Which MLB Teams Missed Out on the Trade Deadline? No Guts, No Glory

Detroit Tigers

Odds available at Bovada

• +350 (#1) to Win AL
• +900 (T #2) to Win World Series

With Detroit having lost Jacob Jobe and Reese Olson, they were busy attempting to load up on pitching. The Tigers acquired starters Chris Paddack and Charlie Morton and relievers Kyle Finnegan, Paul Sewald, Rafael Montero, and Codi Heuer.

Paddock and Morton are merely experienced #5 starters at best on ordinary teams, not pennant contenders. The collection of bullpen hurlers would not appear to help what’s been the #23 bullpen since June 1.

Detroit’s immediate future looks bright for the next few seasons; nevertheless, the parity in the American League lends itself to grab the moment, and the Tigers played it as if they hoped the new pitchers would help, rather than knowing.

Chicago Cubs

Odds available at Bovada

• +600 (#4) to Win NL
• +1200 (#7) to Win World Series

The Cubs talked about being aggressive at the trade deadline, but were not. Once again, the Cubs front office spoke a good game and proved that talk was cheap. 3B Eugenio Suarez, nope. Merrill Kelly as starter, not on the north side. Instead, marginal pitchers (at best) in Michael Soroka and Andrew Kittredge join Chicago’s roster.

Very underwhelming, especially considering what the Mets and Phillies did, who have lower odds to start with to win the NL. Adding third baseman/utility man Willi Castro adds depth and is a good player, but a difference-maker over the final two months and the postseason? It seems the Cubs’ ownership is not sold that this team can reach the Fall Classic by their inaction.  

Cincinnati Reds

Odds available at Bovada

• +5000 (#6) to Win NL
• +10000 (#15) to Win World Series

In spring training, Cincinnati was a popular betting choice to win the NL Central. The Cubs were improved, but like Milwaukee, they did not project as a 90-win team. The Reds’ pitching seemed like it could be competitive daily; it was up to the offense to push them over the top in a very hitter-friendly ballpark.

Barring complete collapses in Chicago and Milwaukee, the Cubs and Brewers are heading to the postseason. On July 31, the day of the trade deadline, Cincy was three games behind San Diego for the final wild card slot. The Padres made a flurry of moves (though some were superficial), and the Reds yawned.

Cincinnati acquired Gold Glove third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes (from Pittsburgh). That’s good. What isn’t good is that he’s one of the worst everyday hitters in the majors. Thus, unless Hayes fields brilliantly four or five times a game, his worth will be offset at the plate.

Cincinnati’s starting pitchers are #8 in run prevention, so adding Zack Littell didn’t make sense. That is less so since he’s been taken deep more than any pitcher to this juncture in 2025.

Minnesota Twins

Odds available at Bovada

• +10000 (#11) to Win AL
• +35000 (#23) to Win World Series

Minnesota doesn’t fit the profile of the other teams we have talked about; they were not going to win the AL or reach the World Series. The Twins had very little chance of even making the playoffs. And they acted like it.

Minnesota traded away three players from the daily batting order, plus another that started at least four times a week. The Twins moved their FIVE best relief pitchers, including ace closer Jhoan Duran. Talk about a roster overhaul!

The Pohlad’s own Minnesota, and just like in business, you can make your team more attractive for purchase with low expenditures. The losers in all this are the Twins fans; almost assuredly, they won’t be competitive for a few years, unless the new owners choose to win.

Honorable Mention

Milwaukee Brewers

Odds available at Bovada

• +750 (#5) to Win NL
• +1500 (T-#23) to Win World Series

The evening of the trade deadline, Milwaukee had the best record in baseball. They have excellent starting pitching, an average bullpen, and are #6 in runs scored. Given the position they were in, one would have thought adding a couple of relievers would be wise with the return of Brandon Woodruff to the rotation.

Adding 34-year-old Shelby Miller (1.98 ERA) isn’t considered impactful, especially since he’s not pitched since July 5 with Arizona. Sometimes you have to go get it, which definitely seems the case in 2025, even for a small market club. 

*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.