The MLB trade deadline has passed, and New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman once again showcased his prowess, while Boston Red Sox CBO Craig Breslow fell short.
Cashman executed five trades, acquiring relievers David Bednar, Jake Bird, and Camilo Doval, plus shortstop José Caballero and outfielder Wilberson De Pena. He also secured outfielder Austin Slater, infielders Ryan McMahon, and Amed Rosario earlier. Remarkably, Cashman preserved his top five prospects, including George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones, and traded his No. 8 prospect, catcher Rafael Flores, for an All-Star closer under control through 2026.
Breslow, however, made only two deadline deals, landing starter Dustin May and reliever Steven Matz. His notable pre-deadline move was trading All-Star Rafael Devers to the Giants in June. Breslow then flipped James Tibbs III, the No. 5 Red Sox prospect from the Devers deal, to the Dodgers for May, a rental player set to hit free agency post-World Series.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield labeled the Yankees deadline winners for boosting depth and versatility, despite not adding a starter. Conversely, he called the Red Sox losers, noting they could have addressed first base or traded from their outfield surplus but opted for caution after a 17-7 July. Schoenfield suggested a stronger starter than May or a high-impact reliever would have helped.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal was harsher, branding Breslow’s deadline an “epic fail,” following a lackluster 2024 deadline. Rosenthal criticized Boston’s feeble pursuit of Twins starter Joe Ryan and their failure to address first base, despite interest in Eugenio Suárez.
He questioned their reliance on analytics for “efficient” deals, urging bolder action. Rosenthal noted May’s underwhelming track record and Matz’s limited role as a swingman, arguing Boston needed more for a rising team with no guaranteed future success.
The Red Sox (59-51) sit third in the AL East, five games behind the Blue Jays and 1.5 games behind the Yankees in the Wild Card race. FanGraphs gives the Yankees a 93.7% playoff chance, compared to Boston’s 61.2%. If Boston misses the postseason, Breslow’s inaction could haunt the Red Sox.
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