The article explores the concept of under-the-radar trades in Major League Baseball, emphasizing that while some trades might not seem significant at first, they can have substantial impact as the season unfolds. The author analyzes trade pickups based on 2025 AXE ratings, which reflect players' value metrics. Highlighting specific trades, such as one involving a player from the New York Yankees, the piece underscores how these lesser-known deals can provide unexpected dividends for the teams involved, changing perceptions over time as performance data accumulates.
Not all trades turn heads. Often, a team deals a player who is too expensive for its current context for a player or players who are less expensive.
Sometimes less-celebrated deals turn out to be more fun than we initially thought. We might not find that out until the next season is underway.
With that as the basis, here are a few under-the-radar trade acquisitions who didn't generate many headlines at the time but are paying unexpected dividends.
Acquired from the New York Yankees for RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz on Dec. 11. This trade came together in the waning hours of the winter meetings.
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