Previous Rank: 24
Last Week: 2-1 vs. SEA, 1-2 vs. ARI
The Athletics came away with one of the most highly regarded prospects ever traded in a deadline deal when they acquired shortstop Leo De Vries from the Padres in the Mason Miller/JP Sears blockbuster, and the No. 2 prospect in that package, Braden Nett, immediately became one of their top pitching prospects. There is no obvious in-house candidate to replace Miller in the ninth inning, but the core of this young roster remains intact, and it is now backed by a deeper farm system.
23. Arizona Diamondbacks (53-59)
Previous Rank: 22
Last Week: 0-3 @ DET, 2-1 @ ATH
The D-backs cashed in their three biggest trade chips, sending Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor to the Mariners in separate deals and Merrill Kelly to the Rangers, though they ultimately opted to hold onto Zac Gallen and he will be a candidate for a qualifying offer this winter. Tyler Locklear was the big piece acquired in the Suárez deal, and he immediately took over as the team’s starting first baseman. They also saved some money by dumping Jordan Montgomery in a deal with the Brewers, turning the page on that ill-fated signing. The talent is there for this team to bounce to contention in 2026, but there is work to do this offseason rebuilding the pitching staff.
22. Baltimore Orioles (51-61)
Previous Rank: 25
Last Week: 3-1 vs. TOR, 1-2 @ CHC
The Orioles sold all the pieces they were expected to sell, aside from starter Zach Eflin who was placed on the injured list on deadline day. When the dust settled on Thursday, they had found new homes for Ryan O’Hearn, Ramón Laureano, Charlie Morton, Gregory Soto, Seranthony Dominguez, Andrew Kittredge, Cedric Mullins and Ramón Urías. There is still a dynamic young core of hitters for them to build around, but they can’t expect mid-level signings to be enough to shore up their starting rotation again this offseason.
