Blue Jays Trade for David Cone During 1992 Season

The Toronto Blue Jays made notable midseason trades in the early 1990s, acquiring key pitchers like Cliff Johnson and David Cone to bolster their playoff runs. In 1985, Johnson was brought in to improve a platoon at designated hitter, contributing modestly as the Jays reached the playoffs but eventually lost to the Royals in a seven-game ALCS. In 1992, the Jays traded for David Cone, who performed strongly down the stretch and in the postseason, helping the team win the World Series, a trade widely regarded as successful given Cone's impact versus the players they gave up. The Jays reacquired Cone again in 1995, though that season did not meet expectations, and the team finished third in their division. Meanwhile, other MLB teams are making strategic roster moves, such as the Orioles signing highly-touted prospect Samuel Basallo to a long-term deal despite limited major league experience, contrasting with the Mariners’ more proven catcher Cal Raleigh’s contract, and the Diamondbacks benefiting from a trade acquisition, Mitch Bratt, who has shown promise in Double-A pitching. These moves reflect differing team philosophies on balancing risk and reward in player development and roster construction.