Seven traded players are poised to benefit from fresh starts, whether it's a better fit with their new club, a new ballpark, or a chance to play more. Here's a closer look at each player and why they could thrive in their new surroundings.
David Peterson (Cubs)
Peterson, a former Mets teammate of David Peterson, is thriving in Chicago. The Cubs' strong defense, leading MLB in Fielding Run Value, is a perfect fit for his ground-ball rate of 49.5%. Since being traded, Peterson has kept runs to a minimum, allowing no more than two runs in five of six outings. With a 2.39 ERA in nine starts with the Mets, he's likely to replicate these strong results in Chicago when he returns from a fractured right fibula.
Clay Holmes (Cubs)
Holmes, another Mets trade, is a ground-ball specialist with a 55.3% ground-ball rate this season. The Cubs' infield defense is a significant upgrade from the Mets', and Holmes' 2.39 ERA in nine starts with the Mets suggests he can continue to excel in Chicago. With a 55.3% ground-ball rate, Holmes is a perfect fit for the Cubs' strong defense.
Heliot Ramos (Yankees)
Ramos, a power-hitting right-handed batter, has more than 20 home runs in each of the past two years. The Yankees, especially, need him to dominate left-handed pitching, and his career .845 OPS when facing the platoon advantage is a testament to his ability. With the short porch in Yankee Stadium, Ramos' power numbers could get even better, as Statcast projects 13 homers this season if he played all his games in the Bronx.
Carlos Soriano (Blue Jays)
Soriano, who had an 0.84 ERA through his first seven starts, has a knack for putting the ball on the ground with a 52.3% ground-ball rate. The Blue Jays' infield defense, while not as strong as the Cubs', is still a significant improvement from the Angels' 24th place. Soriano's 3.29 ERA over 22 total starts with a 24.9% strikeout rate is impressive, and he's under club control through 2028.
Lucas Peralta (Rays)
Peralta's changeup has been hit hard this season, but the Rays' love for the changeup could be a key to his success. They've thrown it 21% of the time, more than any other team in the Statcast era. With a strong complement to his four-seamer, Peralta might find a tweak to improve his results.
Ryan Ryan (Tigers)
Ryan, MLB Pipeline's No. 68 prospect, is a hard thrower who started his career as a two-way player. After a blistering MLB debut in 2024, he missed 2025 due to Tommy John surgery. With a 2.81 ERA in his first seven Triple-A starts, Ryan should finally get his long-term shot at a rotation spot in Detroit.
German Senzatela (Brewers)
Senzatela, a 31-year-old who converted to the bullpen this season, has seen a significant improvement in his ERA and strikeout rate. With a sub-2.00 ERA through mid-June and a 20.7% strikeout rate, he's a multi-inning option for the Brewers. His home/road splits are impressive, with a 2.57 ERA in road appearances compared to a 4.81 ERA in hitter-friendly Coors Field.
J.D. Mayer (Giants)
Mayer, a former top-15 prospect, has battled injuries and played multiple positions in his first two seasons. With a stress reaction in his left ulna, he's currently on the IL. However, he's expected to be the Giants' everyday second baseman when healthy, and his talent is undeniable, despite his .223 batting average and .624 OPS.
