadline at 4 clock, here’s my big moves.
1. Yoenis Cespedes to the NY Mets
The 29 year old doesn’t play like he is a journeyman but has had four different homes since last summer. Cespedes has 18 homers and 61 rbi’s through 427 plate appearances. It can’t hurt that he is batting nearly .300 as well. Cespedes will most likely takeover left for the injured Michael Cuddyer
2. Johnny Cueto to the Royals
Sorry Reds fan, you are gonna suck for another year. After talks lagged, Cueto was shipped to the Royals after the Reds had posted a 43-52, making parting ways with the ace that much easier. Through his 19 starts Cueto racked up a 2.62 era along with a little over 8 strikeouts per game.
3. Troy Tulowitzki to the Bluejays
The 30 year old has found a new home after spending all of his career in Colorado. Tulo comes to the Jays after posting 13 homers and 53 rbi’s -enough for an all-star bid. The former Golden Glove shortstop looks to take his talents to the AL, something not many NL players have done so far.
4. Dan Haren to the Cubs
Haren is a low profile move for the Cubs as he hasn’t seen an all-star game since 2009 nor has had a era below 3 in his career. But it’s a relatively safe move for the Cubs as the 34 year old will provide a solid veteran presence for the Cubs pitching staff
5. Cole Hamels to the Rangers
The Rangers took a gamble by sending 5 prospects and Matt Harrison to the Phillies for Cole Hamels. The former 2008 MVP is the first player to be traded immediately after throwing a no-hitter. Besides his no-hitter this season Hamels has struggled himself to a 3.64 era and a 6-7 record, not worth five prospects and a pitcher if you asked me. Not to mention the Rangers are taking on Hamels salary, which he is 22.5 million per season through 2018.
The MLB trade deadline is never quiet and this year was no exception. One team that needed to make moves but didn’t was the Boston Red Sox, but unfortunately they don’t want out of the AL East basement. Either way the final playoff push will be interesting to watch as teams try to find their way to the world series.
