Ranking best MLB trade deadline acquisitions

We're exactly one month removed from the MLB trade deadline. Here, we take a look at some of the moves that have paid immediate dividends for clubs in the heat of a postseason race.

10. Frankie Montas ➡️ Brewers

Montas has turned his season around in Milwaukee after registering a 4-8 record with a 5.01 ERA in 19 starts with the Cincinnati Reds before he was traded. The 31-year-old will be leaned on down the stretch and into the postseason as Milwaukee continues to hold the biggest division lead in the league.

9. Josh Bell ➡️ Diamondbacks

Bell has caught fire after being traded at the deadline for the second straight season. The switch-hitting slugger has posted a .796 OPS with four HRs and 11 RBIs in 24 games since joining the surging Diamondbacks, providing a boost with first baseman Christian Walker sidelined due to an oblique injury. He's been a big reason why Arizona has gone an MLB-best 19-6 since July 31.

8. Zach Eflin ➡️ Orioles

Eflin made a dazzling first impression with the Orioles, winning each of his first four starts while posting a 2.13 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. He would've likely ranked higher had he not landed on the injured list with shoulder inflammation. Nonetheless, he's exactly the kind of dependable arm Baltimore will need down the stretch as it competes for the AL East crown.

7. Michael Kopech ➡️ Dodgers

The Dodgers have earned a reputation for extracting more out of pitchers than their previous club did. Kopech is another example. The flame-throwing reliever has transformed into one of the most dominant relievers after registering a 2-8 record with a 4.74 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP across 43 2/3 innings with the White Sox. He's holding opposing batters to a .073 average with a 0.68 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 13 appearances with Los Angeles. Kopech has all the makings of a postseason difference-maker.

6. Paul DeJong ➡️ Royals

DeJong was traded for the second consecutive season at the deadline. However, unlike when he recorded just one hit for the Toronto Blue Jays before being designated for assignment, he's been a tremendous addition for the Royals. DeJong has a .910 OPS this month with five homers and 12 RBIs in 21 games, providing a nice boost for a Royals squad that's been among the league's best in August.

5. Jason Adam ➡️ Padres

Adam and Tanner Scott have been great additions to a Padres squad that prioritized its bullpen at the deadline, but Adam has been the real gem thus far. He's racked up 21 strikeouts with just one walk and a 0.69 ERA in his first 13 appearances with San Diego. If the Padres make the postseason, having to face Scott, Adam, and closer Robert Suárez will be a very intimidating prospect for any team.

4. Jack Flaherty ➡️ Dodgers

Flaherty has been the anchor atop an injured Dodgers rotation since being acquired from the Detroit Tigers. The 28-year-old righty has pitched to a 3.49 ERA across five starts with an electric 10.8 K/9. He and Tyler Glasnow will form a duo to be reckoned with down the stretch and into the postseason when the latter returns from injury.

3. Yusei Kikuchi ➡️ Astros

Much was said about the haul the Astros surrendered to acquire Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays. However, Houston clearly knew what it was doing because the lefty has been utterly dominant since joining its rotation. His ERA (2.89), hits per nine (5.8), and strikeouts per nine (11.3) with the club are all drastic improvements on his first-half numbers.

2. A.J. Puk ➡️ Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks needed another high-leverage reliever after Paul Sewald was demoted from the closer's role. Enter Puk. The left-hander has wiped out opposing batters since joining the D-Backs, posting a 0.66 ERA with 20 strikeouts and two walks over 13 2/3 innings.

1. Jazz Chisholm Jr. ➡️ Yankees

Skeptics who feared Chisholm's loud personality wouldn't fit in New York couldn't have been more wrong. Even after missing some time on the injured list, the dynamic 26-year-old has slugged nine home runs and stolen six bags while also transitioning to third base. He's helped the Yankees rediscover their early-season swagger and put the league on notice.