What happened: A February six-player trade has become one of the offseason’s most consequential moves, with every player involved contributing in the Majors this season. Both clubs are in position to reach October with fewer than three weeks left in the regular season.

Why it matters: The deal stands out because it lacked an established superstar yet has strengthened two playoff contenders. Trades involving at least five players rarely produce this much immediate value.

What to watch: The remaining regular-season weeks will determine whether the trade ranks among the most valuable multi-player deals of the period.