Top Prospects Traded at the Deadline Who Became Stars

Examining instances where highly-touted prospects moved at the trade deadline went on to achieve significant success in their careers, often overshadowing the veteran players they were traded for.

The top 3

1. Top 3 Pitching Prospects Traded Who Became Aces: Zack Greinke (traded in 2010 to Brewers), Max Scherzer (traded in 2007 to Diamondbacks), and Noah Syndergaard (traded in 2012 to Mets) were all prospects dealt at or near the deadline who developed into frontline starting pitchers.
2. Top 3 Hitting Prospects Traded Who Became All-Stars: Miguel Cabrera (traded in 2007 to Tigers), Carlos Beltran (traded in 2004 to Astros), and Fernando Tatis Jr. (traded in 2016 to Padres) were prospects acquired at the deadline who later became multiple-time All-Stars and impactful offensive players.
3. Most Lopsided Prospect-for-Veteran Deadline Deals: The trade of Fernando Tatis Jr. for James Shields (2016) is considered highly lopsided, as is the deal sending John Smoltz for Doyle Alexander (1987), and Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio (1964), where the prospects vastly outperformed the veterans.

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