It’s been just over a week since the MLB trade deadline and the dust is still settling on some of the year’s biggest trades. Pitchers were most in demand for teams looking to mount a postseason charge, and top names to switch allegiances included two 3-time Cy Young winners, a former All-Star, and a World Series champ.
Max Scherzer, New York Mets to Texas Rangers
Arguably the biggest trade of 2023 arrived in the shape of Max Scherzer’s move from the slumping New York Mets to the Texas Rangers. Enjoying their best season for over a decade, and in first place in the AL West, the Rangers went all in and brought “Mad Max” down to Dallas, providing themselves with one of MLB’s best rotations in the process. A 3-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series champion, Scherzer’s experience and on-field grit could go a long way towards helping the Rangers take home their very first Commissioner's Trophy in October. Scherzer's next start on the mound is likely to take place on Monday 14 August against the LA Angels at Globe Life Field.
Justin Verlander, New York Mets to Houston Astros
While most of the traded pitchers on this list are heading to pastures new, Justin Verlander is returning to a very familiar place – Minute Maid Park. A vital member of both the Astros’ World Series winning teams in 2017 and 2022, Verlander knows his way around Houston and will be determined to win the city its third World Series title. Now 40 years old, Verlander – whose Hall-of-Fame-level career has included 3 Cy Youngs, 3 no-hitters, and 9 All-Star appearances – will next take the ball on Friday 11 August for a home game against the LA Angels.
Jack Flaherty, St. Louis Cardinals to Baltimore Orioles
At 27 years of age, Jack Flaherty was the youngest of the headline pitchers traded at the 2023 MLB trade deadline. Now with a Baltimore Orioles team that continues to defy pre-season predictions, the right-hander will fit seamlessly into the young side that leads the entire American League. Flaherty will next take to the mound on 9 August against the Houston Astros, and then is likely to do so again on 14 August against the Padres at Petco Park.
Lance Lynn, Chicago White Sox to LA Dodgers
Over 6 foot, 5 inches tall, and weighing more than 250 pounds, Lance Lynn is an imposing and powerful pitcher who relies on a fast ball to blow batters away. Though it’s not been Lynn’s best season on the mound, a sparkling career that includes 2 All-Star appearances and a World Series win were enough to persuade the LA Dodgers to trade for the experienced right-hander. Lynn’s next start for the Dodgers is likely to be on Friday 11 August when his new team welcome the Colorado Rockies to Dodger Stadium.
Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox to LA Angels
Sitting in fourth place in the AL Central, 14 games behind the division leaders, the Chicago White Sox decided to cut their losses in the summer of 2023 and trade not only Lance Lynn, but another major part of their rotation in the form of Lucas Giolito. A highly-regarded 29-year old with a no-hitter and an All-Star appearance to his name, Giolito will now play alongside Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout for a Los Angeles Angels team determined to make the most of their deeply talented squad. Giolito’s next start is likely to be on 15 August against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
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