Red Sox & Orioles Become Sellers at Trade Deadline to Astros Benefit

Although both the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox are within striking distance of the third AL Wild Card berth, both teams have decided to become sellers at the trade deadline and the chief beneficiary is the Houston Astros.

The O's traded beloved DH Trey Mancini to the Astros. Mancini had spent his entire professional career in Baltimore and won the hearts of baseball fans everywhere as he battled back from cancer en route to becoming AL Comeback Player of the Year last season. Orioles fans aren't especially surprised as Camden Yards gave Mancini a rousing ovation last week after he hit an inside the park HR in what proved to be his final at bat as an Oriole. This deal also involved the Tampa Bay Rays who received outfielder Jose Siri from the Astros.

The Astros also acquired catcher Christian Vazquez from the Boston Red Sox. As it happens, the Red Sox are playing the Astros in Houston so Vazquez only had to change clubhouses. The Red Sox also dealt reliever Jake Diekman to the Chicago White Sox for backup catcher Reese McGuire while also acquiring outfielder Tommy Pham from the Cincinnati Reds. Pham's biggest hit this season was when he struck San Francisco Giants outfielder Joc Pederson over fantasy football. 

Although perhaps the most peculiar trade was between the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres who exchanged closers Josh Hader and Taylor Rogers. The Brewers lead the NL Central while the Padres have the second NL Wild Card berth. I don't think this trade makes either team better at least in the short term although the Brewers did get some prospects out of it. 

The New York Yankees added pitching depth by acquiring starting pitcher Frankie Montas and reliever Lou Trivino from the Oakland A's while also adding submariner Scott Effross from the Chicago Cubs. 

The St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly acquired veteran southpaw Jose Quintana and reliever Chris Stratton from the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates. The Detroit Tigers have sent veteran outfielder Robbie Grossman to the Atlanta Braves. The Braves also acquired starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi from the Astros in exchange for reliever Will Smith while reuniting with utility player Ehire Adrianza plucking him from the Washington Nationals.

With a little over 18 hours left in the MLB trade deadline, all eyes are on Washington as Juan Soto is very likely to be dealt along with Josh Bell and perhaps a cast of thousands. We shall see what stages they next appear on tomorrow evening.