Trade Deadline Poll: Key Deals and Surprises

In the wake of the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline, experts have shared their assessments of the most significant trades, unexpected moves, and overall impacts on the playoff race. The trade period saw several noteworthy moves that are still being analyzed.

Among the most impactful trades, Casey Mize, a right-handed pitcher from the Padres, topped the list for those most likely to make a strong playoff impact, receiving 8 votes from MLB.com experts. Following closely were Tarik Skubal, now with the Dodgers (7 votes), and several others, including Foster Griffin from the Guardians and Robbie Ray, also of the Padres. The Padres, typically active at the deadline, made critical pitching acquisitions even though they were under pressure from their season’s performance, at one point falling 3 games below .500. This slump prompted rumors about key player trades, but after a string of wins, they shifted back to a buying position.

Luis García Jr. of the Yankees emerged as the position player expected to have the greatest effect, garnering 12 votes. The Yankees, in need of hitting reinforcement, traded for García, who made an immediate impact by hitting a crucial home run in his debut against the Cardinals. On their side, the Yankees faced ongoing injuries with players like Aaron Judge, making García's performance pivotal for their attempts to close in on the Rays in the AL East.

Opinions also favored Tarik Skubal as the pitcher most likely to shine in October’s postseason, with 25 votes. The Dodgers, betting on Skubal's talents for the upcoming playoffs, aim to enhance their rotation alongside healthy returns from their star pitchers. Meanwhile, the Cubs bolstered their ranks by acquiring both Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes to address ongoing rotation issues.

As for the best buyers in this trade market, the Dodgers received the highest praise, earning 10 votes for their strategic acquisition of Skubal and Kris Bubic, a 2025 All-Star pitcher. The Cubs followed closely with 9 votes for improving their pitching staff significantly. On the selling side, the Angels came out ahead with 11 votes despite their reluctance to offload talent. The trade period's aftermath continues to be a major discussion point among fans and analysts alike.