The 2020 MLB trade deadline is one like no other. We’ll likely never see a deadline like this one again. The playoffs have been expanded so there are more teams in a postseason position midway through the season, causing more trades. Let’s recap some of the deals that have been made recently.
Mike Clevinger
The San Diego Padres acquired right-handed pitcher Mike Clevinger from the Cleveland Indians in a multiplayer deal made Monday morning. This move bolsters a pitching staff that needs help desperately.
San Diego received Mike Clevinger, Greg Allen, and a player to be named later for promising young prospects Josh Naylor, pitcher Cal Quantrill, and catcher Austin Hedges.
Clevinger was 13-4 with an ERA of 2.71 in 21 starts last season. Clevinger is under team control until 2022.
Cleveland is in playoff contention, with a 21-13 record, but Cleveland was eager to get rid of Mike Clevinger because he was caught breaking the team’s COVID-19 protocols a few weeks ago, which caused the team to send him to their alternate training site. His teammates were not pleased with him either, especially because their manager Terry Francona has heart problems.
Clevinger and teammate Zach Pleasac were caught leaving the team’s hotel in Chicago, and socialized outside of the team’s bubble and missed curfew. Clevinger eventually returned to Cleveland’s rotation this week and pitched six strong innings against the Twins.
Mike Minor
The Oakland Athletics’ received starting pitcher Mike Minor from the Texas Rangers in exchange for two players to be named later.
The Athletics’ are taking a risk in acquiring Minor, as he had a good season last year earning his first all-star appearance, going 14-10 with a 3.59 ERA and 200 strikeouts. However, this season he has taken a step back going 0-5 with a 5.60 ERA.
Minor provides help to a rotation that ranks 8th in the A.L. in ERA. Assuming Oakland continues to use Minor in the rotation, he’ll join fellow lefties Sean Manaea and Jesus Luzardo.
Mitch Moreland
The Padres seem to be acquiring everybody, and they got help at first base by adding Mitch Moreland from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for outfielder Jeisson Rosario, infielder Hudson Potts.
The 35-year-old first baseman led the Red Sox in batting average, homers, and RBI’s. He has a team option for 20201 worth $3-million.
Moreland was bound to get traded as he was playing for a Red Sox team that is way out of contention; he joins a team that already leads the league in OPS.
Robbie Ray
The Blue Jays add a much-needed arm to their rotation, as they acquire Robbie Ray from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for relief pitcher Travis Bergen.
Ray is currently in the worst season of his career, as he possesses an ERA close to 8. Ray also leads the league in earned runs (27) and walks (31) in 7 starts.
However, he has 43 strikeouts in 31 innings. His K/9 rate is 11.9, which is well above average and is encouraging for Jays fans.
The Diamondbacks will receive Travis Bergen, who threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief in his only outing of the season for Toronto. He is under team control through 2025.
Tommy Milone
In a more under the radar deal, the Braves acquire pitcher Tommy Milone from the Baltimore Orioles for two players to be named later.
Milone was the Orioles’ opening day starter. The Orioles got off to a surprisingly good start to the season but have since sunken back to fourth place in the American League East, making them obvious sellers.
Milone has an ERA of 3.99 on the season in 6 starts for the Orioles in 2020. However, in his last start against the Phillies, he allowed seven runs in 2 1/3 innings.
