MLB Trade Deadline Sees Cardinals, Mets, Reds Execute Major Player Moves

The St. Louis Cardinals have actively traded bullpen players such as Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets, Steven Matz to the Boston Red Sox, and Phil Maton to the Texas Rangers as part of a shift away from competing this season, with Maton expected to be their final trade before baseball operations transition from John Mozeliak to Chaim Bloom. The Cardinals have held onto younger core players like Brendan Donovan, Alec Burleson, and Lars Nootbaar despite trade inquiries, signaling a rebuild focus. In a related move, the Baltimore Orioles traded veteran center fielder Cedric Mullins to the Mets, receiving three pitching prospects including Raimon Gomez, who is noted for his 104 mph fastball and is expected to be Major League-ready next season. Additionally, the Cincinnati Reds acquired third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for a shortstop prospect and a reliever, with Hayes expressing gratitude to the Pirates and readiness for his new chapter. These trades reflect a broader pattern of teams balancing present competitiveness with future rebuilding efforts as the MLB trade deadline passes.