RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 5 sourcesThe 2026 MLB trade deadline featured blockbuster deals from start to finish, with contenders across baseball making aggressive moves to improve their chances of reaching the World Series.
While several teams upgraded their rosters, a handful stood out by addressing multiple weaknesses and significantly improving their outlook for the remainder of the season.
Here are the four biggest winners of this year’s deadline.
MORE: 2026 MLB Trade Deadline deal tracker & analysis
Los Angeles Dodgers
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) stands on the mound against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The Dodgers once again proved why they’re never afraid to make the biggest move available.
Landing Tarik Skubal gave Los Angeles another ace to pair with an already loaded rotation, creating arguably the best pitching staff in baseball. The Dodgers also added left-hander Kris Bubic, providing valuable rotation depth, while strengthening their catching depth with another deadline acquisition.
Once again, the Dodgers found a way to make the richest roster in baseball even stronger.
Boston Red Sox
May 8, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (35) celebrates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Athletics at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images Boston entered the deadline as the hottest team in baseball and only improved from there.
The Red Sox landed franchise catcher Adley Rutschman, giving them an elite defensive catcher and middle-of-the-order switch-hitter once he returns from the injured list. They also bolstered an already excellent bullpen by acquiring left-handed reliever Erik Miller.
MORE: Updated 2026 World Series odds following the Dodgers’ trade for Tarik Skubal
Tampa Bay Rays
May 29, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images The Rays quietly addressed two of their biggest weaknesses.
Adding Freddy Peralta gives Tampa Bay another impact starter at a time when the rotation needed reinforcement, while catcher Liam Hicks provides an upgrade behind the plate and additional depth to the lineup.
Those moves could prove invaluable as the Rays battle for playoff positioning in the American League.
San Diego Padres
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray (38) delivers a pitch in first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Few teams were more aggressive than San Diego.
The Padres dramatically reshaped their rotation by acquiring both Robbie Ray and Casey Mize, turning a position of weakness into one of the club’s biggest strengths.
After entering the deadline desperately needing starting pitching, San Diego emerged with two proven starters capable of making a major impact during the postseason race. If both perform as expected, the Padres could become one of the National League’s most dangerous teams over the final two months of the season.
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