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MLB Trades: Last Year's Losers Are 2026 Winners
30 Jul
Summary
- Three impactful MLB trades from last year are still shaping current standings.
- Deals' success hinges on long-term player control, not initial cost.
- Future impact of player control is the key differentiator for trade success.
While many MLB teams quickly graded last year's trade deadline deals, a closer look reveals a different story a year later. Several teams that were initially hailed as winners faltered, while others that made quieter moves are now reaping the rewards.
Three specific trades from the 2025 deadline continue to significantly influence the 2026 standings. These deals highlight that the true value lies not in the prospects traded, but in the long-term control of the acquired players. This perspective redefines how trade success is measured, looking beyond immediate October potential.
The San Diego Padres' acquisition of Mason Miller from the Athletics, which cost them top prospect Leo De Vries, has proven costly in terms of immediate playoff success. However, Miller's exceptional performance and club control through 2029 offer a renewed opportunity for the Padres.
The Toronto Blue Jays' less-publicized acquisition of Louis Varland and Ty France from the Minnesota Twins is now paying dividends. Varland's impact in the postseason and his All-Star status, with control through 2030, underscore the value of overlooked deals.
Similarly, the Seattle Mariners' rental of Josh Naylor proved transformative. After a strong two-month performance and postseason success, Naylor was signed to a five-year, $92.5 million contract, anchoring the Mariners' lineup through 2030 and helping them win the AL West for the first time since 2001.
The overarching lesson from these three impactful trades is the critical importance of player control. Whether it's Miller's tenure through 2029, Varland's through 2030, or Naylor's through the same year, these long-term commitments have cemented their teams' competitiveness and reshaped expectations for the upcoming trade deadline.
