Major League Baseball‘s trade deadline passed last week, igniting a surge of roster moves that included numerous players seeking renewed success. Among them is Dustin May, the right-handed pitcher moved to the Boston Red Sox from the Los Angeles Dodgers. These changes offer a chance for players experiencing difficult seasons to reset and potentially finish strong.

Dustin May’s MLB trade benefits are being closely watched as the Red Sox hope to improve his performance by adjusting his pitching strategy. Below are four other pitchers and position players who, like May, are aiming to leverage their new environments to overcome early setbacks and contribute significantly in the closing months.

Pitcher Taj Bradley’s Fresh Start with the Twins

Taj Bradley, recently acquired by the Minnesota Twins from the Tampa Bay Rays, is seeking to recapture the form that once made him a potential mid-rotation starter. Bradley’s early career struggles are evident in an 87 ERA+ over 354 innings, coupled with declining strikeout and contact rates. Despite possessing a fastball that has gained more emphasis this season, he has failed to make full use of his other quality pitches.

The Twins face the challenge of helping Bradley adjust his pitch combination, potentially rediscovering the lost sink on his splitter, which has dropped by over three inches compared to last year. This tactical overhaul could be pivotal for Bradley to regain his ability to miss bats and stabilize his production.

Michael Soroka Joins the Cubs’ Rotation with High Upside

Michael Soroka’s move to the Chicago Cubs is viewed as a promising addition to their starting rotation, despite his underwhelming 4.87 ERA this season. He carries an impressive 18.4% strikeout-minus-walk rate, ranking in the top tier of MLB pitchers. Soroka’s high ERA may be partly attributable to playing with the Washington Nationals, a team known for one of the poorest defenses in the league.

Transitioning to the Cubs, who boast an elite defensive unit, Soroka is positioned to benefit from better support behind him. This environment might allow him to reduce runs allowed without drastic changes to his approach, suggesting a strong finish is within reach.

JP Sears Looks for Improvement after Trade to the Padres

JP Sears, a left-handed pitcher acquired by the San Diego Padres in the trade involving Mason Miller, escaped a challenging home park at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. Sears’s home struggles were stark—the park saw him surrender 14 home runs in 47 ⅔ innings, an alarming rate of 2.6 homers per nine innings.

Switching to PETCO Park should provide Sears with a more pitcher-friendly setting, supporting a return to his previous league-average effectiveness, reflected in a career 92 ERA+ across 81 big-league games. The Padres might encourage Sears to emphasize his sweeper pitch, which has proven the most effective at avoiding contact and generating swings and misses, even outperforming his fastball in quality.

Ke’Bryan Hayes Faces Opportunity to Boost Offense with the Reds

Ke’Bryan Hayes, joining the Cincinnati Reds after a disappointing stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates, is recognized for his elite defense but has struggled offensively. Since 2023, his OPS+ dropped to a concerning 61, highlighting a decline in his overall offensive production. Despite solid exit velocities and contact quality, Hayes has not maximized his power, particularly because he rarely pulls the ball in the air.

This insufficient power output stands in contrast to league averages, where Hayes’s isolated power (ISO) on high-velocity batted balls is significantly below par. The Pirates relinquished him despite owing $36 million through 2029, suggesting frustration with his inability to unlock greater slugging potential. Now, the Reds have a chance to help Hayes regain his form, potentially turning him into a valuable multi-win contributor despite offensive struggles.

What These Changes Could Mean for the Season’s Final Stretch

The MLB trade deadline provided an opportunity for several players, including Dustin May, Taj Bradley, Michael Soroka, JP Sears, and Ke’Bryan Hayes, to reset their seasons in new environments that offer fresh coaching perspectives and ballpark advantages. For May, the Boston Red Sox’s decision to adjust his pitch sequencing, especially reducing his reliance on the vulnerable sinker against left-handed hitters, exemplifies the tactical shifts teams are willing to make to unlock lost upside.

With a focus on optimizing pitch mixes and embracing better defensive support, these players aim to improve their outcomes moving forward. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if these change-of-scenery moves translate into rebounds for athletes struggling to meet expectations, which could influence team performances as the postseason approaches.