MLB Trades Analysis: Grades and Key Moves at the Deadline

The MLB Trade Market: Analysis and Ratings of Key Transactions

The MLB offseason is in full swing! Here’s a comprehensive summary of the most important transactions, with detailed analysis and grades so you don’t miss a single detail.

Rangers Acquire Merrill Kelly, Bolster Their Rotation

Rangers receive:

Contents

The MLB Trade Market: Analysis and Ratings of Key Transactions Rangers Acquire Merrill Kelly, Bolster Their Rotation Mets Acquire Cedric Mullins to Bolster Center Field Rays Trade Taj Bradley for Reliever Griffin Jax Red Sox Acquire Dustin May in a Trade with the Dodgers Astros Bring Carlos Correa Back The Padres Stay Active and Acquire Ryan O’Hearn and Ramon Laureano Astros Strengthen Their Lineup with Jesús Sánchez Yankees Bolster Bullpen with David Bednar Yankees Add Camilo Doval to Their Bullpen Yankees Bolster Bullpen with Jake Bird Parents Get Mason Miller in a Big Trade

Right-handed pitcher Merrill Kelly

Diamondbacks receive:

Left-handed pitcher Kohl Drake
Left-handed pitcher Mitch Bratt
Right-handed pitcher David Hagaman

Rangers’ Grade: B-

The Rangers, World Series champions in 2023, are looking to maintain their pace in the fight for the American League wild card and in the competitive West Division. The acquisition of Kelly, with a salary of 7 million dollars in his last year before free agency, represents an immediate improvement for the rotation, although the cost in prospects is considerable. Kelly is a consistent starter who could displace young talents like Kumar Rocker or Jack Leiter.

Diamondbacks Grade: B+

The Diamondbacks, under the direction of Mike Hazen, are preparing for a transformation. Drake, a lefty with a promising arsenal, stands out as the most valuable prospect. Bratt, another left-handed pitcher, also shows great potential in Double-A.

Mets Acquire Cedric Mullins to Bolster Center Field

Mets receive:

Center Fielder Cedric Mullins

Orioles receive:

Right-Handed Pitcher Anthony Nunez
Right-Handed Pitcher Raimon Gomez
Right-Handed Pitcher Chandler Marsh

Mets Grade: B

The Mets, with their sights set on 2025, needed to reinforce center field. Mullins, a former All-Star, fits this need, although the lack of options on the market limited the possibilities. Despite Mullins’ difficulties against right-handed pitchers, his experience and quality are valuable to the New York team. The key to the deal could be in the defensive evaluation of Mullins.

Orioles Grade: C+

The Orioles get right-handed relievers in this trade, with Nunez leading the way. Mullins’ season, although below expectations, did not affect the Orioles’ focus on their rebuilding process.

Rays Trade Taj Bradley for Reliever Griffin Jax

Rays receive:

Right-handed pitcher Griffin Jax

Twins receive:

Right-handed pitcher Taj Bradley

Rays Grade: C

A surprising decision by the Rays, who send Bradley to the Twins despite his recent performance. Jax, a high-caliber reliever, arrives in Tampa Bay. The transaction is unusual, as a talented young starting pitcher is generally not traded for a short-term reliever.

Twins Grade: B+

The Twins secure a solid rotation for the coming years with the arrival of Bradley. Although the bullpen weakens with Jax’s departure, the team trusts in the young pitcher’s potential.

Red Sox Acquire Dustin May in a Trade with the Dodgers

Red Sox receive:

Right-handed pitcher Dustin May

Dodgers receive:

Gardener James Tibbs III
Gardener Zach Ehrhard

Red Sox Grade: C-

May, who was key to the Dodgers’ championship in 2020, has not performed as expected in recent seasons. His effectiveness and pitch control have been deficient. The acquisition does not seem to fit with the “improve for the future” strategy, as May is in his final year of his contract. He could join the rotation or the bullpen.

Dodgers Grade: C+

The Dodgers are betting on Tibbs, a Red Sox prospect, in search of long-term potential. The Dodgers have had success with similar players in the past, so the bet could be worth it.

Astros Bring Carlos Correa Back

Astros receive:

Shortstop Carlos Correa

Twins receive:

Left-handed pitcher Matt Mikulski

Astros’ Grade: B

The Astros, despite injuries on their team, remain at the top of the American League West Division. Correa, who will turn 31 in September, joins the team as third baseman. Although he has had offensive inconsistencies in recent years, his return to Houston could be beneficial. The Twins will assume a portion of Correa’s salary.

Twins Grade: C

The Twins, with a record of 51-57, are looking to rebuild their team. Correa’s transaction, with a high salary, allows them to have greater financial flexibility. Correa’s era in Minnesota ends with only one playoff appearance.

The Padres Stay Active and Acquire Ryan O’Hearn and Ramon Laureano

Parents receive:

First Base/Designated Hitter Ryan O’Hearn
Outfielder Ramon Laureano

Orioles receive:

Right-Handed Pitcher Boston Bateman
Infielder Cobb Hightower
Infielder/Outfielder Victor Figueroa
Right-Handed Pitcher Tyson Neighbors
Infielder Brandon Butterworth
Right-Handed Pitcher Tanner Smith

Parents’ Rating: A-

The Padres, with championship ambitions, reinforce their team with O’Hearn and Laureano, improving their weak areas. The arrival of these players brings dynamism to the roster.

Orioles’ Grade: B+

The Orioles continue their rebuilding strategy, adding prospects and releasing expiring contracts. Bateman stands out in this trade.

Astros Strengthen Their Lineup with Jesús Sánchez

Astros receive:

Gardener Jesús Sánchez

Marlins receive:

Shortstop Chase Jaworsky
Right-Handed Pitcher Ryan Gusto
Outfielder Esmil Valencia

Astros Rating: C-

The addition of Sánchez provides a temporary solution for the Astros, who have had offensive problems due to injuries. Sánchez is a mid-level outfielder, with good performance against right-handed pitchers. The team hopes that with the return of Jeremy Pena, Sánchez can be substituted.

Marlins Grade: B

The Marlins, despite not being in the playoff race, have shown an improvement in their game. The Sánchez trade is a logical decision, although it could affect the team’s positive momentum.

Yankees Bolster Bullpen with David Bednar

Yankees receive:

Right-handed pitcher David Bednar

Pirates receive:

Catcher Rafael Flores
Catcher Edgleen Perez
Outfielder Brian Sanchez

Yankees Grade: B+

The Yankees, looking to strengthen their bullpen, acquire Bednar. Bednar, with another year under contract, could even be the team’s closer. His arrival offers a valuable addition to the relief corps.

Pirates’ Grade: C-

The Pirates get catching prospects, seeking long-term solutions. The return doesn’t seem to be enough for Bednar’s value.

Yankees Add Camilo Doval to Their Bullpen

Yankees receive:

Right-handed pitcher Camilo Doval

Giants receive:

Catcher/3B Jesus Rodriguez
Right-Handed Pitcher Trystan Vrieling
Infielder Parks Harber
Left-Handed Pitcher Carlos De La Rosa

Yankees Grade: B

Doval, a pitcher with great potential, joins the Yankees’ bullpen. Doval’s arrival completes the team’s bullpen renovation.

Giants’ Grade: C+

The Giants receive prospects, with Rodriguez and Vrieling as the most outstanding. The package seems to be more about quantity than quality.

Yankees Bolster Bullpen with Jake Bird

Yankees receive:

Right-handed pitcher Jake Bird

Rockies receive:

Second Base Roc Riggio
Left-Handed Pitcher Ben Shields

Yankees Grade: C

The Yankees add Bird to their bullpen. Bird has had ups and downs, but could be a low-pressure relief option.

Rockies Grade: C

The Rockies receive prospects in return.

Parents Get Mason Miller in a Big Trade

Parents receive:

Right-Handed Pitcher Mason Miller
Left-Handed Pitcher JP Sears

Athletics receive:

Shortstop Leo De Vries
Right-Handed Pitcher Braden Nett
Right-Handed Pitcher Henry Baez
Right-Handed Pitcher Eduarniel Nunez

Parents’ Rating: B

Miller, a highly talented closer, and Sears, a consistent source of runs, arrive at the Padres. The acquisition of Miller and Sears could be related to the team’s budget. The Padres could be looking to alleviate their tax burden.