MLB Deadline Day Trade Breakdowns: Shane Bieber, Steven Matz and More

The MLB trade deadline deals are piling up in a hurry, so we'll continue breaking them all down.

Here's a few breakdowns of some trades that have been reported so far on Thursday.

Also be sure to check out some other trade stories we've recently published here: Wednesday MLB player roundup, Wednesday minor league/prospect roundup, trades for Jhoan Duran and Ryan Helsley and the trade for Eugenio Suarez.

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Return for Suarez

I didn't cover the prospects coming in return for Suarez because the MLB transaction page hasn't listed them yet. Based on reports though, Tyler Locklear, Hunter Cranton and Juan Burgos are the return. We'll discuss them to kick things off.

Locklear was the Mariners' No. 9 prospect. Cranton was ranked 16th, while Burgos was No. 17. I thought the return for Suarez would be higher, and I'm surprised that offer wasn't beat by anyone else.

Locklear got 16 MLB games in during the 2024 season, but has been in Triple-A all season. The 24-year-old primary first baseman has a .316 average and .401 on-base percentage this season. 

He has 118 total hits this year, including 25 doubles, 19 homers and a triple. Locklear also has 82 RBIs, 70 runs scored, 47 walks, 18 stolen bases and 95 strikeouts.

I'd expect him in the big leagues before the end of this season, and maybe right away. 

Cranton is a 24-year-old pitcher who was in High-A and has a 2026 ETA. He's made 19 relief appearances and covered 18 1/3 innings over his minor league career (two years).

He's 3-1 with a 1.96 earned run average. Cranton has 28 strikeouts, seven walks and a .190 average against him.

Burgos is a 25-year-old pitcher who had been working in Triple-A. He has made four MLB relief appearances this season, covering 6 2/3 innings. Burgos has eight strikeouts, two walks, a 4.05 ERA and a .259 average against him.

Across 226 1/3 career minor league innings, Burgos has a 2.82 ERA. He's made 10 starts over 150 appearances and has a 10-10 record. Burgos also has 247 strikeouts, 106 walks and a .204 average against him.

Locklear is the biggest part of the return, while Burgos and Cranton seem more like lottery tickets. Again, not a very big return for the deadline's best bat available.

Bieber Headed to Toronto

Toronto made another splash by trading for Shane Bieber. The Guardians got Khal Stephen in return.

Bieber is nearing a return to the big leagues after having Tommy John surgery last year. He'd been making rehab starts, and should be just about ready for a big league call up.

He has a career 3.22 ERA over seven previous MLB seasons and 843 innings. Bieber has 958 strikeouts and 188 walks, along with a 62-32 record.

There's some risk involved with the Blue Jays trading for him, but even if he regresses a bit, Bieber can help Toronto chase a World Series berth. It cost a top-end prospect though.

Stephen was the Blue Jays' No. 5 prospect and should be nearing a spot in the top-100. He's a 22-year-old pitcher with a 2027 ETA.

Across 17 starts and 18 appearances at three minor league levels this season, Stephen has a 9-1 record and 2.06 ERA over 91 2/3 innings. He has 99 strikeouts, 18 walks and a .196 average against him this season.

I think Stephen could debut as early as 2026, and maybe even in September this season. He's a great dynasty pickup if he's available in your league still.

Astros Land a Much-Needed Third Baseman

With Isaac Paredes likely done for the season and out at least 6-7 months, Houston traded for Ramon Urias. Baltimore got Twine Palmer back in the deal.

Urias is owned in just 1% of fantasy leagues, but could get a boost with this trade, especially if he's playing often. Hitting in the Astros' lineup is already a plus over being in the Orioles' lineup.

Urias has a .248 average and .300 OBP over 77 games and 290 plate appearances this season. He has 12 doubles and eight homers among his 64 total hits, along with 34 RBIs, 27 runs scored, 21 walks, two stolen bases and 60 strikeouts.

He's not a big-name fantasy hitter, but he could be useful down the stretch. Keep an eye on Urias.

Palmer is a 20-year-old pitcher who had been working in Single-A. He's not ranked, but could be one day.

Over 44 2/3 total innings, Palmer has a 2.62 ERA. He's made eight starts over 15 appearances and has a 2-0 record. Palmer has 48 strikeouts and 27 walks as well.

Red Sox Land Matz

Boston traded for Steven Matz, sending Blaze Jordan to St. Louis.

Matz is barely owned in any fantasy leagues, but is having a solid season. The lefty is 5-2 with a 3.44 ERA over 55 innings this season.

Matz has made two starts over 32 appearances. He's struck out 47 batters, walked nine and has a .260 average against him. His fantasy outlook won't change all that much in Boston most likely.

Jordan is the new No. 19 prospect for the Cardinals. He's an underrated prospect in my eyes.

The 22-year-old has a 2025 ETA and has been in Triple-A. Across two levels of minor league ball this year, Jordan has a .308 average and .377 OBP.

Among his 99 hits, Jordan has 12 homers, 22 doubles and a triple. He has 62 RBIs, 59 runs scored, 33 walks, 38 strikeouts and three stolen bases.

Jordan should get a crack at the big leagues later this season, especially if the Cardinals keep selling at the deadline. He's a prospect to stash in some deeper dynasty setups, and a name to keep an eye on in case he gets a call later this season.

Tigers get Another Reliever

Detroit continued to add to its pitching staff by landing Paul Sewald from the Guardians. Future considerations are the return.

Sewald isn't owned in many fantasy leagues, but will help the Tigers as they look to come out of the American League. He'll likely pitch in middle relief, and could earn some high-leverage innings, but probably won't earn many saves.

Across 18 games and 15 1/3 innings, Sewald has a 1-1 record and 4.70 ERA. He has 18 strikeouts and four walks, along with a .246 average against him.

He's got a 4.11 ERA and .219 average against him over his career, and has closing experience, so this is a beneficial, and likely low-cost move for Detroit.

Cubs Snag a Reliever

Chicago got Andrew Kittredge from the Orioles, who continue to offload MLB talent. Wilfri De La Cruz is the player going back to Baltimore.

Kittredge has very little fantasy relevance, but could turn into a high-leverage reliever in Chicago. He'd only take off as a fantasy asset if he gets some saves, and there's likely a few guys ahead of him in Chicago for save chances.

Kittredge is 2-2 with a 3.45 ERA over 31 1/3 innings and 31 appearances this season. He has 32 strikeouts, eight walks and a .222 average against him.

De La Cruz is the new No. 21 prospect in Baltimore. The 17-year-old was signed earlier this year and has a 2030 ETA.

Across 27 games in the DSL this season, De La Cruz has a .262 average and .442 OBP. He has nine doubles and two triples among his 22 total hits, while also posting 26 walks, 18 runs scored, nine RBIs and stolen bases and 24 strikeouts.

He's only a dynasty asset in the deepest of leagues, but he's a name to keep in mind down the road.