MLB trade deadline 2019: Most intriguing prospects who were dealt
What began as a dull Major League Baseball deadline evolved into an afternoon with playoff ramifications thanks to a flurry of moves in the waning minutes prior to the 4 p.m. cutoff.
By that time, Zack Greinke went from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Houston Astros, reliever Shane Greene was traded by the Detroit Tigers to the Atlanta Braves, and the Tigers also sent Nicholas Castellanos to the Chicago Cubs.
The previous night, Trevor Bauer was involved in a three-team deal that sent him to the Cincinnati Reds, and the New York Mets surprisingly acquired starter Marcus Stroman over the weekend.
In almost each case, prospects served as the key pieces necessary to complete the swaps. According to Baseball America, 20.1 percent of the prospects went on to MLB careers. Here are a few of the bigger names that could have serious impacts for their new teams in either the near future or further down the line.
OF Taylor Trammell (Reds to Padres)
There is no denying the tools and ceiling when it comes to Trammell. The 35th overall pick from 2016, the left fielder hit well through his first three seasons in the minor leagues and was named the 2018 Futures Game MVP.
But upon heading to Class AA this year, his bat slowed down and was batting .236/.349/.336 prior to the trade. His age -- still just 21 -- glove and speed, however, allow him to maintain his status as an elite prospect and arguably the highest-ranked one dealt at this year's deadline.
The Padres had to part with controllable, young outfielder in Franmil Reyes. But by acquiring Trammell, they continued to strengthen one of the strongest systems in the game.
LHP Logan Allen (Padres to Indians)
The Bauer-Trammell deal allowed San Diego to bring in Trammell, but it had to part with another top 100 prospect in Allen. The left-hander made a stellar MLB debut earlier this year but has since seen his ERA rise to 6.75 ERA.
Now, the 22-year-old will change leagues and join the Indians' Class AAA club in Columbus, Ohio. He has four quality pitches and is durable, making him a candidate to serve in a big-league rotation (most likely on the back end) for several seasons.
RHP Corbin Martin (Astros to D-backs)
Martin was one of the primary lures for Arizona to pull the trigger on the Greinke deal. But the D-backs will have to wait for the righty to make an impact; he underwent Tommy John surgery a month ago and likely won't pitch until 2021.
A second-rounder from 2017, Martin reached Class AA last year and the majors in 2019 before getting hurt. When he does return, he'll look to regain his solid control and build up his powerful fastball.
RHP Zac Gallen (Marlins to D-backs)
As the Marlins' major league roster struggled this year, as expected, Gallen got off to a strong start in Class AAA ball (1.77 ERA in 14 starts), despite pitching in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League with the major league ball that is leading to a higher offensive output.
The Marlins called him up for seven starts before the they decided to cash in on his value and dealt him to the Diamondbacks for shortstop prospect Jazz Chisholm.
SS Jazz Chisholm (D-backs to Marlins)
Leading into this year, plenty of hype surrounded Chisholm. The Bahamas native had risen atop the D-backs system rankings thanks to a .329/.369/.597 slash line to end last year in the hitter-friendly California League (Class A Advanced).
Class AA was a different story for the 21-year-old, as he hit .173 in the first half. Chisholm rebounded during the warmer months and has displayed power all year long, clubbing 18 homers so far.
The Gallen-Chisholm one-for-one swap is perhaps the most interesting deal involving prospects this deadline because it points to how one half of a season for a prospect can totally shift his perceived value.
OF Jesus Sanchez (Rays to Marlins)
After spending most of the offseason with no prospects ranked in MLB Pipeline's top 100, the Marlins now have six -- a sign that they are committed to their rebuild.
Their acquisition of Sanchez, a quality defensive player with a high offensive ceiling, for pitchers Nick Anderson and Trevor Richards further confirmed that plan. He reached Class AAA last month and is expected in the majors by next season's end.
RHP J.B. Bukauskas (Astros to D-backs)
Bukauskas offers more of an immediate pitching option for Arizona from the Greinke deal. The right-hander had to come back from an injury during spring training last year but still posted a 2.14 ERA in 14 starts.
He hasn't seen such positive results in Class AA this season, but had a 2.08 ERA over his last four outings. And while Martin may not make an impact for Arizona's big league rotation next season, there's a chance Bukauskas can.
LHP Anthony Kay (Mets to Blue Jays)
Kay had a dazzling start to this season in Class AA, but stumbled upon his promotion to Class AAA. The southpaw has a superb fastball-curveball combo, and the development of his changeup will determine how effective he can be in the Blue Jays rotation.
Toronto saw him and righty Simeon Woods-Richardson as enough to part with Marcus Stroman, who had the rest of this year and next under team control. Kay could make an impact north of the border as soon as next season.