MLB Trade Deadline 2023: 5 terrible deals that made teams look worse

Modified Aug 02, 2023 10:30 GMT

Spencer Howard of the Texas Rangers and Luis Urias of the Milwaukee Brewers were both traded in the final hours of the deadline

As the dust settles on the 2023 MLB trade deadline, several teams have a new look while others have some familiar faces returning.

While some teams have made several major changes to their roster, others have remained largely unchanged due to an unwillingness to make major moves.

Here's a look at some of the worst trades that have made teams look worse:

#1 Luis Urias to the Boston Red Sox

After much debate on whether the Boston Red Sox would be buyers or sellers in the market this year, they ended up being neither. Their only acquisition came in the form of infielder Luis Urias from the Milwaukee Brewers, who was optioned straight away to Triple-A Worcester.

#2 Spencer Howard to the New York Yankees

While the addition of Spencer Howard from the Texas Rangers for cash considerations is not necessarily a bad move, it is arguably not what the New York Yankees needed.

The addition does not bring much to the club, which will still have to rely on the players they already have to turn things around in the MLB this season.

#3 Ryan Yarbrough to the Los Angeles Dodgers

After being connected to the likes of Justin Verlander and Eduardo Rodriguez ahead of the deadline, the LA Dodgers missed out on both and had to settle with Yarbrough instead. It is clearly not what they had in mind, but could well turn out to be a good move.

#4 Josh Bell to the Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins offloaded Jason Segura and Kahlil Watson in return for first baseman Josh Bell. The move is clearly a result of Segura's dismal form this season and their willingness to get anything in return for offloading him.

#5 Jack Flaherty to the Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles were linked to the likes of several big-name pitchers, including Justin Verlander, ahead of the deadline but instead landed on Jack Flaherty of the St. Louis Cardinals.

They gave up their no. 16 and no.18 prospects in return for a pitcher who has clearly deteriorated since his Cy Young award contention days in 2019.

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Other low-grade trades completed ahead of the MLB trade deadline

Apart from the trades mentioned above, another significant loser in the MLB trade deadline has been the Kansas City Royals' acquisition of Taylor Hearn in exchange for Nicky Lopez from the Atlanta Braves.

The Royals gave up a valuable major league regular for a player past his best days who currently has a 5.26 ERA as a major leaguer.

About the author

Nishant Borooah is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2023 and has a degree in Media Studies and Journalism.

Nishant is currently pursuing a diploma in Sports Marketing, and his interest in baseball was piqued early on by his father, who fell in love with baseball as a student in the US. His father used to regale him with stories about America's favorite pastime and they have left an impression on him.

Currently residing in Toronto, Nishant is a Blue Jays fan. revering Ichiro Suzuki growing up, Nishant remains in awe of the Japanese legend's longevity and sheer passion for the game. Suzuki's return to the Seattle Mariners in 2018 remains one of Nishant's favorite MLB moments.

One of Nishant's strengths is that he always covers the technical side of the story, and he is also particular about historical context to ensure articles are informative and easy to follow.

Besides being a writer, Nishant is also a soccer coach who has worked with several clubs in India like Shillong Lajong FC and RoundGlass Punjab FC.

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Edited by Veer Badani