The trade deadline in Major League Baseball can flip a season on its head. Teams looking for that last spark often pull off moves that either fizzle out or turn into magic. Every so often, a single acquisition completely reshapes a club’s fortunes and leads to champagne showers and a shiny trophy in October.
Here’s a lively look back at 15 deadline deals that helped make World Series dreams come true.
Jake Peavy Powers the Giants in 2014
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When the San Francisco Giants picked up Jake Peavy from the Boston Red Sox on July 26, 2014, they needed reliability in a battered rotation. Peavy’s steady starts kept the team afloat down the stretch. His experience and innings saved the bullpen’s legs, and that calm presence carried over into October. Once again, the Giants finished the season as champs.
Daniel Hudson Closes Out the Nationals’ Miracle
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After being acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays on July 31, 2019, Daniel Hudson turned into the surprise weapon of Washington’s bullpen. He arrived after a solid season with the Blue Jays, posting a 3.00 ERA, but elevated his game in Washington’s bullpen. By the time Game 7 of the World Series rolled around, Hudson was trusted with the ball in the ninth. He nailed down the final outs and ended a thrilling Nationals run in unforgettable fashion.
Eddie Rosario Explodes at the Plate in 2021
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With their outfield in shambles late in 2021, the Atlanta Braves needed help fast, and Eddie Rosario turned out to be the perfect answer. He was picked up from the Cleveland Indians on July 30 and caught fire at just the right time by delivering hit after hit when the stakes were highest. His scorching .560 average in the NLCS earned him MVP honors, and his clutch swings powered Atlanta to a long-awaited World Series crown.
Johnny Cueto Finds His Groove With the Royals
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On July 26, 2015, Kansas City brought in Johnny Cueto from the Cincinnati Reds, in the hopes of strengthening a thin rotation. Regular season results were mixed, but he showed up when the stakes were highest. Cueto’s Game 2 World Series start was a complete-game gem and gave the Royals exactly what they needed. That single brilliant outing, paired with his postseason poise, helped carry Kansas City to a long-awaited championship.
Hunter Pence Sparks the Giants in 2012
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While looking for a boost in 2012, the San Francisco Giants brought in Hunter Pence to shake things up—and he did. While his numbers weren’t headline-grabbing, his clubhouse energy and passionate speeches quickly became part of the team’s heartbeat. Pence delivered when it counted, both at the plate and in spirit. That infectious leadership helped push the Giants through a dominant postseason run that finished with another World Series title.
Aroldis Chapman Ends the Cubs’ Drought
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When the Chicago Cubs landed Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees on July 25, 2016, they went all in. His triple-digit fastball added a new dimension to their late innings. Chapman handled multiple extended appearances throughout the playoffs, before recording four saves in the World Series and helping them finally end a 108-year championship drought.
Howie Kendrick Delivers Clutch Moments in 2019
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Howie Kendrick became a postseason hero in 2019 by delivering moments that Nationals fans still talk about. Though he was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in 2017, he came through with a stunning go-ahead grand slam in the NLDS that set the tone for a deep run. Then, in Game 7 of the World Series, his clutch home run changed everything. Those game-breaking swings helped power Washington’s incredible push to its first championship.
Steve Pearce Surprises the Red Sox in 2018
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Steve Pearce was traded to the Boston Red Sox from the Toronto Blue Jays on June 28, 2018, in a deal that barely made headlines. Yet, the veteran turned into an October hero. Pearce hammered three home runs in the World Series, including two in Game 5 alone. His steady approach at the plate and knack for big moments earned him the Series MVP.
Nathan Eovaldi Becomes a Legend in 2018
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When the Boston Red Sox traded for Nathan Eovaldi from the Tampa Bay Rays in late July 2018, they expected steady starts, yet he became so much more than that. In the World Series, he took the mound for six relief innings during an 18-inning thriller. That versatility reshaped how Boston managed its pitching staff and played a big part in their march to a championship.
Jorge Soler’s Bat Leads the Braves in 2021
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Atlanta traded with the Kansas City Royals on July 30, 2021, for Jorge Soler, who had struggled earlier that year. Soler quickly settled in by hitting with authority and providing instant pop. In the World Series, he launched three home runs, including a monster shot in Game 6 that effectively sealed the championship. That unexpected surge not only earned him World Series MVP but also etched his name into Braves history.
Jeff Conine Returns to Lift the Marlins in 2003
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The Florida Marlins were full of young talent in 2003, but needed someone who had been there before, so they traded for Jeff Conine from the Baltimore Orioles. Fans already knew him as “Mr. Marlin,” and he immediately brought calm and timely offense. His knack for driving in runs and steady glove in the field set the tone. With that boost, the Marlins pulled off a shocking World Series win over the Yankees.
Adam Duvall Powers Through for Atlanta in 2021
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The Braves’ outfield shuffle included Adam Duvall, picked up from the Miami Marlins on July 30, 2021. Duvall’s power quickly made an impact, as he smashed 16 home runs in 55 games. Duvall even delivered two key home runs in the World Series, which helped Atlanta finish a season that looked doomed just months before.
Justin Verlander Transforms Houston in 2017
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When the Houston Astros made a last-minute trade for Justin Verlander on August 31, 2017, they gained a true ace who went 5-0 with a 1.06 ERA in September. Verlander won the ALCS MVP and brought veteran leadership to a young squad. He was instrumental in the first-ever Astros championship.
Rickey Henderson Reignites the A’s in 1989
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The Oakland Athletics captured a World Series sweep over the Giants in 1989, and Rickey Henderson’s arrival played a huge part in that success. Brought back from the New York Yankees at the deadline, Henderson immediately injected speed, power, and confidence into the lineup. His ability to spark innings at the top of the order kept pitchers on edge.
Jake Peavy Helps Boston in 2013
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A year before his Giants success, Jake Peavy moved from the Chicago White Sox to the Boston Red Sox on July 30, 2013. He filled a rotation gap by logging crucial innings and offering veteran insight to a tight-knit clubhouse. While his numbers weren’t flashy, his stability made a difference during the stretch run.
