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MLB Trade Deadline 2016: The Biggest Winners

By Nick Fustor

Jul 20, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Jeremy Jeffress (21) and catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) celebrate after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Milwaukee won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Jeremy Jeffress (21) and catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) celebrate after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Milwaukee won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees

Clint Frazier will likely become a star with the New York Yankees within a few seasons.  Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Clint Frazier will likely become a star with the New York Yankees within a few seasons.  Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Yankees pulled off two major trades in this year’s deadline, but didn’t acquire a star player.  Instead, they now boast arguably the best farm system in baseball.  Let that sink in for a minute.

The New York Yankees have the best farm system in baseball.

After trading away Chapman, who could sign with the Yankees in the offseason (!), the Yankees received shortstop Gleyber Torres, outfielder Billy McKinney, reliever Adam Warren and outfielder Rashad Crawford.  Trading Miller brought an equally impressive haul, as they received former first round pick Clint Frazier, left-hander Justus Sheffield and two mid-level prospect from the Indians.

The Yankees didn’t stop there, either.  A last minute trade with the Texas Rangers for Carlos Beltran netted them top pitching prospect Dillon Tate along with two other pitchers.

The prospects are a massive boost for a meddling New York farm system, and if they sign Chapman again in the offseason, the ghosts of Yankee legends may be dancing in the concourse.

The centerpiece of this deal for the Yankees is Torres, an athletic 19-year-old with an already strong bat and developing power.  This season, he’s slashing .271/.356/.424 with nine homers, 19 stolen bases and 49 RBI.

If he continues playing at this pace, expect Torres to reach the majors by 2018.  While Torres was the reason the Yankees made this deal, that doesn’t mean the rest of the players they received won’t make an impact.

McKinney was once a top prospect in Oakland’s farm system, but has faded a bit since joining the Cubs system.  Since he has barely any power in his bat, McKinney’s value comes from his ability to get on base and make contact – both of which he does very well.

After playing well in Double-A last season, McKinney seemed to be on the fast track to reach Triple-A this year – but has yet to do so after struggling for some of the season.  McKinney’s low slugging percentage this season offset his solid OBP, but at just 21, he can turn things around and likely make an impact in the majors in the next few years.

As for the Miller deal, Frazier is the marquee name – and could the Yankees best outfielder rather quickly.  The 21-year-old was hitting .276/.356/.469 with 13 homers in Double-A this season, and showed flashes of his potential in 5 games at Triple-A.

While Frazier alone is impressive, Sheffield could very well become a key rotation piece within three years as he already ranks as the Yankees best pitching prospect.  Tate, despite being two years older than Sheffield, could develop into an ace down the road.

Combined with their ability to attract marquee free agents, the Yankees now seem to be on the fast track to building a super team.

Next: Oakland Gives Up Rentals

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