Who really won the 2026 MLB trade deadline?
As fans everywhere digest the reaction to this week's wheeling and dealing, we went straight to the source, asking a panel of major league scouts and execs to weigh in on the biggest, best and most head-scratching decisions.
How do those in the game feel about the Tarik Skubal and Adley Rutschman blockbusters? Which other deals stood out? And which teams struck out looking at the deadline? Here's what the baseball insiders had to say.
What was your reaction to the Dodgers getting Tarik Skubal?
NL scout: Upset that the same story had to be defended again. The best org had the players to get the deal because the best org is here to win, not raise franchise values.
NL exec: I agree with the take that anyone could have traded for him. It's a credit to them that they've got the depth to be in on all of these deals. I don't think anyone bought it when they said they weren't going to do anything big this deadline.
AL scout: Not surprising. They were the high bidder because they are among the teams able to retain him beyond this season via extension.
AL exec: I'm glad we're not in the NL. Other than that, no surprise. They've proven that when the best players become available, they're going to go after them.
Do you think the Tigers got enough in return in the deal?
NL scout: Yes, the Tigers got enough for Skubal, a rental piece.
NL exec: I actually think it was a solid return for a rental and definitely wouldn't be concerned if I were them that [Zyhir] Hope was merely one of many good Dodgers outfield prospects. I'm sure they like him, and he is going to be a very, very good player who can really hit. [River] Ryan is an interesting prospect given his age, but he should be able to help them sooner than later.
AL scout: Incomplete until we see how Ryan's return to play goes. Hope is a legit centerpiece type; Detroit will want the swing decisions to catch up to the loud batted ball outputs. Brady Smith has also been trending up since he got back from his elbow rehab last summer. Built similar to Walker Buehler when he was coming out of Vandy, performed well in the California League this year.
AL exec: On the surface, yes. It really doesn't sound like they could have pried [Jesús] Made from Milwaukee or [Theo] Gillen from Tampa, so this return is just fine.
How surprised were you by the Red Sox trade for Adley Rutschman?
NL scout: Surprised by Red Sox prospect payment for a player who has been nowhere near the player he was since the 2024 All-Star break.
NL exec: It seemed like Rutschman was going to be moved, and the timing was right for Baltimore. The return depends on the individual evaluations of the pitchers involved.
AL scout: Boston may have felt they were competing with the Yankees for him. Have to wait and see how it turns out before jumping to a conclusion. The two arms seem to be raw upside guys with some bullpen risk. Enddy Azocar needs to add strength -- pretty simple swing and relatively high average exit velo. Curious how it'll compare to the Garrett Crochet package later on.
AL exec: Not surprised at all after hearing what was coming out of Baltimore. It was a when, not if.
That could have been this offseason, but they jumped on the fact that the Red Sox are in the race and had a huge need. That was a good trade despite the fact it kind of shows that core couldn't get it done.
What was your favorite deal of the trade deadline (outside of Skubal or Rutschman)?
NL scout: Ryan Zeferjahn to the Cubs. They need guys who miss bats.
NL exec: I really liked what the Giants did to get Ramon Marquez and Miguel Mendez in their two deals and build up legitimate starting pitching depth in their system.
AL scout: The Blue Jays getting Jose Soriano was creative and somewhat unexpected. Helps them backfill Kevin Gausman for the rest of this year while adding controllable impact going forward.
AL exec: It was definitely what the Blue Jays -- and even the Angels -- did. All we ever hear about is that controllable starters never move and the price is too high. Well, two teams not in the race anymore got together and pulled off a major deal that normally goes down in the offseason. I loved it.
Which teams do you think improved the most at the deadline?
NL scout: Dodgers
NL exec: I actually think it was the Blue Jays getting Soriano and Spencer Arrighetti. If only talking about 2026, would mention Red Sox, Rays, Yankees, Phillies, Cubs, Brewers, Dodgers -- I guess that's a lot, but I think they all made very useful adds.
AL scout: The Blue Jays
AL exec: By my math, it's either San Diego or the Cubs. When you can get two legit starters who eat up innings and have some postseason experience, that's a win.
What teams did you think should have done more -- and didn't?
NL scout: Braves
AL scout: A's
AL exec: Royals