MLB: the balance of a frantic trade deadline

The Major League season entered its final stretch and teams have already defined their rosters. After the summer market closed, analysts evaluated the impact of the transactions: the Dodgers delivered the masterstroke by acquiring lefty ace Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers.

The standout moves

• Dodgers: added Skubal to a pitching staff already featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Shohei Ohtani, consolidating an almost invincible rotation heading into October.
• Red Sox: acquired star catcher Adley Rutschman from the Orioles.
• Phillies: added Venezuelan batting champion Luis Arráez.

What it means for October

The deadline defined the favorites: teams that bet big on the present and others that chose to rebuild. The depth of rotations and bullpens — reinforced with experienced arms — will be decisive in the playoffs.

The key figure

Skubal to Los Angeles. The move that made the Dodgers the team to beat on the road to the World Series.