MLB Trade Deadline: Yoenis Cespedes dealt to Mets

The Mets have acquired slugging outfielder Yoenis Cespedes from Detroit Friday in their strongest attempt yet to boost a punchless lineup that threatened to derail their postseason hopes.

Cespedes hit .293 with 18 home runs with 61 RBIs in 102 games with the Tigers this season.

The Mets trail first-place Washington by three games in the NL East, but New York rank last in the major leagues in runs and batting average, and is 29th in on-base percentage and slugging.

The Mets sent minor league pitchers Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa to Detroit. The Tigers decided to build for the future this week after winning the last four AL Central titles.

They traded star left-hander David Price and closer Joakim Soria on Thursday.

Hamels deal to Texas official 

The Rangers have gotten another ace, completing their trade to acquire pitcher Cole Hamels from Philadelphia Phillies.

Texas obtained the left-hander in an eight-player deal announced Friday before the non-waiver trade deadline.

The Rangers sent six players to Philadelphia, including lefty Matt Harrison and three top prospects. Texas also gets left-handed reliever Jake Diekman and cash. Hamels is due $22.5 million per season through 2018 with a club option for 2019.

Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP, is the first pitcher in major league history traded during a season immediately after throwing a no-hitter. He no-hit the Chicago Cubs last Saturday at Wrigley Field.

He is set to make his Texas debut at home Saturday against San Francisco.

Texas also has Yu Darvish signed through 2017. The Japanese ace is missing this season after elbow surgery in March.

Happ dealt to Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates added depth to their starting rotation on Friday, acquiring J.A. Happ from Seattle in exchange for minor-league pitcher Adrian Sampson.

The 32-year-old Happ went 4-6 with a 4.64 ERA in 21 appearances for the Mariners this season, with 20 starts. The move is the latest in a series of pitching additions made by the Pirates at the trade deadline as they try to chase down St. Louis in the NL Central.

Pittsburgh acquired relievers Joakim Soria from Detroit and Joe Blanton from Kansas City on Thursday. The Pirates have the second-best ERA in the majors behind St. Louis but have seen starters Charlie Morton and A.J. Burnett struggle since the All-Star break. Burnett has given up at least five runs in each of his last three starts.

Haren dealt to Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have reportedly added to their starting rotation, acquiring pitcher Dan Haren from the Miami Marlins. 

According to reports, the Cubs are sending back two prospects to Miami for Haren, who has a 7-7 record in 2015, with a 3.42 ERA 

The six-foot-five right-hander has thrown 88 strikeouts in 129 innings pitched this season and has also spent time with the Cardinals, Athletics, Diamondbacks, Angels, Nationals, and Dodgers in his career. 

Chicago(54-47) is only two games back of a wild card spot in the National League while the Marlins(42-60) are completely out of contention for the playoffs 

Twins add bullpen help in Jepsen 

The Minnesota Twins got some much-needed help for their beleaguered bullpen on Friday, acquiring right-handed reliever Kevin Jepsen from the Tampa Bay Rays for a pair of minor league pitching prospects.

The teams completed the deal about two hours before the deadline to make trades without waivers. Jepsen gives the Twins a hard-throwing veteran to step in to help in a setup role for All-Star closer Glen Perkins.

Jepsen went 2-5 with a 2.81 ERA in 46 appearances for the Rays this season, striking out 34 in 41 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old spent his first seven years with the Los Angeles Angels.

Minnesota sent right-handers Chih-Wei Hu and Alexis Tapia to Tampa Bay.