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2026 MLB trade deadline awards: Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, more - espn.com
Here's what we learned from this year's deals -- and titles for the teams with the most interesting elements of the 2026 deadline.
✨ Key Highlights
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The 2026 MLB trade deadline proved more eventful than anticipated, with every playoff contender making at least one move, according to ESPN's David Schoenfield, published August 5, 2026.
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The Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles were notable exceptions, effectively conceding their fading playoff hopes by trading away two of their biggest names.
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Two-time reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal headlined the deadline as the lone marquee superstar dealt, landing with the Los Angeles Dodgers and earning the piece's "David Cone Award."
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The article frames Skubal as one of the all-time rental acquisitions, invoking David Cone's legacy — his 1992 move from the Mets to the Blue Jays and 1995 trade to the Yankees helped shape the modern deadline strategy of contenders making significant additions.
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Schoenfield ranks top free-agent-bound pitcher rentals since Cone, including Randy Johnson (1998, Mariners to Astros), CC Sabathia (2008, Cleveland to Brewers, 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA), Cliff Lee (2010, Mariners to Rangers), Jon Lester (2014, Red Sox to Athletics), and Max Scherzer (2021, from Washington).
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Despite acquiring Skubal, the Dodgers have not yet clinched the World Series, with several other contenders including the Yankees and Mets also active in reshaping their rosters.