Nine years ago, the Chicago White Sox traded their top prospect, Fernando Tatis Jr., to the San Diego Padres for a 200-inning starting pitcher, James Shields. This week the Padres would not think about trading their best prospect for an All-Star, 600-at-bat outfielder like Steven Kwan but had no trouble giving up that top prospect, shortstop Leo De Vries, for a closer who throws only 65 innings, Mason Miller.
The trade deadline this year hammered home a truth four years in the making: when it comes to what wins in October, the expanded playoffs have changed player evaluation and team building. Relievers, especially hard-throwing, swing-and-miss relievers, become even more valuable in the postseason—starting pitchers less so. And thus, bullpen pieces become more valuable at the last-chance-for-gas that is the trade deadline.
