Major MLP Trade Shift Before Deadline: As the Major League Pickleball (MLP) trade deadline approaches, general managers across the league have been actively reshaping their rosters in anticipation of the final stretch of the season. The MLP recently announced five significant trades that promise to alter the dynamics of several teams moving forward, showing the strategic moves teams are willing to make for a shot at playoff success.
Key MLP Trades Before the Deadline
Trade 1: Columbus Sliders and Utah Black Diamonds
- Columbus Acquires: Callie Smith
- Utah Acquires: Andrea Koop and cash considerations
Trade 2: Brooklyn Aces and Utah Black Diamonds
- Brooklyn Acquires: Andrea Koop
- Utah Acquires: Lina Padegimaite and cash considerations
Trade 3: California Black Bears and Utah Black Diamonds
- California Acquires: Lina Padegimaite
- Utah Acquires: Genie Erokhina and cash considerations
Trade 4: Carolina Pickleball Club and AZ Drive
- Carolina Acquires: Kaitlyn Christian
- Arizona Acquires: Jessie Irvine
Trade 5: Columbus Sliders and Orlando Squeeze
- Columbus Acquires: Parris Todd
- Orlando Acquires: Meghan Dizon and cash considerations
These trades come as teams gear up for Waiver Period 3 and prepare for the final two regular-season events that will be pivotal in determining playoff positions.
Columbus Restructures Women’s Doubles
The Columbus Sliders are making a bold and calculated move by bringing in Parris Todd and Callie Smith to revamp their women’s doubles team. With a disappointing 3-15 record in women’s doubles this season, the Sliders are looking to turn things around dramatically. Both Smith and Todd are versatile players capable of taking on various roles on the court, and their diverse skill sets could be crucial for the Sliders’ success.
While the exact roles remain to be seen, Riley Newman will continue to lead the charge, and it’s expected that Newman and Todd will reunite for mixed doubles. Their successful past—highlighted by a silver medal at the 2023 PPA Atlanta Open—has fans hopeful for better results in the future, raising expectations for what this revamped team can achieve.
Utah Black Diamonds Continue Cash Strategy
The Utah Black Diamonds are again reinforcing their financial strategy with multiple trades that keep them in a positive cash flow position. All three trades completed on Sunday have the Black Diamonds benefitting from cash considerations, reflecting a season-long trend of shrewd financial moves. This trend follows their earlier acquisition of $50,000 alongside Jay Devilliers when they traded Tyson McGuffin to the Orlando Squeeze.
With the Black Diamonds Pickleball Center set to open in the summer of 2025, these funds are crucial for future development and expansion efforts. Owner Connor Pardoe has indicated a plan to add a female player off the waiver wire for the upcoming event, signaling a proactive approach to roster management that could increase their chances for the remainder of the season.
“UBD will miss Callie Smith. Good luck in Columbus. Utah will pick up a player off the waiver wire for our last event in 2024 and will look to add a new female to the roster next season.” – (Connor Pardoe)
New Beginnings for Koop and Padegimaite
Andrea Koop and Lina Padegimaite find themselves on new teams after being traded twice right before the deadline, highlighting the fluid nature of team rosters in Major League Pickleball. Koop will now join a Brooklyn Aces lineup featuring notable players like Pablo Tellez, Daniel de la Rosa, and Layne Sleeth. While it’s too early to determine their mixed doubles pairings, Koop’s successful track record alongside left-handed players may lead to interesting dynamics with Tellez, potentially enhancing their on-court performance.
Meanwhile, Padegimaite heads to the California Black Bears, joining Chris Haworth, Brandon French, and Amanda Hendry. The Black Bears have faced challenges this season, struggling to find consistency, but with Padegimaite’s arrival, they may finally find the solution they’ve been searching for. The hope is that her contributions will spark a turnaround in their performance as they look to finish the season on a high note.
Enhancements for Carolina and AZ
Both the Carolina Pickleball Club and the Arizona Drive will benefit from their latest trade, providing both teams with valuable assets to enhance their competitive edge. Kaitlyn Christian joins Carolina, where she will contribute alongside established players like Ben Johns, Collin Johns, and Brooke Buckner.
Currently sitting outside of playoff position, Carolina hopes Christian can help improve their 1-6 record in DreamBreakers, an area where they’ve struggled significantly.
Conversely, Jessie Irvine will reinforce the Arizona team, which currently sits at the bottom of the standings. Having secured three doubles medals this year, including a mixed title with Gabriel Tardio, Irvine brings valuable experience and a right-side presence that AZ desperately needs. Both teams are looking for a boost as they enter the crucial final events of the season.
Dizon and David Reunite in Orlando
With Parris Todd now on the Columbus roster, Vivienne David will team up with Meghan Dizon for women’s doubles in Orlando. This duo previously earned a silver medal at the 2023 Onix Austin Open, and their familiarity with each other’s playing styles is expected to yield positive results as they move forward.
In mixed doubles, Dizon is likely to partner with Tyson McGuffin, allowing David to continue her partnership with Federico Staksrud. Their history together could provide a significant boost as Orlando prepares for a hectic conclusion to the season, making this reunion a potentially pivotal moment for their team’s success.
What’s Next?
For fans eager to track changes, the MLP website will have updated Premier and Challenger team rosters following these trades. Waiver Period 3 kicks off this week during the PPA’s Stratusphere Gin Virginia Beach Cup, with Premier waivers scheduled for Wednesday and Challenger waivers on Thursday. Teams will be eagerly looking to finalize their rosters as they head into the final events, making these next few days critical for all involved.
News in Brief: Major MLP Trade Shift Before Deadline
Major League Pickleball’s trade deadline saw five significant trades reshaping team rosters. The Columbus Sliders acquired Callie Smith and Parris Todd, aiming to improve their women’s doubles performance and overall standings. The Utah Black Diamonds focused on cash considerations, looking to add a female player in the upcoming event while maintaining their financial strategy.
Andrea Koop and Lina Padegimaite are on new teams, each looking to make an impact as they join their new rosters. Meanwhile, Kaitlyn Christian and Jessie Irvine strengthen Carolina and AZ, respectively, as both teams push for a playoff berth. The Orlando Squeeze reunites Vivienne David and Meghan Dizon, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the season.
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