MLB Trading Deadline: The Things That Annoy Me

I like the MLB trading deadline as much as the next. The speculation, the potential deals and the names discussed make for great conversation. However, I do get annoyed, perturbed, bothered, name the adjective when I hear certain names and teams mentioned. This usually involves teams that are deemed as “sellers” and players that are viewed as “available”. Now, there is a good chance that all three of our teams will benefit from these conditions. As a fan of the game, these situations still bother me because we have fan bases involved that have been repeatedly kicked at this time of year.

Here are my three items for this deadline that really make me frown. Keep in mind I don’t speak for the fans of the teams involved so maybe they don’t have an issue with what is going on. I speak from an outsider’s perspective.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The first domino fell with third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes being sent to the Cincinnati Reds earlier today. The name that has been talked about seemingly since May is pitcher Mitch Keller. Why, Pittsburgh, why? Keller does not become a free agent until 2029, so yes, he theoretically can bring back a great return. But again, why? Do Pirates’ fans trust that the players coming back will actually pan out? Even more of a problem for me is the Bucs have assembled a solid rotation with Keller, Paul Skenes and Bailey Falter. If they can manage to put a decent lineup around this trio, then we are talking about a team that contend in 2026. That also means keeping closer David Bednar, also mentioned in trade discussions and is controlled through next season. Fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates deserve much better than seeing their team raided year after year at the deadline.

Miami Marlins

Maybe it is just a rumor but the Marlins did make the playoffs in 2023. They took a giant step backwards last season because their entire starting rotation landed on the injured list. Pitcher Sandy Alcantara has been seemingly been talked about in trade rumors for the last four years. You would think that with Miami going 28-22 since June 1 to crawl their way to the fringes of a playoff spot that any talk of Alcantara being moved would die down. You would be wrong. It is the Marlins so nothing is off the table when it comes to player movement. I don’t expect them to become buyers which is fine. However, it would be a big disappointment to trade the former Cy Young Award winner just as his team is turning things around.

Cleveland Guardians

Did we forget that it was just last year that the Guardians reached the American League Championship Series? So a semi lost season later, there is this need to tear the thing down? I get it, outfielder Steven Kwan may command a significant return with him being under control until 2028. But this team still has Jose Ramirez, one of the best players in baseball. Perhaps the investigation into Emmanuel Clase‘s alleged gambling activities, himself the subject of trade rumors, has forced Cleveland into the possibility of selling. However, with Ramirez at 33 years old, the Guardians should be doing everything in their power to add help for him, particularly since he signed the most club friendly contract in baseball history. Suck it up, Guardians, keep Kwan, hope Clase gets cleared and take a run at 2026.