The MLB trade deadline always seems to get the blood pumping for MLB fans.
Contenders look to spice up their rosters for a potential playoff and World Series push.
Big names tend to steal the headlines during the MLB trade deadline week, and many players often go under the radar.
Recently, Jon Heyman of MLB Network highlighted four impact players who changed teams at the deadline that are performing exceptionally well for their new clubs.
He mentioned A.J. Puk, Bryan Hoeing, Michael Kopech, and Phil Maton.
.@JonHeyman gives some love to a few relievers and a Royals infielder who have been making a big impact! #MLBCentral https://t.co/J6THttp14K pic.twitter.com/rKRROXHOV7
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) September 12, 2024
MLB experts know that strong bullpens are a must for a team to make a push for a pennant.
A.J. Puk joined the Arizona Diamondbacks in a trade with the Miami Marlins.
The former starting pitcher turned reliever sports a minuscule 0.47 ERA through 19 innings pitched with a 31/2 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
The San Diego Padres also came to a deal with the Miami Marlins to Acquire Bryan Hoeing.
Hoeing gets overshadowed by his teammate and All-Star closer Tanner Scott in this trade, but Hoeing is proving his acquisition pivotal with his 0.90 ERA in 20 innings pitched with a 16/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Michael Kopech is the third under the radar reliever traded at the deadline when he went from the Chicago White Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Kopech has a 1.00 ERA in 18 innings pitched with the Dodgers and a 22/7 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Phil Maton was also traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the New York Mets.
Maton’s numbers since being traded include a 2.53 ERA in 21.1 innings pitched with a 23/5 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
NEXT: Jason Heyward Signs With A Contender