And because they hype anything they can think of,they emphasize a very small window at the deadline as if it’s all that matters.
For example, Tampa has made a deal for two relievers and promoted a consensus top prospect. They might very well do nothing in the July 30/31 timeframe. If so, they’ll fall into the trade deadline “losers” column for the crime of being proactive. Had they added Feyereisen a few weeks later, they’d be listed as “winners.” Milwaukee added Willy Adames, who has posted all star numbers and played stellar overall, but if they do nothing at the end of July, they’ll also be listed as “trade deadline losers”. Again, their crime is being proactive. (They also added Rowdy Tellez in a deal tat should absolutely thrill Red Sox fans. He’ll be forgotten amidst the July 31st media hype, too.)