Ranking 5 Under-the-Radar MLB Trade Deadline Deals Bound to Pay Dividends

1. Josh Naylor – Mariners Add Grit and Production

The Seattle Mariners' acquisition of Josh Naylor didn’t grab national headlines, but it might be one of the most impactful moves of the deadline. The Mariners gave up two mid-tier prospects for one of baseball’s most consistent first basemen, who’s also swiped an eye-catching 22 bases this season. Naylor’s contact skills, run production, and energy are tailor-made for a playoff chase.

With the Mariners just a game back in the AL West, his presence deepens an already dangerous lineup. It provides another sparkplug alongside fellow acquisition from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Eugenio Suárez.

For a team eyeing October baseball, Naylor’s mix of skill and swagger could be a difference-maker.

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4. Griffin Jax – Rays Bet on Bullpen Upside

When Griffin Jax requested a trade, the Minnesota Twins found a match with the Tampa Bay Rays, shipping him out for young starter Taj Bradley. The deal gives Minnesota a controllable rotation piece, while the Rays add a reliever with elite swing-and-miss metrics.

Jax’s ERA has spiked to 4.93 this year, but his 39.2% chase rate and 37.3% whiff rate remain elite. Tampa’s track record with bullpen makeovers suggests he could rebound quickly.

If the Rays unlock his four-seam fastball — currently getting hit hard — Jax could become a late-inning force during a potential playoff push.

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3. Tyler Rogers – Mets Build a Bullpen Wall

The New York Mets paid a premium for Tyler Rogers, sending two top-12 prospects and righty José Buttó to the San Francisco Giants for the funky submarine reliever. Critics called it an overpay for a rental, but Rogers’ track record speaks for itself — a career 2.78 ERA and elite contact suppression.

He joins Edwin Díaz and Ryan Helsley to form one of MLB’s nastiest late-game trios. With his near-zero walk rate and ground-ball heavy approach, Rogers gives New York a different look in high-leverage spots, and his postseason experience could prove invaluable if the Mets make a deep October run.

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2. Merrill Kelly – Rangers Shore Up Rotation Depth

The Texas Rangers landed one of the few impact starters moved at the deadline, sending three pitching prospects to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Merrill Kelly. Healthy again after an injury-affected 2024, Kelly was in top form with a 3.22 ERA over 22 starts for the D-backs. His addition gives Texas a steady No. 3 behind Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, critical for a team with championship ambitions.

While his first two outings with Texas have been rocky, Kelly’s durability and ability to limit damage could make him a stabilizing force down the stretch and into the postseason.

1. Josh Naylor – Mariners Add Grit and Production

The Seattle Mariners' acquisition of Josh Naylor didn’t grab national headlines, but it might be one of the most impactful moves of the deadline. The Mariners gave up two mid-tier prospects for one of baseball’s most consistent first basemen, who’s also swiped an eye-catching 22 bases this season. Naylor’s contact skills, run production, and energy are tailor-made for a playoff chase.

With the Mariners just a game back in the AL West, his presence deepens an already dangerous lineup. It provides another sparkplug alongside fellow acquisition from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Eugenio Suárez.

For a team eyeing October baseball, Naylor’s mix of skill and swagger could be a difference-maker.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.