With the MLB trade deadline looming on Thursday, the Philadelphia Phillies made one of the biggest splashes by acquiring hard-throwing closer Jhoan Durán from the Minnesota Twins, while the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds also bolstered their rosters in a flurry of Wednesday moves.
Durán, 27, is among the most coveted players to change teams this week. The right-hander has a 2.01 ERA, 16 saves and 53 strikeouts in 49 and one-third innings this season. To get him, the Phillies sent two top prospects – catcher Eduardo Tait and right-hander Mick Abel – to Minnesota.
In a rare twist, identical twins Tyler and Taylor Rogers were both dealt on the same day. Tyler Rogers and fellow reliever Ryan Helsley are headed to the Mets, who are in a tight NL East race with the Phillies. The pair joins Edwin Díaz in a suddenly formidable New York bullpen.
Rogers, known for his submarine delivery, has posted a 1.80 ERA with 38 strikeouts and just four walks over 53 appearances for San Francisco. The Mets gave up pitchers José Buttó and Blade Tidwell, along with outfielder Drew Gilbert, to acquire him.
Helsley, a mainstay in St Louis over the past seven seasons, has a 3.00 ERA and 21 saves this year. The Mets sent the Cardinals three minor leaguers: infielder Jesus Baez and right-handers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt.
While many top names – including Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller, Cleveland’s Steven Kwan, and Arizona slugger Eugenio Suárez – remain available, several other deals signaled a market heating up before Thursday’s 6pm ET deadline.
The Reds acquired 2023 Gold Glove third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pirates in exchange for lefty Taylor Rogers, shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura and cash. Hayes, 28, is hitting .236 with two home runs and 36 RBIs this season and is under contract through 2029 with a club option for 2030.
The Yankees added outfielder Austin Slater from the White Sox, seeking a reliable right-handed bat for the stretch run. Slater, 32, has hit .236 with five homers and boasts an .859 OPS against lefties. Chicago received minor league pitcher Gage Ziehl in return.
Other Wednesday trades included:
The Angels acquiring relievers Andrew Chafin and Luis García from the Nationals for lefty Jake Eder and first baseman Sam Brown.
The Braves adding veteran reliever Tyler Kinley from the Rockies for prospect Austin Smith.
The Mariners picking up lefty Caleb Ferguson from the Pirates for right-hander Jeter Martinez.
Meanwhile, Suárez returned to the Diamondbacks’ lineup Wednesday after a finger scare earlier in the week. Arizona, losers of eight of their last nine, may still deal additional players, including pitchers Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen.
