Hot Rods feel effect of Tampa Bay’s deadline deals Published 9:08 am Wednesday, August 5, 2026The Bowling Green Hot Rods' Tony Santa Maria bats during Tuesday's game against Hub City at Bowling Green Ballpark. (Savannah Philpot/Bowling Green Hot Rods)Perhaps no minor league team felt the effect of Monday’s Major League Baseball trade deadline like the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Outfielder Aiden Smith, pitcher Jon Kisting and shortstop Adrian Santana were all members of the Hot Rods roster who were traded away by the deadline. Throw in infielder Émilien Pitre and pitcher Gary Gill Hill and a total of five players on the Hot Rods’ opening-day roster were moved within a 24-hour period. Brayden Taylor, who played for the Hot Rods in 2024, was also part of the Freddy Peralta deal.