Major League Baseball
MLB Trade Tracker: Scherzer, Báez, Bryant, Kimbrel on the move at deadline
Major League Baseball

MLB Trade Tracker: Scherzer, Báez, Bryant, Kimbrel on the move at deadline

Updated Jul. 30, 2021 7:06 p.m. ET

Today's MLB trade deadline has come and gone, and the action was fast and furious.

Teams finally decided if they were buyers or sellers, and they committed to their decisions with gusto.

As the 4 p.m. ET deadline came and went, here's what we know so far, with news of other deals potentially yet to trickle in.

July 30: New York Mets acquire Javier Báez from the Chicago Cubs

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Key stats: Báez’s 22 home runs this season are the second-most in the majors by a shortstop (though Báez probably plays 2B in New York) behind only Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres.

Who else was involved?: The Mets will also receive right-handed pitcher Trevor Williams, who has a 4.49 ERA on the season. Minor league outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong heads to the Cubs in the deal.

Why it matters: The Mets now have two foundational pieces in the middle of the infield with Baez and shortstop Francisco Lindor, who are both under the age of 30. This deal also gives them a chance to strengthen their hold on the NL East. As an added bonus, Williams provides pitching depth, with Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard currently on the injured list.

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July 30: Chicago White Sox acquire Craig Kimbrel from the Cubs

Key stats: Kimbrel has allowed only two earned runs in 36.2 innings at the time of the trade, good for an ERA of 0.49. He has also allowed only 26 baserunners and struck out 64 in one of the most dominant seasons of his impressive career.

Who else was involved?: The White Sox send two big leaguers – 2B Nick Madrigal and pitcher Codi Heuer – to the Cubs. Madrigal is hitting .305 on the season, while Heuer has a 5.12 ERA.

Why it matters: Kimbrel, who was an All-Star for the eighth time this summer, pairs with Liam Hendriks to give the White Sox a formidable one-two punch at the back of their bullpen. It's going to be difficult to beat these guys if they hold a lead after seven innings.

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July 30: San Francisco Giants acquire Kris Bryant from the Cubs

Key stats: Bryant is .267/.358/.503 with 18 home runs and 51 RBIs in 93 games. 

Who else was involved?: The Cubs will receive two prospects – outfielder Alexander Canario and right-hander Caleb Kilian.

Why it matters: The 29-year-old All-Star has been the face of the Cubs franchise since being drafted No. 2 in 2013. Bryant, who won Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Award within his first two seasons, is a versatile defender capable of playing infield corner as well as all three outfield positions. He will qualify for free agency at the season's end.

For more up-to-date news on all things Giants, click here to register for alerts on the FOX Sports app!

July 30: Toronto Blue Jays acquire José Berríos from the Minnesota Twins

Key stats: Berríos, who is under contract through the 2022 season, has a 3.48 ERA with 9.3 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 in 121.2 innings.

Who else was involved?: The Twins received shortstop/outfielder Austin Martin, right-handed pitcher Simeon Woods-Richardson. 

Why it matters: Berríos gives the Blue Jays a legitimate third starter to help them in their push to try and make the playoffs. His 126 strikeouts this season are second amongst Toronto's starting pitchers, behind only Bobby Ray's 150.

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July 30: Los Angeles Dodgers acquire Max Scherzer and Trea Turner from Washington Nationals (news broke on the 29th but didn't become official until the 30th)

Key stats: Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young winner, remains one of the best pitchers in baseball at age 36. His ERA (2.83), strikeout rate (12.2) and WHIP (0.886) were all better than his career averages at the time of the trade. Turner, 28, is a career .300 hitter who was an All-Star for the first time this year. He was hitting .322 with 18 home runs at the time of the deal.

Who else was involved?: The Dodgers sent catcher Keibert Ruiz, pitchers Josiah Gray and Gerardo Carrillo and outfielder Donovan Casey to Washington. Ruiz and Gray are the Dodgers' top two prospects according to MLB Pipeline, while Carrillo is No. 17. Casey is not ranked in the top 30.

Why it matters: The Dodgers have a lot of money, but they also have built a good pipeline of minor league talent, a good portion of which they used to land two stars from Washington. Scherzer immediately bulks up a pitching staff that already lead MLB in ERA (3.19) and that also added Danny Duffy in a trade with Kansas City (see below). Turner might play second base with Corey Seager soon returning from the injured list. He also gives the Dodgers some insurance at shortstop as while Seager is a free agent after this season, Turner doesn't hit free agency until after 2022.

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July 30: St. Louis Cardinals acquire Jon Lester from Nationals

Key stats: Lester’s 197 career wins immediately makes him the winningest pitcher in the Cardinals rotation, with 22 more than Adam Wainwright’s 175.

Who else was involved: The Cardinals sent outfielder Lane Thomas to the Nationals.

Why it matters: Pitching has been a weakness for the Cardinals all season. They have allowed 512 runs as a team this season which is the third-most in the NL behind only the Pittsburgh Pirates (517) and Arizona Diamondbacks (579). The hope is that Lester’s veteran presence can help bring stability to their starting rotation.

July 30: Atlanta Braves reacquire Adam Duvall from the Miami Marlins

Key stats: Duvall hit .229 this season and ranks among the top 10 in the National League with 22 home runs and 68 RBI in 90 games.

Who else was involved?: The Marlins get catcher Alex Jackson.

Why it matters: The 32-year-old, who was an All-Star in 2016, returns to Atlanta, where he played from 2018-20. The Braves look to revamp their outfield after losing Ronald Acuña Jr. to a season-ending knee injury on July 10.

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July 30: Oakland Athletics acquire Yan Gomes and Josh Harrison from the Nationals

Key stats: Gomes has batted .271/.323/.454 (115 OPS+) with 21 extra-base hits in 63 games. Harrison is batting .294/.366/.434 (124 OPS+) this season with 23 doubles and five stolen bases in 90 games.

Who else was involved?: The A's parted ways with C Drew Millas, RHP Seth Shuman and RHP Richard Guasch.

Why it matters: The A’s are getting two solid players in Gomes and Harrison, both 33. Gomes will presumably share time behind the plate with Oakland’s Sean Murphy, while Harrison can play multiple positions both in the infield and outfield.

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July 30: San Diego Padres acquire Jake Marisnick from the Chicago Cubs

Key stats: Marisnick hit .227/.294/.438 (29-for-128) in 65 games for the Cubs with six doubles, three triples and five home runs.

Who else was involved?: Anderson Espinoza heads to the Cubs in return.  

Why it matters: Marisnick, 30, had a $4 million option for 2022 that the Cubs chose not to exercise. This marks the fourth trade for the Cubs on Friday, following Craig Kimbrel (White Sox), Javy Báez (Mets) and Kris Bryant (Giants).

July 30: New York Yankees acquire Andrew Heaney from Los Angeles Angels

Key stats: Heaney, an eight-year veteran, has a 5.27 ERA across 18 stars with the Angels.

Who else was involved?: The Yankees send minor league pitchers Jansen Junk and Elvis Peguero to L.A.

Why it matters: The is about pitching depth for the aggressive Yankees, as they currently have both Corey Kluber and Luis Severino on the injured list. Heaney walks too many batters (3.0/9 inn.) and allows too many homers (16 in 94 innings), but he's can eat some innings and that's what the Yankees need.

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July 30: Philadelphia Phillies acquire Freddy Galvis from Baltimore Orioles

Key stats: Galvis' nine home runs on the season are more than Didi Gregorious’ eight, and his batting average is 40 points higher, .249 compared to Gregorious’ .209 average.

Who else was involved?: The Phillies sent minor league pitcher Tyler Burch to Baltimore.

Why it matters: Besides an immediate offensive upgrade, Galvis provides a huge defensive boost. Galvis has only committed four errors on the season, while Gregorious and Jean Segura have committed a combined 19 at the shortstop position for the Phillies. This will also be Galvis’ second stint with the Phillies after spending the first five years of his career with the organization from 2012-2017.

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July 30: St. Louis Cardinals acquire J.A. Happ from the Minnesota Twins

Key stats: Happ was 5-6 in 19 starts, including Wednesday's 17-14 loss to the Detroit Tigers, where he gave up nine earned runs in three-plus innings.

Who else was involved?: The Twins received RHP John Gant and LHP Evan Sisk.

Why it matters: In Happ, the Cardinals pick up a veteran starter on an expiring contract who can be relied upon while they await the returns of Jack Flaherty and Miles Mikolas from the injured list.

For more up-to-date news on all things Cardinals, click here to register for alerts on the FOX Sports app!

July 30: Milwaukee Brewers acquire Daniel Norris from the Detroit Tigers

Key stats: Norris has a 5.89 ERA, but has only given up three runs in July, and hasn’t given up a run in his last five outings of relief.

Who else was involved?: The Brewers sent minor league pitcher Reese Olson to Detroit.

Why it matters: The Brewers are currently in first place in the NL Central, with a seven-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds. They have given up the fewest runs in the division with just 377 runs allowed on the season, so Norris helps bolster what has already been a strength of the team.

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July 30: San Diego Padres acquire Daniel Hudson from the Washington Nationals

Key stats: Hudson, 34, has a 2.20 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 31 appearances with the Nationals this season.

Who else was involved?: The Padres sent RHP Mason Thompson and shortstop Jordy Barley to Washington in the deal. 

Why it matters: Hours after moving Brad Hand, the Nationals sold off another key bullpen piece in Hudson. Hudson's ERA would be the second lowest of all of their relief pitchers behind only Mark Melancon. He helps strengthen an already stout Padres bullpen, which has four pitchers with an ERA below 3.00

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July 30: Philadelphia Phillies acquire pitchers Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy and Hans Crouse from the Texas Rangers

Key stats: Gibson was an All-Star this summer with a 2.87 ERA across 113 innings. Kennedy is a solid veteran who has transitioned from rotatin to bullpen, and Crouse was widely viewed as a rising star in the Rangers organization (3.35 ERA at Double-A).

Who else was involved?: The Phillie sent a trio of pitchers – big leaguer Spencer Howard and minor leaguers Kevin Gowdy and Joss Gessner – to Texas.

Why it matters: The Phillies, who allow 4.75 runs per game (12th worst in MLB) address a need and bulk up their rotation and bullpen with this deal. They're only .500 at the time of the trade, yet sit only 3.5 games behind the Mets for the NL East lead. Maybe saving a run or so per game is all they need to get over the top.

July 29: Boston Red Sox acquire Kyle Schwarber from the Nationals

Key stats: Schwarber, 28, has been one of the premier sluggers in baseball this season, going deep 25 times so far (tied for sixth) with a .910 OPS.

Who else was involved?: The Red Sox sent right-handed pitcher Aldo Ramirez to Washington in the deal. Ramirez had a 2.03 ERA in 31 innings at Class-A Salem.

Why it matters: The Red Sox might have missed out on some well-known bats – see Rizzo/Gallo to Yankees below – but they did manage to add a legit power hitter in Schwarber. He is currently out with a hamstring injury but is expected to return in a couple of weeks. It remains unclear where Schwarber will play on the field, but it seems likely he'll rotate among corner outfield spots and designated hitter, while also possibly getting some time at first base.

For more up-to-date news on all things Red Sox, click here to register for alerts on the FOX Sports app!

July 29: New York Yankees acquire Anthony Rizzo from the Cubs

Key stats: A three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, Rizzo is an immediate upgrade at first base for the Yankees. Rizzo, who is a free agent at the end of the season, had a .792 OPS with 14 home runs and 16 doubles at the time of the deal.

Who else was involved?: Two minor leaguers – outfielder Kevin Alcantara and pitcher Alexander Vizcaino – are being sent to Chicago. Vizcaino, ranked the Yankees' No. 9 prospect, had a 9.00 ERA at High-A.

Why it matters: One day after adding Joey Gallo in a deal with Texas, the Yankees further bulked up their lineup with the reported addition of Rizzo. The Yankees sat 8.5 games out of the AL East lead at the time of the deal, but a wild-card spot is very much in play. And if they're going to do it, they apparently plan to do it by mashing the baseball.

July 29: Seattle Mariners acquire Diego Castillo from Tampa Bay Rays

Key stats: Castillo, 27, had a 2.72 ERA with 14 saves in 37 appearances for the Rays this season. He had 49 strikeouts and 10 walks in 36.1 innings of work.

Who else is involved?: The Mariners sent veteran reliever JT Chargois and third-base prospect Austin Shenton to Tampa Bay. Shenton, ranked as Seattle's No. 17 prospect, had a .980 OPS across stops at High-A and Double-A this season.

Why it matters: Remember how upset the Mariners were when their general manager traded away their closer the other day (see below)? Perhaps this move will alleviate some acrimony in the clubhouse. Castillo is young and cheap and is not eligible for free agency until 2025.

For more up-to-date news on all things Rays, click here to register for alerts on the FOX Sports app!

July 29: Los Angeles Dodgers acquire Danny Duffy from Kansas City Royals

Key stats: Duffy had a 2.51 ERA in 61 innings for the Royals this season. The 32-year-old left-hander is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Who else is involved?: According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Royals will receive "players to be named later" for Duffy.

Why it matters: Duffy is currently on the injured list with a flexor strain, but he's been good when healthy. The Dodgers lead MLB with a team ERA of 3.19, but with Trevor Bauer's status uncertain and Clayton Kershaw on the injured list, the defending World Series champions are looking for pitching. The Dodgers have been rumored to be in the mix for bigger names like Max Scherzer, but Duffy will have to do for now.

July 28: Yankees acquire Joey Gallo from Texas Rangers

Key stats: Gallo is a two-time All-Star (2019 and 2021) and won a Gold Glove in 2020. This season, he is tied for sixth in the major leagues in both home runs (25) and WAR (4.1).

Who else is involved: In return, the Rangers will receive a haul of prospects, including RHP Glenn Otto, 2B Ezequiel Duran, SS Josh Smith and 2B/OF Trevor Hauver.

Why it matters: Gallo adds to the Yankees both youth – he's only 27 and under contract until 2022 – and power, as one of the biggest left-handed bats in the league. Now, once the Bronx Bombers are healthy, opposing pitchers will be staring at a lineup that includes Gallo, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge. Need we say more?

For more up-to-date news on all things Rangers, click here to register for alerts on the FOX Sports app! 

July 27: Houston Astros acquire Kendall Graveman from the Mariners

Key stats: Graveman had allowed just three earned runs in 33 innings of relief for the Mariners this season, good for a 0.82 ERA.

Who else was involved: The Mariners also sent reliever Rafael Montero to Houston in the deal. In return, Seattle received third baseman Abraham Toro and reliever Joe Smith.

Why it matters: This trade was puzzling for Mariners fans, who see a team that is in the playoff mix that just dealt a top reliever to a division rival – though general manager Jerry Dipoto said he is not conceding the 2021 season. The AL West-leading Astros, meanwhile, make a big addition to a bullpen that ranks just 17th in MLB, according to Fangraphs WAR.

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July 27: Mariners acquire Tyler Anderson from the Pittsburgh Pirates

Key stats: Anderson has a 4.35 ERA in 18 starts for the Pirates this season.

Who else was involved: Seattle sent two low-level minor leaguers – catcher Carter Bins and RHP Joaquin Tejada – to Pittsburgh.

Why it matters: Mostly it matters for the Mariners' chemistry, as many Seattle players felt "betrayed" by the Graveman trade. The Mariners are a fringe playoff contender, and the lefty Anderson will certainly help their rotation, which ranks 23rd in MLB with a 4.80 ERA.

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July 26: Padres acquire Adam Frazier from the Pirates

Key stats: Frazier led MLB with 125 hits at the time of the trade. His .324 batting average ranked fourth.

Who else was involved: The Padres sent three minor leaguers to Pittsburgh – SS Tucupita Marcano, OF Jack Suwinski and RHP Michell Miliano.

Why it matters: The Padres add a first-time All-Star who can play both 2B and OF to their lineup, hoping to boost an offense that ranks 11th in MLB at 4.76 runs per game. Frazier is 29 but has another year before he reaches arbitration, and the Pirates even threw some cash into the deal.

For more up-to-date news on all things Padres, click here to register for alerts on the FOX Sports app!

July 26: Yankees acquire Clay Holmes from the Pirates

Key stats: Holmes, who has a 4.93 ERA in 42 relief innings, is known for his sinker, which helps him post a 72.8% ground-ball rate.

Who else was involved: The Yankees shipped minor league infielders Diego Castillo and Hoy Park to Pittsburgh. Neither is a highly-rated prospect, though Park was hitting .327 in Triple-A.

Why it matters: The Yankees have MLB’s third-best bullpen according to Fangraphs WAR, but they have blown some leads. Adding right-hander Holmes just adds to their depth as they try to make up ground in the AL East.

To stay up to date on all things Yankees, click here to register for alerts on the FOX Sports app!

July 23: New York Mets acquire Rich Hill from the Rays

Key stats: Hill, a left-handed starter, had a 3.87 ERA across 19 starts for Tampa. Not bad for a 41-year-old. 

Who else was involved: The Mets sent RHP Tommy Hunter and C Matt Dyer to Tampa. Hunter, 35, has been out with a back injury since May. Dyer, 23, was hitting .194 at Low-A St. Lucie.

Why it matters: The Mets are desperate for starting pitching as they try to maintain their lead in the NL East. Hill can provide that. He has struggled of late, but a move to the DH-less NL usually helps pitchers improve their numbers a bit. The Rays hope Hunter will be healthy for the stretch run to help out their bullpen.

July 22: Rays acquire Nelson Cruz from the Twins

Key stats: Cruz was hitting .289 with 21 home runs and 52 RBIs at the time of the trade.

Who else was involved: The Rays also got RHP Calvin Faucher in the deal, while minor league pitchers Joe Ryan and Drew Strotman head to Minnesota.

Why it matters: The ageless Cruz was an All-Star in his age-40 season. Not only was he arguably the best bat on the trade market but he’s also known as a stalwart and respected presence in the clubhouse. The defending AL champs got a lot better with this deal.

To stay up to date on all things Twins, click here to register for alerts on the FOX Sports app!

July 21: Dodgers acquire Billy McKinney from the Mets

Key stats: McKinney hit .220 with five home runs in 39 games for the Mets this season.

Who else was involved: The Dodgers sent minor league OF Carlos Rincon and cash to New York.

Why it matters: The Dodgers love players who are versatile, and while McKinney’s numbers don’t dazzle, the left-handed hitter has played all three outfield positions this season. The former first-round pick (Oakland, 2013) has been traded twice this season, five times in his career.

For more up-to-date news on all things Dodgers, click here to register for alerts on the FOX Sports app!

July 16: Braves acquire Stephen Vogt from the Arizona Diamondbacks 

Key stats: Vogt was hitting .212 with five home runs at the time of the trade.

Who else was involved: Atlanta sent Mason Berne, a Low-A first baseman, to Arizona.

Why it matters: The Braves have struggled to find consistency at catcher, and Vogt is the seventh player to suit up behind the plate for Atlanta this season. This is the sixth team in nine seasons for the 36-year-old.

July 15: Braves acquire Joc Pederson from the Cubs 

Key stats: Pederson had a .718 OPS and 11 home runs at the time of the trade.

Who else was involved: The Braves sent 1B Bryce Ball to Chicago. Ball, 22, was hitting .188 at High-A.

Why it matters: The Braves acquired Pederson just a few days after losing Acuña for the season with a torn ACL, so it’s pretty obvious why the deal was made. The left-handed Pederson is known as a tormentor of right-handed pitchers, sporting a career .834 OPS vs. righties compared to just .607 vs. lefties.

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