MLB Trade Deadline Recap

With the MLB trade deadline officially passed, it's time to take a look at which teams improved themselves the most, and which sold out the hardest. 
 
The Los Angeles Dodgers obviously stole the show by acquring All-Star third baseman Manny Machado from the Baltimore Orioles two weeks ago, but things have only gotten crazier since. The last-place Orioles completed their fire sale today, shipping off pitchers Kevin Gausman and Darren O'Day to the Braves, while sending elite reliever Zach Britton to the division rival Yankees.
 
The Dodgers, meanwhile, have continued adding pieces as they try to return to the Fall Classic. They picked up former NL saves leader John Axford from the Toronto Blue Jays, as well as slugging second baseman Brian Dozier from the Minnesota Twins. In fact, a trio of All-Star second baseman were on the move today. In addition to Dozier, the Angels sent Ian Kinsler to the Red Sox, while the aforementioned Orioles dealt Jonathan Schoop to the Brewers. 
 
Speaking of the Twins, they dumped everything that wasn't nailed down to the floor after an utterly disappointing season. In addition to sending Dozier out west, they sent third baseman Eduardo Escobar to the Diamondbacks, starter Lance Lynn to the Yankees, and relievers Zach Duke and Ryan Pressly to the Mariners and Astros, respectively. 
 
The biggest surprise of the day has to be the Pittsburgh Pirates snagging pitcher Chris Archer from the Tampa Bay Rays. While the two time All-Star Archer has long been in trade rumors, that it was the Pirates who acquired him shows just how far their fortunes have turned since the offseason. After trading faces of the franchise Andrew McCutchen and Gerrit Cole over the winter, everyone expected a rebuilding year in western Pennsylvania. Instead, they sit above .500, and their playoff hopes are still very much alive. They also went out and got good young closer Keone Kela from the Texas Rangers. 
 
As usual, the always-rebuilding Marlins jettisoned anyone who might eventually cost them some money. They dealt rangy outfielder Cameron Maybin to the Mariners and reliever Brad Ziegler to the Diamondbacks. The D-Backs also picked up pitcher Jake Diekman from Texas to bolster their push, while the Mariners also acquired pitcher Adam Warren from the Yankees in their quest to finally return to the playoffs. 
 
The first-place Philadelphia Phillies made some key additions of their own, picking up veteran infielder Asdrubal Cabrera from the Mets as well as All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos from Tampa Bay. Surprisingly, the Rays were not entirely sellers on this day. They acquired disgruntled but highly productive outfielder Tommy Pham from the Cardinals. Pham should immediately slot in as Tampa's best outfielder.
 
Be sure to check back to WhoReps as we look at the developing MLB playoff race. Thanks for tuning in!