MLB trade deadline sees Brewers, Pirates and Padres acquire pitching help in three deals
Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and San Diego each added right-handed or left-handed pitchers in deadline trades, while the Cardinals, Mets and Giants received prospects and cash considerations.
Milwaukee traded outfield prospects Alexander Frías and Josiah Ragsdale to St. Louis for right-hander Dustin May and left-hander JoJo Romero. The Brewers aim to strengthen both their rotation and bullpen as they pursue a World Series berth, while the Cardinals acquire two young position-player prospects.
Pittsburgh sent shortstop Sammy Stafura to New York in exchange for right-hander Luke Weaver and cash. Weaver, who improved his cutter usage this season, is expected to bolster a bullpen that has been a weakness for the Pirates. The Mets receive a high-average, power-showing prospect in Stafura, who posted a .301/.365/.656 line at High-A Greensboro.
San Diego acquired left-hander Robbie Ray from San Francisco for right-hander Miguel Méndez and shortstop Joniel Hernández. Ray, returning from Tommy-John surgery, posted a 3.42 ERA over 305 innings last season and is viewed as an upgrade to the Padres' starting staff. The Giants obtain a young shortstop prospect in Hernández, who hit .303/.424/.503 in the Dominican Summer League, and a projectable starter in Méndez.