MLB trade deadline grades for all 30 teams: Savvy sellers, bold buyers get high marks

This MLB trade deadline the sellers stole the show. The Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays absolutely crushed the deadline, revamping their farm systems with trade after trade of veteran players that brought back big returns.

In terms of contending teams, the Mariners, Padres, Phillies and Yankees led the way in making significant trades that improved their chances of winning their divisions and doing damage in the postseason.

This year’s market had few clear sellers, which led to steep asking prices, but there were teams on both sides of the trade spectrum — from savvy sellers to bold buyers — whose deadline dealings graded out well.

These annual grades are strictly my opinion — nothing more, nothing less. I don’t use analytics or consult with others in determining them. You can agree, disagree or share your own deadline takes and grades in the comments section, so please weigh in.

I assign the grades based on how much teams have improved their situation — whether they’re rebuilding, trying to make the playoffs or pushing to win the World Series. Full disclosure: I’m not a big fan of teams “standing pat,” so rightly or wrongly, I do tend to hold that against them. I’ve always believed there are ways to improve your organization at the trade deadline.

I take into account team needs, positional depth and the available players. I compare what teams did and what they didn’t do, and consider payroll size/restrictions, the standings and the organization’s goals.

Here are my grades for each of the 30 teams for this year’s trade deadline.

Note: Trades are from May 1 through July 30 (trade deadline)

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American League East

Baltimore Orioles

Grade: B+

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Zach Eflin from Rays for RHP Jackson Baumeister, OF Matthew Etzel and OF Mac Horvath
• Acquired LHP Trevor Rogers from Marlins for 2B Connor Norby and CF Kyle Stowers
• Acquired RHP Seranthony Domínguez and CF Cristian Pache from Phillies for RF Austin Hays
• Acquired LHP Gregory Soto from Phillies for RHP Seth Johnson and RHP Moisés Chace
• Acquired OF Eloy Jiménez and cash from White Sox for LHP Trey McGough
• Acquired OF Austin Slater, SS Livan Soto and cash from Reds for a player to be named
• Acquired RHP Patrick Reilly from Pirates for OF Billy Cook
• Acquired C Blake Hunt from Mariners for RHP Mike Baumann and C Michael Pérez
• Acquired RHP Colin Selby from the Royals for cash

Key takeaways: The Orioles decided to not trade any of their top prospects, and as a result were unable to land a top-of-the-rotation starter such as Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell or Garrett Crochet. I think holding on to their top prospects was the right move for the long term because this team is set up to contend for the next five to seven years. The front office did try to help this year’s team win by acquiring two key starting pitchers: Trevor Rogers, who has given up two runs or fewer in eight of his nine past starts, and Zach Eflin, who is a solid mid-rotation starter. The Orioles also added Gregory Soto and Seranthony Domínguez, two hard-throwing relievers from the Phillies with potential who have underperformed this season. Overall, the O’s got quantity but not the quality of players that other contending teams did.

Boston Red Sox

Grade: C+

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Luis García from Angels for SS Matthew Lugo, 1B Niko Kavadas, RHP Ryan Zeferjahn and RHP Yeferson Vargas
• Acquired C Danny Jansen from Blue Jays for SS Cutter Coffey, SS Eddinson Paulino and RHP Gilberto Batista
• Acquired RHP Quinn Priester from Pirates for 2B Nick Yorke
• Acquired RHP Lucas Sims from Reds for RHP Ovis Portes
• Acquired RHP Luis García from Angels for 1B Niko Kavadas, INF Matthew Lugo, RHP Yeferson Vargas and RHP Ryan Zeferjahn
• Acquired LHP James Paxton from Dodgers for SS Moises Bolivar
• Acquired 1B Garrett Cooper from Cubs for cash
• Traded 3B Pablo Reyes to Mets for cash
• Traded INF Zack Short to Braves for cash
• Traded RHP CJ Weins to Tigers for cash

Key takeaways: The acquisition of Danny Jansen helps the Red Sox against left-handed pitching and in game-calling. The deal for Quinn Priester was a nice under-the-radar move and a worthwhile gamble, especially considering pitching coach Andrew Bailey’s ability to help pitchers maximize their potential. The Red Sox improved their bullpen depth with Lucas Sims and Luis García, but didn’t do enough to catch the Orioles or Yankees. Still, regardless of their trade report card, the Red Sox deserve credit for recently extending manager Alex Cora’s contract for three more years. That was the best move they made at the deadline.

New York Yankees

Grade: A-

Trades:

• Acquired 2B/CF Jazz Chisholm Jr. from Marlins for C Agustin Ramirez, 2B Jared Serna and SS Abrahan Ramirez
• Acquired RHP Mark Leiter Jr. from Cubs for SS Benjamin Cowles and RHP Jack Neely
• Acquired RHP Enyel De Los Santos and RHP Thomas Balboni Jr. from Padres for OF Brandon Lockridge
• Acquired RHP Kelly Austin and international bonus pool money from Astros for LHP Caleb Ferguson
• Acquired 3B J.D. Davis and cash from A’s for SS Jordan Groshans
• Traded C Luis Torrens to Mets for cash

Key takeaways: The Yankees needed to lengthen their lineup and add speed and athleticism — and they accomplished all of those things by landing Jazz Chisholm Jr. His pull power is a good fit for Yankee Stadium and putting him in a clubhouse with leaders like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto should help improve his professionalism. Chisholm, 26, is just starting his prime years and should develop into an All-Star for years to come. I like the decision manager Aaron Boone made to put him at third base even though he had never played the position in the pros. One could argue that third base is perhaps the best spot for Chisholm. He grew up as a shortstop so keeping him on the left side of the infield makes sense. He’s a below-average defender at shortstop and in center field, but I think he’ll be a plus defender at second and third base. The Yankees also bolstered their bullpen with the acquisition of Mark Leiter Jr., who hasn’t allowed a hit or run in his past seven appearances and was one of the best swing-and-miss relievers traded.

Tampa Bay Rays

Grade: A

Trades:

• Acquired 3B Christopher Morel, RHP Hunter Bigge and RHP Ty Johnson from Cubs for 3B Isaac Paredes
• Acquired OF Dylan Carlson from Cardinals for RHP Shawn Armstrong
• Acquired RHP Brody Hopkins, OF Aidan Smith and a player to be named from Mariners for OF Randy Arozarena
• Acquired RHP Dylan Lesko, OF Homer Bush Jr. and C J.D. Gonzalez from Padres for RHP Jason Adam
• Acquired RHP Jackson Baumeister, OF Matthew Etzel and OF Mac Horvath from Orioles for RHP Zach Eflin
• Acquired  RHP Paul Gervase from Mets for RHP Tyler Zuber
• Acquired SS Gregory Barrios from Brewers for RHP Aaron Civale
• Acquired RHP Michael Flynn from Dodgers for SS Amed Rosario
• Acquired Cole Sulser from Mets for cash
• Traded RHP Phil Maton to Mets for cash

Key takeaways: The Rays absolutely crushed this trade deadline and showed the baseball world the only successful way to run a small-market franchise. They got strong returns on every trade they made, highlighted by the haul they landed in the Jason Adam deal with the Padres. The Rays ignored their standing in the AL wild-card race (only three games out of playoff position). They understood they were nothing more than a .500 team, opted to take advantage of the seller’s market, and were rewarded handsomely.

Toronto Blue Jays

Grade: B+ 

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Jake Bloss, OF Joey Loperfido and 2B Will Wagner from Astros for LHP Yusei Kikuchi
• Acquired SS Cutter Coffey, SS Eddinson Paulino and RHP Gilberto Batista from Red Sox for C Danny Jansen
• Acquired OF Jonatan Clase and C Jacob Sharp from Mariners for Yimi García
• Acquired SS Josh Rivera and OF Yohendrick Pinango from Cubs for RHP Nate Pearson
• Acquired OF RJ Schreck from Mariners for 3B Justin Turner and cash
• Acquired 2B Charles McAdoo from Pirates for 3B Isiah Kiner-Falefa and cash
• Acquired  INF Jay Harry from Twins for RHP Trevor Richards
• Acquired  RHP Ryan Yarbrough from Dodgers for Kevin Kiermaier and cash
• Acquired RHP Braydon Fisher from Dodgers for 2B Cavan Biggio and cash
• Acquired RHP Ryan Burr from Phillies for cash
• Acquired RHP Yerry Rodríguez from Rangers for RHP Josh Mollerus

Key takeaways: The Blue Jays did an excellent job on the trades they did make, highlighted by the Yusei Kikuchi swap with the Astros that brought back an immediate rotation arm (Jake Bloss), an everyday player (Joey Loperfido) and middle-infield depth (Will Wagner). They also got a strong return from Seattle in the Yimi García trade, especially speedy outfielder Jonatan Clase. However, their decision to keep their veteran core, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, and try to “run it back” again next year was questionable given the strength of this year’s seller’s trade market and the rare opportunity they had to jumpstart a rebuild.

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American League Central

Chicago White Sox

Grade: D

Trades:

• Acquired 3B Miguel Vargas, SS Alexander Albertus, SS Jeral Perez and a player to be named or cash considerations from Dodgers for
RHP Michael Kopech; traded RHP Erick Fedde, OF Tommy Pham and cash considerations to Cardinals; St. Louis traded SS Tommy Edman and RHP Oliver Gonzalez to Dodgers
• Acquired LHP Trey McGough from Orioles for OF Eloy Jiménez
• Acquired RHP Jarold Rosado from Royals for SS Paul DeJong
• Acquired RHP Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa from Rangers for Robbie Grossman
• Acquired SS William Bergolla from Phillies for LHP Tanner Banks
• Acquired OF Corey Julks for RHP Luis Rodriguez

Key takeaways: The White Sox didn’t get enough quality or quantity of prospects in their three-way trade that shipped Erick Fedde, Tommy Pham and Michael Kopech to the National League. Their emphasis on middle infielders instead of pitching prospects in trade returns was head-scratching. It wasn’t their fault that they held on to Garrett Crochet after he and his agents at CAA said he wouldn’t pitch in the postseason without a contract extension, complicating trade negotiations. After reviewing all of the deals they did make, I just don’t think they moved the needle enough for the long term, given what they gave up. However, they’ll have the offseason to try to trade Crochet and Luis Robert Jr., and they may be able to get the same or better return then as they could have gotten now.

Cleveland Guardians

Grade: B 

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Alex Cobb from Giants for LHP Jacob Bresnahan
• Acquired OF Lane Thomas from Nationals for LHP Alex Clemmey, SS Rafael Ramirez Jr. and SS José Tena
• Acquired RHP Spencer Howard from Giants for cash
• Acquired RHP Darren McCaughan from Marlins for cash

Key takeaways: The Guardians finally got the corner outfielder they’ve wanted. Lane Thomas crushes left-handed pitching and can steal bases to help manufacture runs. He is average in the outfield, and better coming in on balls than is he going back on them. However, the Guardians grossly overpaid in prospect capital to acquire him, especially considering he’s eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. Their biggest need was a veteran starter and they did a nice job filling it with Alex Cobb. The move comes with some risk because he hasn’t pitched this year, but his medical reports looked good and he was throwing well on his rehab assignment. Bottom line: They achieved their goals of adding a veteran starter and an outfield bat. They begin August with the AL’s best record and will continue to be a legitimate World Series threat.

Detroit Tigers

Grade: D

Trades:

• Acquired C Thayron Liranzo and SS Trey Sweeney from Dodgers for RHP Jack Flaherty
• Acquired RHP Joseph Montalvo and RHP Chase Lee from Rangers for LHP Andrew Chafin
• Acquired C Liam Hicks and RHP Tyler Owens from Rangers for C Carson Kelly
• Acquired RHP Eric Silva from Giants for LF Mark Canha
• Acquired RHP Ricky Vanasco from Dodgers for cash
• Acquired RHP CJ Weins from Red Sox for RHP Trey Wingenter
• Traded 3B Buddy Kennedy to Phillies for cash

Key takeaways: The Tigers listened on Tarik Skubal and did the right thing by not trading him after fielding trade offers that were never enough to make a compelling argument to move him. Their trade return for Jack Flaherty was awful. They just didn’t get enough back in the deal and perhaps waiting until the last minute hurt them. (The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported that, according to sources briefed on the discussions, “the Yankees backed out of a preliminary trade agreement with the Detroit Tigers for Flaherty after reviewing the right-hander’s medical records.”) It was stunning to see the haul the Blue Jays got for Yusei Kikuchi, which was miles better than what the Tigers got for Flaherty, who was the best starting pitcher traded at the deadline.

Kansas City Royals

Grade: B

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Hunter Harvey from Nationals for 3B Cayden Wallace and 39th pick in MLB Draft
• Acquired RHP Lucas Erceg from A’s for RHP Will Klein, RHP Mason Barnett and OF Jared Dickey
• Acquired RHP Michael Lorenzen from Rangers for LHP Walter Pennington
• Acquired SS Paul DeJong from White Sox for RHP Jarold Rosado
• Traded RHP Colin Selby to Orioles for cash

Key takeaways: The Royals did an excellent job of improving their roster, especially considering they were trying to make trades with one of the weakest farm systems among the contending teams. J.J. Picollo upgraded the bullpen significantly with the trades for Lucas Erceg and Hunter Harvey and added important starting pitching depth with Michael Lorenzen, who can start and relieve. They also added some power with Paul DeJong, whom they can move all around the field.

Minnesota Twins

Grade: C-

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Trevor Richards from Blue Jays for INF Jay Harry
• Traded RHP Matt Bowman to Diamondbacks for cash

Key takeaways: The Twins did not have the payroll flexibility from ownership to add the veteran starting pitching depth they were hoping to land. However, they did get a solid reliever, Trevor Richards, for minimal cost. They’re basically going to have to count on the team they had heading into the trade deadline. Their season will depend heavily on whether their three biggest stars — Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis — can stay healthy.

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American League West

Houston Astros

Grade: C

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Yusei Kikuchi from Blue Jays for RHP Jake Bloss, OF Joey Loperfido and 2B Will Wagner
• Acquired LHP Caleb Ferguson from Yankees for RHP Kelly Austin and international bonus pool money
• Acquired RHP Luis Rodriguez from White Sox for OF Corey Julks
• Acquired RHP Nick Hernandez from Padres for cash
• Traded RHP Brandon Bielak to A’s for cash
• Traded RHP Joel Kuhnel to Blue Jays for cash

Key takeaways: The Astros landed the veteran starter they were focused on acquiring when they traded for Yusei Kikuchi, but they overpaid in the process. Kikuchi had a 6.86 ERA in June and a 6.59 ERA in July, which is concerning. In trading that trio of prospects (Jake Bloss, Joey Loperfido and Will Wagner), I would have preferred to acquire Tigers righty Jack Flaherty, who was eventually traded to the Dodgers for much less than what the Astros traded for Kikuchi.

Los Angeles Angels

Grade: B

Trades:

• Acquired RHP George Klassen and LHP Samuel Aldegheri from Phillies for RHP Carlos Estévez
• Acquired SS Matthew Lugo, 1B Niko Kavadas, RHP Ryan Zeferjahn and RHP Yeferson Vargas from Red Sox for RHP Luis García
• Acquired RHP Mike Baumann from Giants for cash
• Acquired RHP Roansy Contreras from Pirates for cash
• Traded RHP Jimmy Herget to Braves for cash

Key takeaways: The Angels did an exceptional job in the Carlos Estévez trade with the Phillies, landing two mid-rotation to back-of-the-rotation starting pitching prospects. It has the potential to be one of the best trades of the deadline. They also did well in the Luis García trade in terms of the quantity (four players for a rental reliever). However, they held on to too many of their veteran players, such as Taylor Ward and Luis Rengifo, who could have netted them even more prospects.

Oakland A’s

Grade: B-

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Will Klein, RHP Mason Barnett and OF Jared Dickey from Royals for RHP Lucas Erceg
• Acquired RHP Kade Morris from Mets for RHP Paul Blackburn
• Acquired SS Jordan Groshans from Yankees for 3B J.D. Davis
• Acquired RHP Brandon Bielak from Astros for cash

Key takeaways: The A’s traded for three solid pitching prospects, which was the right decision given where they are in the standings and as an organization. However, I thought they could have pushed more to trade their best power hitter, Brent Rooker, in a market where so many contending teams were looking for a middle-of-the-order power bat.

Seattle Mariners

Grade: A 

Trades:

• Acquired OF Randy Arozarena from Rays for RHP Brody Hopkins, OF Aidan Smith and a player to be named
• Acquired 3B Justin Turner and cash from Blue Jays for OF RJ Schreck
• Acquired Yimi García from Blue Jays OF Jonatan Clase and C Jacob Sharp
• Acquired OF Rhylan Thomas from Mets for RHP Ryne Stanek
• Acquired C Andruw Salcedo from Reds for 1B Ty France and cash
• Acquired RHP JT Chargois from Marlins for RHP Will Schomberg
• Traded LHP Dallas Keuchel to Brewers for cash
• Traded RHP Mike Baumann to Giants

Key takeaways: The Mariners were big winners at the trade deadline, adding a key bat in Randy Arozarena, who provides 20-plus homers and 20-plus steals a year. More importantly, he excels in the biggest games and the biggest moments, which could be a difference-maker for Seattle in the playoffs.  The pick-up of Yimi García gives the Mariners another high-leverage reliever, and he was one of the best set-up men on the market. And I liked the under-the-radar move to get Justin Turner. Adding the veteran will be more significant than people think because of his leadership skills, on the field and in the clubhouse. Turner knows how to win championships, how to work a count and how to mentor young hitters. His influence could be a positive jolt to a Mariners lineup that has underachieved all season.

Texas Rangers

Grade: C

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Walter Pennington from Royals for RHP Michael Lorenzen
• Acquired LHP Andrew Chafin from Tigers for RHP Joseph Montalvo and RHP Chase Lee
• Acquired C Carson Kelly from Tigers for C Liam Hicks and RHP Tyler Owens
• Acquired Robbie Grossman from Tigers for RHP Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa
• Acquired RHP Josh Mollerus from Blue Jays for RHP Yerry Rodríguez
• Traded RHP Shaun Anderson to Marlins for cash

Key takeaways: The Rangers’ best “moves” at the trade deadline and in the days to come are simply to reinstate players coming off the injured list: Jacob deGrom, Tyler Mahle, Cody Bradford and Josh Jung, among others. (The latter two just returned.) I liked the trade to improve their catching depth with Carson Kelly and adding Andrew Chafin to the bullpen was a plus, but they weren’t able to get the bench bat they were looking for.

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National League East

Atlanta Braves

Grade: C+

Trades:

• Acquired OF Jorge Soler and RHP Luke Jackson from Giants for LHP Tyler Matzek and 3B Sabin Ceballos
• Acquired INF Zack Short from Red Sox for cash
• Acquired RHP Jimmy Herget from Angels for cash
• Traded 3B Luis Guillorme to Angels for a player to be named 

Key takeaways:  The Braves are hoping history repeats itself, as they acquired the power-hitting Jorge Soler three years after trading for him the first time. It worked out so well last time that he won World Series MVP. But this time around, they also had to agree to take on his $16 million a year salary for the next two seasons. Soler provides significant power, and his return is a strong indication Atlanta doesn’t think Jarred Kelenic is the answer in left field for 2025 and beyond. I thought the Braves needed to add another veteran starting pitcher at the deadline, but they couldn’t land one.

Miami Marlins

Grade: A 

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Adam Mazur, 2B Jay Beshears, LHP Robby Snelling and 3B Graham Pauley from Padres for LHP Tanner Scott and RHP Bryan Hoeing
• Acquired C Agustin Ramirez, 2B Jared Serna and SS Abrahan Ramirez from Yankees for 2B/CF Jazz Chisholm Jr.
• Acquired 2B Connor Norby and CF Kyle Stowers from Orioles for LHP Trevor Rogers
• Acquired RHP Jun-Seok Shim and 3B Garret Forrester from Pirates for RF Bryan De La Cruz
• Acquired 3B Deyvison De Los Santos and SS Andrew Pintar from Diamondbacks for LHP A.J. Puk
• Acquired RHP Will Schomberg from Mariners for RHP JT Chargois
• Acquired SS Wilfredo Lara from Mets for RHP Huascar Brazoban
• Acquired OF Dillon Head, OF Jakob Marsee, RHP Woo-Suk Go and 1B Nathan Martorella from Marlins for 2B Luis Arraez
• Traded RHP Darren McCaughan to Guardians for cash
• Traded 1B Josh Bell to Diamondbacks for a player to be named

Key takeaways: First-year president of baseball operations Peter Bendix did a phenomenal job of maximizing the prospect return in his trades — so much so that it’s obvious he came to the Marlins after working with Erik Neander in the Rays organization, which has been the best in the business at making trades and building farm systems. I particularly liked the strong package the Marlins got from the Padres for Tanner Scott, the players they received from the Yankees for Jazz Chisholm Jr., and the return in the Trevor Rogers deal with the Orioles. Overnight, the Marlins became a top-five farm system in baseball.

New York Mets

Grade: C+

Trades:

• Acquired LF Jesse Winker from Nationals for RHP Tyler Stuart
• Acquired RHP Paul Blackburn from A’s for RHP Kade Morris
• Acquired RHP Ryne Stanek from Mariners for OF Rhylan Thomas
• Acquired LHP Nicolas Carreno from Pirates for LHP Josh Walker
• Acquired RHP Tyler Zuber from Rays for RHP Paul Gervase
• Acquired RHP Huascar Brazoban from Marlins for SS Wilfredo Lara
• Acquired RHP Phil Maton from Rays for cash
• Acquired C Luis Torrens from Yankees for cash
• Acquired LHP Matt Gage from Dodgers for cash
• Acquired 3B Pablo Reyes from Red Sox for cash
• Traded Cole Sulser to Rays for cash
• Traded  C Andriel Lantigua to Rockies for cash

Key takeaways: The Mets wanted a left-handed hitter and I liked the acquisition of Jesse Winker, who works the count, takes his walks and is an on-base machine. I also liked their bullpen depth plays, Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek, who have experience pitching in important games from their days with the Astros. However, I didn’t think the Mets did enough to improve their starting pitching outside of Paul Blackburn, the back-of-the-rotation starter they acquired from the A’s.

Philadelphia Phillies

Grade: A-

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Carlos Estévez from Angels for RHP George Klassen and LHP Samuel Aldegheri
• Acquired RF Austin Hays from Orioles for RHP Seranthony Domínguez and CF Cristian Pache
• Acquired LHP Tanner Banks from White Sox for SS William Bergolla
• Acquired RHP Seth Johnson and RHP Moisés Chace from Orioles for LHP Gregory Soto
• Acquired 3B Buddy Kennedy from Tigers for cash
• Acquired OF Ruben Cardenas from Rays for cash
• Acquired LHP Tyler Gilbert from Reds for cash
• Traded C Jorge Mendez to Rockies for cash
• Traded SS Casey Martin to Brewers for cash

Key takeaways: Future Hall of Fame executive Dave Dombrowski crushed yet another trade deadline, acquiring exactly what his team needed: a high-leverage right-handed reliever in Carlos Estévez for the back of their bullpen and a right-handed-hitting outfielder in Austin Hays, who rakes against left-handed pitching and averages 16 home runs a year when playing regularly. They might not be the sexiest names, but they are what the Phillies needed. Dombrowski also added an interesting pitching prospect, Seth Johnson, in a deal with Baltimore, after parting with two good ones in the Estévez trade.

Washington Nationals

Grade: B 

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Alex Clemmey, SS Rafael Ramirez Jr. and SS José Tena from Guardians for Lane Thomas
• Acquired RHP Tyler Stuart from Mets for LF Jesse Winker
• Acquired 3B Cayden Wallace and 39th pick in MLB Draft from Royals for RHP Hunter Harvey
• Acquired  3B Andrés Chaparro from Diamondbacks for RHP Dylan Floro

Key takeaways: The Nationals dominated the trade deadline in terms of the deals they made, which shouldn’t be a surprise based on president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo’s trade record. I couldn’t believe he landed the Royals’ second-best prospect and the 39th pick in the MLB Draft for veteran set-up reliever Hunter Harvey. Rizzo also got a haul from the Guardians for Lane Thomas, who doesn’t hit right-handed pitching, doesn’t go back on balls well in the outfield, and will be eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. However, the Nationals fell short by not trading their closer, Kyle Finnegan, in a market when several teams got massive returns for relievers.

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National League Central

Chicago Cubs

Grade: B-

Trades:

• Acquired 3B Isaac Paredes from Rays for 3B Christopher Morel, RHP Hunter Bigge and RHP Ty Johnson
• Acquired SS Benjamin Cowles and RHP Jack Neely from Yankees for RHP Mark Leiter Jr.
• Acquired RHP Nate Pearson from Blue Jays for SS Josh Rivera and OF Yohendrick Pinango
• Acquired CF Gilberto Celestino from Pirates for cash

Key takeaways: Before the deadline, the Cubs said they were going to make trades to help the team in 2025 and beyond, and they kept their word with their three main deals. Isaac Paredes is an upgrade at third base defensively over Christoper Morel and has a better hit tool but with less power. Nate Pearson has a big arm but his production has never matched his potential, and perhaps Chicago’s pitching room can help him finally reach it. And they got a decent return for Mark Leiter Jr., a move that again showed they care about next year more than this year.

Cincinnati Reds

Grade: C

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Jakob Junis, OF Joey Wiemer and cash from Brewers for RHP Frankie Montas
• Acquired RHP Ovis Portes from Red Sox for RHP Lucas Sims
• Acquired 1B Ty France and cash from Mariners for C Andruw Salcedo
• Traded OF Austin Slater, SS Livan Soto and cash to Orioles for a player to be named
• Acquired LF Austin Slater and cash from Giants for LHP Alex Young
• Traded LHP Tyler Gilbert to Phillies for cash

Key takeaways: I liked seeing the Reds take a chance on Ty France, who I always thought was going to hit with at least average power. Seattle was not the right ballpark for him and switching to “Great American Small Park” should help his power numbers. France gives the Reds more position-player depth and could be an under-the-radar solid pick-up. The Frankie Montas trade to the Brewers didn’t move the needle for me (in either direction) and dealing Lucas Sims to the Red Sox had more to do with opening roster spots for players coming off the IL. The Reds didn’t get better at the deadline, but they did save some money.

Milwaukee Brewers

Grade: B-

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Frankie Montas from Reds for RHP Jakob Junis, OF Joey Wiemer and cash
• Acquired RHP Aaron Civale from Rays for SS Gregory Barrios
• Acquired RHP Nick Mears from Rockies for RHP Bradley Blalock and RHP Yujanyer Herrera
• Acquired LHP Dallas Keuchel from Mariners for cash
• Acquired SS Casey Martin from Phillies for cash

Key takeaways: The Brewers know what they’re doing. Adding two starters, in Aaron Civale and Frankie Montas, gives them valuable, veteran rotation depth. The pickup of Nick Mears, who has some gaudy Statcast numbers, improves their bullpen depth. The Brewers are the team to beat in the NL Central and by acquiring those three veteran pitchers they helped their chances of maintaining their position in the standings, even though none of the three are significant difference-makers.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Grade: B-

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Jalen Beeks from Rockies for LHP Luis Peralta
• Acquired  LHP Josh Walker from Mets for LHP Nicolas Carreno
• Acquired RF Bryan De La Cruz from Marlins for RHP Jun-Seok Shim and 3B Garret Forrester
• Acquired 2B Nick Yorke from Red Sox for RHP Quinn Priester
• Acquired Isiah Kiner-Falefa and cash from Blue Jays for 2B Charles McAdoo
• Acquired LHP Ronaldys Jimenez from Padres for LHP Martín Pérez
• Acquired OF Billy Cook from Orioles for RHP Patrick Reilly
• Traded RHP Roansy Contreras to Angels for cash
• Traded CF Gilberto Celestino to Cubs for cash

Key takeaways: The Pirates improved the balance of their bullpen with the addition of lefties Jalen Beeks and Josh Walker. They added a much-needed power bat in Bryan De La Cruz from the Marlins and picked up a strong defensive utility player in Isiah Kiner-Falefa. But did they do enough to improve the offense to get to the postseason?

St. Louis Cardinals

Grade: B+

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Erick Fedde, OF Tommy Pham and cash considerations from White Sox; traded SS Tommy Edman and RHP Oliver Gonzalez to Dodgers, who traded 3B Miguel Vargas, SS Alexander Albertus, SS Jeral Perez and a player to be named or cash considerations to White Sox for RHP Michael Kopech
• Acquired RHP Shawn Armstrong from Rays for OF Dylan Carlson

Key takeaways: The Cardinals’ goal entering the trade deadline was to add a controllable veteran starting pitcher — and they accomplished it when they acquired Erick Fedde in the three-team trade. They also wanted another veteran right-handed bat and got Tommy Pham thrown in the same deal. The trade cost was Tommy Edman, who hasn’t played all season due to injuries, and a teenage pitcher who is currently in the Dominican Summer League. Fedde gives the Cardinals another solid mid-rotation starter who can keep them in games for five to six innings per start, and he’s under team control through next season. They also added an important bullpen arm in righty Shawn Armstrong, but I’d be afraid the outfielder they gave up in that trade, Dylan Carlson, will flourish in Tampa Bay like ex-Cardinal Randy Arozarena did several years ago.

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National League West

Arizona Diamondbacks

Grade: B-

Trades:

• Acquired LHP A.J. Puk from Marlins for 3B Deyvison De Los Santos and SS Andrew Pintar
• Acquired RHP Dylan Floro from Nationals for 3B Andrés Chaparro
• Acquired 1B Josh Bell from Marlins for a player to be named
• Acquired RHP Matt Bowman from Twins for cash

Key takeaways:  I liked the acquisition of A.J. Puk, who gives the Diamondbacks another power left-hander out of the bullpen, but didn’t like the price they had to pay in prospects to get him. However, that was the cost of doing business in a seller’s market and adding another lefty reliever was a glaring need. After learning about Christian Walker’s oblique injury, the Diamondbacks quickly responded, landing first baseman Josh Bell, who belted five homers in his last 10 games for Miami. But the biggest thing for this team remains the anticipated returns of Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez from the injured list. They could be difference-makers for the D-Backs down the stretch.

Colorado Rockies

Grade: D

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Luis Peralta from Pirates for LHP Jalen Beeks
• Acquired RHP Bradley Blalock and RHP Yujanyer Herrera from Brewers for RHP Nick Mears
•  Acquired C Andriel Lantigua from Mets for cash
• Acquired C Jorge Mendez to Rockies for cash

Key takeaways: Colorado traded two relievers, Nick Mears and Jalen Beeks, and got solid-but-not-spectacular prospects in return. The Rockies have rarely been active traders at the deadline, so their quiet deadline was no surprise to the industry. But as a rebuilding team operating in a seller’s market, I think they would have benefited from making some uncomfortable trades, like dealing third baseman Ryan McMahon, who would have brought back a haul and really helped bolster their future. I also think they whiffed by not trading catcher Elias Díaz, who is an impending free agent, and pitcher Cal Quantrill.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Grade: B

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Jack Flaherty from Tigers for C Thayron Liranzo and SS Trey Sweeney
• Acquired SS Tommy Edman and RHP Oliver Gonzalez from Cardinals; traded 3B Miguel Vargas, SS Alexander Albertus, SS Jeral Perez and a player to be named or cash considerations to White Sox for RHP Michael Kopech; White Sox traded RHP Erick Fedde, OF Tommy Pham and cash considerations to Cardinals
• Acquired SS Amed Rosario from Rays for RHP Michael Flynn
• Acquired Kevin Kiermaier and cash from Blue Jays for RHP Ryan Yarbrough
• Acquired SS Moises Bolivar from Red Sox for LHP James Paxton
• Acquired 2B Cavan Biggio and cash from Blue Jays for RHP Braydon Fisher
• Traded RHP Ricky Vanasco to Tigers for cash
• Traded LHP Matt Gage to Mets for cash

Key takeaways: The Dodgers made the best overall trade of the deadline at the buzzer when they acquired Jack Flaherty from the Tigers for a light return. Flaherty has been pitching like he did in 2019, when he finished fourth in the NL Cy Young Award voting. It’s amazing the Blue Jays got more for Yusei Kikuchi from the Astros than the Tigers got for Flaherty from the Dodgers. I think Flaherty will turn out to be the best starting pitcher traded at this deadline. The Dodgers also deserve credit for landing power reliever Michael Kopech and improving their roster depth by acquiring Tommy Edman and Amed Rosario, who both can play all over the field. Edman can start at second base or in center field and has hit 13 home runs each of the past two years while averaging about 30 stolen bases a season too. However, he hasn’t played this year because of injuries.

San Diego Padres

Grade: A 

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Tanner Scott and RHP Bryan Hoeing from Marlins for RHP Adam Mazur, 2B Jay Beshears, LHP Robby Snelling and 3B Graham Pauley
• Acquired RHP Jason Adam from Rays for RHP Dylan Lesko, OF Homer Bush Jr. and C J.D. Gonzalez
• Acquired 2B Luis Arraez from Marlins for OF Dillon Head, OF Jakob Marsee, RHP Woo-Suk Go and 1B Nathan Martorella
• Acquired LHP Martín Pérez from Pirates for LHP Ronaldys Jimenez
• Acquired OF Brandon Lockridge from Yankees for RHP Enyel De Los Santos and RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.
• Traded RHP Nick Hernandez to Astros for cash

Key takeaways: The Padres have been the best in baseball since spring training in terms of in-season acquisitions, landing their ace, Dylan Cease, just before Opening Day; trading for two-time, two-league batting champion, Luis Arraez, in May; and now at the deadline acquiring one the best high-leverage relievers in the game, Jason Adam, as well as arguably the best left-handed closer in the sport, Tanner Scott. They are now strongly positioned to not only make the playoffs, but also to do damage once they get there. President of baseball operations A.J. Preller once again will be a serious contender for Executive of the Year. The Padres weren’t afraid to empty the farm system to land both Adam and Scott, and they’ve made it clear they’re all-in to win right now while in this contention window.

San Francisco Giants

Grade: D

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Tyler Matzek and 3B Sabin Ceballos from Braves for Jorge Soler and RHP Luke Jackson
• Acquired LF Mark Canha from Tigers for RHP Eric Silva
• Acquired LHP Jacob Bresnahan from Guardians for RHP Alex Cobb
• Acquired LHP Alex Young from Reds for LF Austin Slater
• Traded RHP Mike Baumann to Angels for cash
• Traded RHP Spencer Howard to Guardians for cash

Key takeaways:  The Giants reduced their future financial exposure by trading Jorge Soler and Alex Cobb, but they didn’t do much to improve their chances of making the playoffs this year outside of bringing in left-handed reliever Tyler Matzek and right-handed hitter Mark Canha, who has power and can draw walks coming off the bench. They listened on Blake Snell, but that’s all they did. They now have to hope that Snell and Robbie Ray can perform like the Cy Young Award winners they’ve been in the past, and along with the rest of the staff, just try to pitch themselves to the postseason. I just question if this offense is good enough to get them there.

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MLB trade deadline: All of The Athletic’s 2024 trade grades in one place

(Top photo of Randy Arozarena: Griffin Quinn / Getty Images)