MLB teams are always looking for ways to improve their rosters so they can reach their ultimate goal of winning the World Series. One way to do so is by engaging in trades. Teams can freely trade players throughout the regular MLB season up until the Trade Deadline, which falls on July 30 at 6 p.m. ET this year. Shortly after the World Series concludes, the trade market opens back up, and teams can once again make big moves to upgrade their roster during the off-season and prepare for the upcoming season. As we get ready for the 2024 season, let’s take a look at some of the biggest MLB trades of the off-season so you know who went where.
Shohei Ohtani — Los Angeles Angels to Los Angeles Dodgers
After the 2023 season ended, baseball fans all over the world eagerly waited to see where the most-coveted free agent would end up — and they didn’t have to wait too long. On Dec. 9, 2023, Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700-million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. It shattered records for the largest North American sports contract in history. Fortunately for SoCal locals, the two-way superstar isn’t leaving the LA area anytime soon.
Juan Soto — San Diego Padres to New York Yankees
Another big name in baseball, the Padres traded outfielder Juan Soto to the Yankees as part of a seven-player blockbuster deal. Soto will earn $31.5 million for this one-year contract, which also sets a new record for an arbitration-eligible player (topping Ohtani’s salary from last year). As part of this deal, the Padres also sent Trent Grisham to the Yankees, while in exchange, the Yankees traded Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez, Kyle Higashioka and pitching prospect Drew Thorpe.
Josh Hader — San Diego Padres to Houston Astros
Relief pitcher Josh Hader agreed to a five-year, $95-million contract with the Houston Astros, leaving behind the Padres. The five-time All-Star will take over closing duties, as news of the trade came shortly after the Astros lost Kendall Graveman (who is expected to miss the entire 2024 season due to shoulder surgery). The deal fell just short of breaking the record for the largest contract ever given to a relief pitcher.
Tyler Glasnow — Tampa Bay Rays to Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers didn’t just stop after acquiring Ohtani. Only a week later, the Rays traded starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow and outfielder Manny Margot to the Dodgers, who sent Ryan Pepiot and Jonny DeLuca to Tampa Bay. Glasnow signed a five-year contract extension worth $136.5 million, and the Southern California native now gets to call Dodger Stadium, his childhood ballpark, home. Highlighting just how wild MLB trades can be during the off-season, the Dodgers sent Manny Margot to the Minnesota Twins at the end of February, before the start of the season.
Corbin Burnes — Milwaukee Brewers to Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles had a breakout 2023 season with its young talent — winning the tough AL East Division for the first time since 2014. To build on their success and strengthen their starting rotation, the O's sought out pitching ace Corbin Burnes from the Brewers for a one-year, $15.6 million contract. In exchange for the three-time All-Star, the Orioles sent prospect Joey Ortiz, left-hander DL Hall and a 2024 Competitive Balance Round A Draft pick to Milwaukee.
Honorable Mentions
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto — Nippon Professional Baseball to Los Angeles Dodgers (12-year, $325-million contract for the young Japanese pitcher)
- Alex Verdugo — Boston Red Sox to New York Yankees (a rare trade between the longtime rivals)
- Chris Sale — Boston Red Sox to Atlanta Braves (two-year, $38-million deal)
- Brandon Crawford — San Francisco Giants to St. Louis Cardinals (after 13 years with the Giants, the shortstop has a new team for the first time)
- Jorge Soler — Miami Marlins to San Francisco Giants (three-year, $42-million contract)
- Eduardo Rodriguez — Detroit Tigers to Arizona Diamondbacks (four-year, $80-million deal)
MLB trades can bring bittersweet emotions — full of excitement for the acquiring team, but sadness for the departing team. Which off-season trade surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments below!
