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5 defining MLB trades that shaped the 2024 season ft. Jack Flaherty to the Dodgers

Ask any baseball fan and they'll tell you that MLB trades are some of the most exciting moments of the season. The right deal at the right time can be the difference between winning and losing the World Series, and while not every trade holds that much gravity behind it, they help reshape the MLB landscape.

It was no different in 2024. A number of teams decided to either become buyers or sellers throughout the year, with several notable MLB trades taking place. From All-Stars moved in blockbusters to veteran rentals moving to contenders, trade season might be the best time of the year for many baseball fans.

Here's a look a 5 MLB trades that made a major impact on the 2024 season

#5 - Lucas Erceg to the Royals

Although Lucas Erceg may not be a household name, he may be part of one of the most underrated MLB trades of the year. The Kansas City Royals bullpen was inconsistent at best this past season and by acquiring Erceg from the Athletics in exchange for prospects Mason Barnett, Will Klein and Jared Dickey on July 30. Erceg recorded 11 saves for the Royals following the deal, helping them reach the ALDS.

#4 - Lane Thomas to the Guardians

Another MLB trade that may have gone under the radar was the Cleveland Guardians acquiring Lane Thomas from the Washington Nationals for prospects Alex Clemmey, Rafael Ramirez Jr. and José Tena. Thomas' tenure with the club started off slowly. However, he played a key role in the postseason, including a massive grand slam in Game 5 of the ALDS vs. the Detroit Tigers.

#3 - Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Yankees

The New York Yankees pulled off one of the biggest MLB trades of the deadline by landing the dynamic Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins on July 27. The Yankees sent three prospects back in the deal, Agustin Ramirez, Jared Serna and Abrahan Ramirez. Jazz made an immediate impact on his club, launching home run after home run, while also helping fill a dire need at 3rd base.

#2 - Tommy Edman, Michael Kopech and Jack Flaherty to the Dodgers

This might be cheating because they were two separate trades. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers helped bolster their roster ahead of a World Series run by landing Tommy Edman, Michael Kopech and Oliver Gonzalez in a three-team MLB trade with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago White Sox on July 29.

The eventual champs were not done, also bringing veteran starter Jack Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for prospects Thayron Liranzo and Trey Sweeney. The new additions played significant roles for the Dodgers en route to a World Series title. This is a prime example of how MLB trades can reshape the playoff race.

#1 - Luis Arraez to the Padres

Although this could be controversial since the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres in the postseason, Luis Arraez proved to be a game-changer for the Friars. After being acquired from the Marlins on May 4 for Nathan Martorella, Dillon Head, Jakob Marsee and Woo-Suk Go.

Following the first significant MLB trade of the year, the three-time batting champion picked up right where he left off, bringing his elite on-base skills to San Diego. Arraez earned an All-Star selection for his exploits with his new team, posting a .318 batting average in 117 games following the deal.

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