Major Changes in MLB: Analysis and Grades of Key Trades

Key Moves in MLB Trade Deadline Closing

The MLB trade season is in full swing, with teams looking to strengthen their rosters for the final stretch of the season. From the first moves to the last-minute transactions, here’s a detailed analysis of the most important trades, with expert ratings and evaluations.

Rangers Bolster Roster with Merrill Kelly

The 2023 World Series champion Texas Rangers have acquired right-handed pitcher Merrill Kelly from the Diamondbacks.

• Rangers receive: Merrill Kelly
• Diamondbacks receive: LHP Kohl Drake, LHP Mitch Bratt, RHP David Hagaman

Rangers’ Grade: B-

Kelly, a consistent pitcher, could displace a young Rangers starter, such as Kumar Rocker or Jack Leiter. His $7 million salary in his final year before free agency is attractive, and could make room for more additions. Kelly has proven to be a quality starter, with better effectiveness on the road than at home.

Diamondbacks Grade: B+

The Diamondbacks, led by Mike Hazen, have made significant moves. Drake, a lefty with good potential, and Bratt, a standout prospect, are key pieces in this deal.

Mets Acquire Cedric Mullins

The Mets have reinforced their center field with the acquisition of Cedric Mullins from the Orioles.

• Mets receive: Cedric Mullins
• Orioles receive: RHP Anthony Nunez, RHP Raimon Gomez, RHP Chandler Marsh

Mets Grade: B

Mullins, a former All-Star, provides experience and quality to the Mets’ center field, who are looking for a boost for 2025. Although they would have ideally preferred a right fielder, Mullins is a proven option.

Orioles Grade: C+

The Orioles get right-handed relievers in this trade. Nunez, with a good performance in recent seasons, could be a valuable addition to the Orioles’ bullpen.

Rays Trade Taj Bradley for Griffin Jax

The Tampa Bay Rays have made a surprising move, trading pitcher Taj Bradley for reliever Griffin Jax from the Twins.

• Rays receive: Griffin Jax
• Twins receive: Taj Bradley

Rays Grade: C

Jax, with a good performance as a reliever, arrives at the Rays. The decision to trade Bradley for Jax is unexpected, considering Bradley’s youth and potential.

Twins’ Grade: B+

The Twins secure a solid rotation with Bradley’s arrival. The acquisition of Bradley strengthens the Twins’ rotation, who are looking for a core of pitchers for the upcoming seasons.

Red Sox Get Dustin May

The Red Sox have acquired right-handed pitcher Dustin May from the Dodgers.

• Red Sox receive: Dustin May
• Dodgers receive: OF James Tibbs III, OF Zach Ehrhard

Red Sox Grade: C-

May, who is heading to free agency, could reinforce the Red Sox’s rotation or bullpen. His effectiveness and performance have been consistent, but not spectacular.

Dodgers Grade: C+

The Dodgers get prospects in this trade. Tibbs, although he hasn’t performed well, could be a future bet for the team.

Astros Bring Carlos Correa Back

The Astros have finalized the return of Carlos Correa, coming from the Twins.

• Astros receive: Carlos Correa
• Twins receive: LHP Matt Mikulski

Astros’ Grade: B

Correa’s return is a strategic move for the Astros, who are looking to reinforce their team despite injuries. Correa, although with some challenges, could bring experience and solidity to third base.

Twins Grade: C

The Twins, with an unfavorable record, have decided to trade Correa. This move could improve their finances in the long term, but represents a setback in their pursuit of success.

Parents Bolster the Team with O’Hearn and Laureano

The Padres remain active in the market, acquiring Ryan O’Hearn and Ramon Laureano from the Orioles.

• Parents receive: Ryan O’Hearn, Ramon Laureano
• Orioles receive: RHP Boston Bateman, IF Cobb Hightower, IF/OF Victor Figueroa, RHP Tyson Neighbors, INF Brandon Butterworth, RHP Tanner Smith

Parents’ Rating: A-

The Padres, with this move, seek to strengthen their lineup. O’Hearn and Laureano can bring dynamism and cover weak areas of the team.

Orioles’ Grade: B+

The Orioles continue to build their prospect system. This trade allows them to add young talent to their organization.

Astros Acquire Jesús Sánchez

The Astros have added Jesús Sánchez to their lineup, coming from the Marlins.

• Astros receive: Jesús Sánchez
• Marlins receive: SS Chase Jaworsky, RHP Ryan Gusto, OF Esmil Valencia

Astros Rating: C-

The arrival of Sánchez could cover a need in the Astros’ outfield, especially given the injuries. Sánchez is a regular-level outfielder who can be useful for the team.

Marlins Grade: B

The Marlins get prospects in this trade, which could be beneficial for their future. The acquisition of Jaworsky and Gusto strengthens their prospect system.

Yankees Bolster Bullpen with David Bednar

The Yankees have bolstered their bullpen with the acquisition of David Bednar.

• Yankees receive: David Bednar
• Pirates receive: C Rafael Flores, C Edgleen Perez, OF Brian Sanchez

Yankees Grade: B+

Bednar, with a good performance, could be a valuable addition to the Yankees’ bullpen. His arrival provides Aaron Boone with another high-caliber option for critical situations.

Pirates’ Grade: C-

The Pirates get prospects from the Yankees. Perez, a young prospect, and Flores, a batter with potential, are part of the deal.

Yankees Add Camilo Doval to Bullpen

The Yankees have acquired Camilo Doval, further strengthening their bullpen.

• Yankees receive: Camilo Doval
• Giants receive: C/3B Jesus Rodriguez, RHP Trystan Vrieling, IF Parks Harber, LHP Carlos De La Rosa

Yankees Grade: B

Doval, a pitcher with great potential, arrives at the Yankees, completing the bullpen renovation. The addition of Doval is a strategic move to strengthen the team.

Giants’ Grade: C+

The Giants receive prospects in this trade. Rodriguez and Vrieling are the most prominent prospects, but the package seems to be more about quantity than quality.

Yankees Add Jake Bird

The Yankees continue to bolster their bullpen with the acquisition of Jake Bird.

• Yankees receive: Jake Bird
• Rockies receive: 2B Roc Riggio, LHP Ben Shields

Yankees Grade: C

Bird, with control over the team until 2028, joins the Yankees as an additional option for the bullpen. His recent performance has been irregular.

Rockies Grade: C

The Rockies receive prospects in this trade. Riggio and Shields are prospects with potential, although with some limitations.

Parents Make a Shocking Move with Mason Miller and JP Sears

The Padres have made a bold move by acquiring Mason Miller and JP Sears.

• Parents receive: Mason Miller, JP Sears
• Athletics receive: SS Leo De Vries, RHP Braden Nett, RHP Henry Baez, RHP Eduarniel Nunez

Parents’ Rating: B

Miller, a standout talent, and Sears, a consistent pitcher, arrive at the Padres. Although the Padres’ pitching staff is reinforced, this move could be more related to payroll management. The savings that would come from trading Suarez and Cease could be enough for San Diego to stay below the second tax threshold. Even if that doesn’t happen, Cease is in a contract year and Suarez, who can opt out, probably will be too. So, even if Preller trades that duo, he still comes out ahead in terms of net controllable years.