As the dust settles following the MLB trade deadline, teams and fans alike reflect on both successes and disappointments. While some players have thrived and made immediate impacts after switching clubs—such as Jhoan Duran of the Philadelphia Phillies and Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres—others have struggled significantly. Here, we highlight seven players who have underperformed since the deadline, disappointing their new teams and leaving fans questioning the effectiveness of their respective trades.
1. Ryan Helsley (New York Mets)
The New York Mets were hopeful when they acquired two-time All-Star Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals, intending to bolster their bullpen with a proven setup man. Unfortunately, Helsley has stumbled since joining the Mets, recording an 0-3 record alongside a troubling 7.11 ERA in just eight appearances. His struggles have been particularly pronounced, as he has blown three consecutive save opportunities, relegating him to a liability rather than an asset. The Mets must reassess their bullpen strategy as they head deeper into the season.
2. Cedric Mullins (New York Mets)
Another player who has yet to find his footing with the Mets is center fielder Cedric Mullins. Acquired in hopes of revitalizing their offense, Mullins has produced a dismal .196 batting average with a .573 OPS in 16 games since the trade. This performance starkly contrasts with his impressive pre-trade numbers with the Baltimore Orioles, where he highlighted his ability to both hit for power and get on base. As the Mets continue to struggle, Mullins’s inability to deliver on expectations has become a source of frustration for fans.
3. Jake Bird (New York Yankees)
The New York Yankees targeted Jake Bird, hoping he would serve as a competent right-handed reliever following his tenure with the Colorado Rockies. However, Bird’s stint with the Yankees has been disastrous. Over three outings, he allowed six earned runs in just two innings pitched, leading to his demotion back to Triple-A after a particularly harsh outing against the Texas Rangers. His struggles shed light on the risks of relying on middle-relief pitchers, especially those with uneven performance history.
4. Eugenio Suarez (Seattle Mariners)
The Seattle Mariners made a bold move by acquiring All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez, anticipating he would provide much-needed power to their lineup. However, Suarez has been a disappointment since landing in Seattle, mustering only three home runs and a .582 OPS across 19 games. With a postseason push on the horizon, the Mariners require a stronger offensive contribution from Suarez if they hope to make a significant impact in October.
5. Michael Soroka (Chicago Cubs)
The Chicago Cubs took a gamble by trading for Michael Soroka, who was battling injuries and had a subpar 4.87 ERA with the Washington Nationals. Unfortunately, Soroka’s debut with the Cubs was cut short due to shoulder discomfort, leaving him on the injured list and raising questions about his future contributions. For a team that aimed to strengthen its starting rotation, Soroka’s current trajectory presents a hurdle in their postseason ambitions.
6. Jesus Sanchez (Houston Astros)
Outfielder Jesus Sanchez was brought to the Houston Astros with the expectation that he would capitalize on his ability to hit right-handed pitching. Unfortunately, Sanchez has managed a mere .150 batting average and a minuscule .436 OPS, with a particularly concerning 0-for-27 slump. His decline is a significant contrast to his prior performance with the Miami Marlins, where he previously showcased more offensive prowess. The Astros must hope for a turnaround from Sanchez to avoid hindering their chances in competitive games ahead.
7. Harrison Bader (Philadelphia Phillies)
Lastly, the Phillies acquired Harrison Bader in search of a robust right-handed bat to add to their outfield. Having enjoyed a successful stint with the Minnesota Twins—where he tallied 12 home runs and an OPS of .778—Bader’s move to Philadelphia has seen him struggle significantly. In 15 games, his average sits at .200, with just one home run and a disappointing .591 OPS. As the Phillies enter key matchups, Bader’s unfulfilled potential could pose challenges for the team in their pursuit of success.
Conclusion
The MLB trade deadline always comes with heightened expectations, and these seven players have found themselves on the wrong side of opportunity. Each player has faced their unique challenges, whether it’s finding a new rhythm, adapting to different playing styles, or battling injuries. As teams assess their future strategies, the performances of these players will undoubtedly provoke introspection on both ends of the trades, influencing how franchises approach similar situations in subsequent seasons.
Understanding the fluidity of talent and individual performance within the unpredictable landscape of Major League Baseball is vital. Whether players turn their fortunes around remains to be seen, but for now, their struggles highlight the inherent risks teams take when making trades during the high-stakes atmosphere surrounding the trade deadline.
