The MLB trade deadline in 2014 was a wild one and big names got moved, including David Price, Jon Lester, Austin Jackson, Ben Zobrist, Yoenis Cespedes and Martin Prado and Stephen Drew and it saw the Athletics and Detroit Tigers go big, while the Yankees and Mariners made upgrades and the Boston Red Sox sold out on the season.
Price was the biggest move of the day along with Lester and they happened at opposite ends, with Jon Lester getting moved to Oakland early on Thursday. The Athletics gave up Yoenis Cespedes and got Lester along with Jonny Gomes and that was a stunning move, but a bold one by Billy Beane. Clearly the Athletics are going all in on this season and they made a stunning deal to get a number one starter.
The Tigers stole the show late, as they pulled off a three team trade with the Tigers and Mariners for David Price and Tampa Bay got Nick Franklin, Drew Smyly and another prospect in the deal. The Rays felt they had to make the move and they also got a deal for Ben Zobrist with the Pittsburgh Pirates and they have sold players for trades but are still right in the thick of the race. Austin Jackson is not with the Mariners and that gave them a solid offensive upgrade in rge outfield and the right handed bat they were looking for.
The Yankees added Stephen Drew and Martin Prado to upgrade from Kelly Johnson and Brian Roberts and they look a bit better, while the Mariners definitely upgraded with Jackson. The Pirates made a big move and the Athletics and Tigers look like the winners of the deadline.
Check here for the trade deadline details and recap of winners and losers.
