MLB’s Season of Changes: Analysis and Key Movements
The MLB offseason is in full swing. From the first moves to last-minute transactions, we present a detailed analysis of the most important trades, with expert evaluations and ratings.Rangers Bolster Rotation with Merrill Kelly
The Texas Rangers acquire right-handed pitcher Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks. In return, the Diamondbacks receive left-handed pitchers Kohl Drake and Mitch Bratt, as well as right-handed pitcher David Hagaman.Rangers’ Grade: B-
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MLB’s Season of Changes: Analysis and Key MovementsRangers Bolster Rotation with Merrill KellyMets Acquire Cedric Mullins to Bolster Center FieldRays Trade Taj Bradley for Griffin JaxRed Sox Acquire Dustin May from the DodgersAstros Bring Carlos Correa BackParents Bolster Their Team with O’Hearn and LaureanoAstros Add Jesus SanchezYankees Bolster Bullpen with BednarYankees Add Camilo Doval to BullpenYankees Get More Help with Jake BirdParents Take Mason Miller
Diamondbacks Grade: B+
The Diamondbacks, led by Mike Hazen, are looking to restructure their team. Drake, a left-handed pitcher with good potential, is the key piece in this trade. Hagaman, although in the minor leagues, seeks to improve his control to stand out with his pitches.Mets Acquire Cedric Mullins to Bolster Center Field
The New York Mets acquire center fielder Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles. In return, the Orioles receive right-handed pitchers Anthony Nunez, Raimon Gomez, and Chandler Marsh.Mets Grade: B
For the Mets, center field was a need, and Mullins, with his experience and potential, is a good addition. Although they would prefer a right fielder, Mullins brings quality to the team. The key to the deal could lie in the defensive evaluation of Mullins.Orioles Grade: C+
The Orioles acquire relief pitchers, with Nunez standing out. Although it’s not the most appealing return, Mullins hadn’t had a good season.Rays Trade Taj Bradley for Griffin Jax
The Tampa Bay Rays send right-handed pitcher Taj Bradley to the Minnesota Twins, in exchange for reliever Griffin Jax.Rays Grade: C
This transaction is surprising. The Rays, after sending Bradley to Triple-A, trade him for Jax. Jax, despite an ERA of 4.50, has a FIP of 2.00, which suggests his value. Both pitchers have several years of control remaining.Twins’ Grade: B+
The Twins secure a solid rotation with Bradley’s arrival. With Jax, the bullpen is reinforced, despite the recent departures of other players.Red Sox Acquire Dustin May from the Dodgers
The Boston Red Sox receive right-handed pitcher Dustin May from the Los Angeles Dodgers, in exchange for outfielder James Tibbs III and outfielder Zach Ehrhard.Red Sox Grade: C-
May, with an ERA of 4.85 in 18 starts, has not been very effective. The addition of May could be to strengthen the rotation or the bullpen.Dodgers Grade: C+
The Dodgers get Tibbs, a prospect, in exchange for a pitcher they didn’t need.Astros Bring Carlos Correa Back
The Houston Astros acquire shortstop Carlos Correa from the Minnesota Twins, in exchange for left-handed pitcher Matt Mikulski.Astros’ Grade: B
Correa returns to Houston, where he resides in the offseason. Despite his injury problems and offensive inconsistency, Correa still has potential. The return could be beneficial for the Astros, although there are long-term risks.Twins Grade: C
The Twins, with a losing record, decide to trade Correa. This move seems to be more about salary relief than the return obtained.Parents Bolster Their Team with O’Hearn and Laureano
The San Diego Padres acquire first baseman/designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn and outfielder Ramon Laureano from the Baltimore Orioles, in exchange for right-handed pitchers Boston Bateman and Tyson Neighbors, infielders Cobb Hightower, Victor Figueroa and Brandon Butterworth, and right-handed pitcher Tanner Smith.Parents’ Rating: A-
The Padres reinforce with O’Hearn and Laureano, covering weak areas in their lineup. O’Hearn, with a good performance, and Laureano, with his offensive ability, improve the team.Orioles’ Grade: B+
The Orioles continue to rebuild their team, adding prospects. Bateman, a left-handed pitcher, is the key piece in this trade.Astros Add Jesus Sanchez
The Houston Astros acquire outfielder Jesús Sánchez from the Miami Marlins, in exchange for shortstop Chase Jaworsky, right-handed pitcher Ryan Gusto, and outfielder Esmil Valencia.Astros Rating: C-
The arrival of Sánchez could limit the playing time of other players. Sánchez is a mid-level outfielder, but can cover a need for a team with injury problems.Marlins Grade: B
The Marlins get prospects. Jaworsky is one of Houston’s top prospects, and Gusto adds options to Miami’s rotation.Yankees Bolster Bullpen with Bednar
The New York Yankees acquire right-handed pitcher David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates, in exchange for catcher Rafael Flores, catcher Edgleen Perez, and outfielder Brian Sanchez.Yankees Grade: B+
The Yankees are looking to strengthen their bullpen. Bednar, with a good recent performance, could even be the closer. The acquisition of Bednar, along with other relievers, strengthens the team’s bullpen.Pirates’ Rating: C-
The Pirates receive receiving prospects. Perez, a 19-year-old, is the most promising. However, the return could be considered light, considering that Bednar has one more year of control.Yankees Add Camilo Doval to Bullpen
The Yankees acquire right-handed pitcher Camilo Doval from the San Francisco Giants, in exchange for catcher/third baseman Jesús Rodríguez, right-handed pitcher Trystan Vrieling, infielder Parks Harber, and left-handed pitcher Carlos De La Rosa.Yankees Grade: B
Doval, a pitcher with a great arm, joins the bullpen. The acquisition of Doval completes the renovation of the Yankees’ bullpen.Giants’ Grade: C+
The Giants receive prospects, with Rodríguez and Vrieling as the most prominent.Yankees Get More Help with Jake Bird
The Yankees acquire right-handed pitcher Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies, in exchange for second baseman Roc Riggio and left-handed pitcher Ben Shields.Yankees Grade: C
The Yankees continue to strengthen their bullpen. Bird, with control over the team until 2028, provides more relief options.Rockies Grade: C
The Rockies receive Riggio and Shields, prospects. Riggio, with power, and Shields, with a good fastball and curveball, offer potential.Parents Take Mason Miller
The Padres acquire right-handed pitcher Mason Miller and left-handed pitcher JP Sears from the Oakland Athletics, in exchange for shortstop Leo De Vries, right-handed pitcher Braden Nett, right-handed pitcher Henry Baez, and right-handed pitcher Eduarniel Nunez.Parents’ Rating: B
Miller, an exceptional talent, and Sears, a consistent pitcher, strengthen the Padres’ pitching staff. However, the move could be related to the salary issue. The acquisition of Miller and Sears might not be beneficial in the short term for the Padres.
