MLB trade deadline grades for all 30 teams: Astros (A), Rangers (A), Mets (!) … Yankees (D+)

This year’s MLB trade deadline didn’t disappoint, thanks to the New York Mets, who shook the baseball world, as the most expensive team in major-league history launched itself into a rebuild midway through the season. The 2023 deadline didn’t have a blockbuster Shohei Ohtani trade, as many predicted it would, but it did have a team trade two future Hall of Fame pitchers and willingly eat, potentially, nearly $90 million in their future salaries to make deals to land three top position-player prospects. No one saw that coming on Opening Day.

The Astros, Rangers, Mets, White Sox and Rays were the big winners of the trade deadline, earning my highest grades, while the Yankees, Red Sox, Giants, Twins and Reds disappointed their fan bases the most.

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, the standings and the organization’s goals.

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

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American League East

Baltimore Orioles

Grade: B

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Jack Flaherty from Cardinals for 2B César Prieto, LHP Drew Rom and RHP Zack Showalter
• Acquired RHP Shintaro Fujinami from A’s for LHP Easton Lucas
• Acquired RHP Logan Rinehart from Mariners for RHP Eduard Bazardo
• Traded RHP Chris Vallimont to Guardians for cash
• Traded RHP Spenser Watkins to Astros for cash

Key takeaways: I was hoping the Orioles were going to make a bigger splash with a Verlander, Scherzer, Cease or Rodriguez. But at least they landed a veteran starter, and did so while retaining all of their top prospects. Jack Flaherty started pitching really well in July (3.03 ERA in five starts). He’s a strong competitor with good makeup who can handle a pennant race and will be a positive influence on the Orioles’ young starters. Shintaro Fujinami has a good arm and he improves the depth of their bullpen. He, too, has pitched much better as the season moved along.

Tampa Bay Rays

Grade: A

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Aaron Civale from Guardians for 1B Kyle Manzardo
• Acquired RHP Robert Stephenson from Pirates for SS Alika Williams
• Acquired RHP Manuel Rodríguez, RHP Adrian Sampson and international bonus pool money from Cubs for RHP Josh Roberson
• Acquired C Alex Jackson from Brewers for RHP Evan McKendry
• Traded RHP Luis Patiño to White Sox for cash
• Traded OF Ben Gamel to Padres for cash
• Traded RHP Ben Heller to Braves for future considerations

Key takeaways: The Rays made a very creative “buyer-to-buyer” trade when they acquired Aaron Civale from the Guardians. Civale is 5-2 with a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts this season. The Rays gave up a solid future bat in Kyle Manzardo, but it’s easier to part with him after extending first baseman Yandy Díaz in the offseason. Plus, they know they have two impact corner-infield impact bats on the way in Junior Caminero and Xavier Isaac. Civale is under team control through 2025. The 28-year-old right-hander has developed into a solid No. 3 type starter, and with the season-ending injuries to Drew Rasmussen, Shane Baz and Jeffrey Springs, an addition of this caliber was imperative if the Rays want to win the division or even just maintain their wild-card position.

Toronto Blue Jays

Grade: B+

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Jordan Hicks from Cardinals for RHP Adam Kloffenstein and RHP Sem Robberse
• Acquired SS Paul DeJong and cash from Blue Jays for RHP Matt Svanson
• Acquired LHP Génesis Cabrera from Cardinals for C Sammy Hernandez
• Acquired INF Mason McCoy from Mariners for RHP Trent Thornton
• Traded C Juan Gonzalez to White Sox for cash

Key takeaways: The Blue Jays took advantage of the Cardinals being in sell mode, adding two power arms to an already strong bullpen: righty Jordan Hicks (and his 102 mph fastball) and hard-throwing lefty Génesis Cabrera. Toronto also did a nice job of pivoting when Bo Bichette suffered a knee injury, quickly re-engaging the Cardinals to land veteran shortstop Paul DeJong. Manager John Schneider later said an MRI of Bichette’s right knee revealed “no significant structural damage,” which is great news for the Blue Jays. The two-time All-Star is considered “day to day.” But acquiring DeJong gives the Blue Jays depth on the left side of the infield and protects them against injury the rest of the way.

Boston Red Sox

Grade: D

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Nick Robertson and RHP Justin Hagenman from Dodgers for INF/OF Kiké Hernández
• Acquired RHP Andrés Núñez from Royals for cash considerations
• Acquired RHP Mauricio Llovera from Giants for RHP Marques Johnson
• Acquired INF Luis Urías from Brewers for RHP Bradley Blalock
• Acquired RHP Tayler Scott from Dodgers for cash

Key takeaways: The Red Sox didn’t make any trades to move the needle for their team, despite being in striking distance to a wild-card spot. While the Orioles, Rays and Blue Jays all got better, the Red Sox watched from the sideline. Even with their starting pitchers starting to get healthy, I had thought the Red Sox would make a stronger push to add another veteran starter and a left-handed-hitting middle infielder.

New York Yankees

Grade: D+ 

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Keynan Middleton from White Sox for RHP Juan Carela
• Acquired RHP Spencer Howard from Rangers for cash considerations

Key takeaways: The Yankees needed an offensive upgrade in the lineup, and particularly in left field, but weren’t able to get it done. They didn’t get younger or more athletic, or add much-needed on-base percentage. They did add a solid reliever to their bullpen in Keynan Middleton, but it cost them a good young arm in Juan Carela. The only way we’re going to see this team make the playoffs now is if veterans Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton start hitting, because if they don’t, opposing teams are going to start walking Aaron Judge much more often.

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American League Central

Minnesota Twins

Grade: C

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Dylan Floro from Marlins for RHP Jorge López
• Acquired RHP Taylor Floyd from Brewers

Key takeaways: The López-for-Floro deal was all about a change of scenery for both relievers, with the Twins getting the more consistent pitcher of the two. However, they weren’t able to add more depth or quality to their bullpen, nor were they able to add the complementary bat they wanted. The Twins listened on impending free-agent starters Kenta Maeda and Sonny Gray, but in the end realized they’re still the favorites to win the AL Central and there weren’t any offers that made them seriously consider moving either one.

Cleveland Guardians

Grade: C

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Noah Syndergaard and cash considerations from Dodgers for SS Amed Rosario
• Acquired 1B Kyle Manzardo from Rays for RHP Aaron Civale
• Acquired SS Kahlil Watson and 3B Jean Segura (released) from Marlins for 1B Josh Bell
• Acquired RHP Chris Vallimont from Orioles for cash considerations
• Traded SS Richie Palacios to Cardinals for cash

Key takeaways: I didn’t understand why the Guardians traded Aaron Civale to the Rays, based on his contract and team control and how well he had performed this year. However, they’ve struggled so much to develop power hitters and needed a middle-of-the-order power bat for the future, which they believe they have now in Kyle Manzardo. The 23-year-old should be major-league-ready sometime in 2024, and he’ll become their long-term answer at first base. The Rosario-for Syndergaard trade made me yawn, but I understand the Guardians wanted to open up the shortstop position and see what they have in Gabriel Arias, Tyler Freeman and Brayan Rocchio. (And they had no plans to retain Amed Rosario, who will be a free agent after this season.) Trading Josh Bell made sense after the Manzardo acquisition, and taking a chance on a one-time top prospect in Watson while shedding Bell’s $16.5 million player option for 2024, made good business sense. The Guardians immediately released Jean Segura, the other player in the Bell trade, but still saved money overall in the deal by getting Bell’s contract off their books.

Detroit Tigers

Grade: C

Trades:

• Acquired INF Hao-Yu Lee from Phillies for RHP Michael Lorenzen
• Acquired RHP Blair Calvo from Rockies for cash
• Acquired 3B Joe Rizzo from Marlins

Key takeaways: The Tigers ended up making only one significant trade. I like the deal because Hao-Yu Lee profiles as a high on-base percentage infielder who can play second base, shortstop and third base. Detroit’s best trade would have been Eduardo Rodriguez to the Dodgers, but that deal fell apart when Rodriguez wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause. I was surprised the Tigers couldn’t pivot and deal him to another contender and even more surprised they kept all of their relief pitchers. It was a very disappointing deadline for an organization that needs to trade for more prospects.

Chicago White Sox

Grade: A 

Trades:

• Acquired C Edgar Quero and LHP Ky Bush from Angels for RHP Lucas Giolito and RHP Reynaldo López
• Acquired OF Trayce Thompson, RHP Nick Nastrini and RHP Jordan Leasure from Dodgers for RHP Lance Lynn and RHP Joe Kelly
• Acquired LHP Jake Eder from Marlins for 3B Jake Burger
• Acquired C Korey Lee from Astros for RHP Kendall Graveman
• Acquired RHP Juan Carela from Yankees for RHP Keynan Middleton
• Acquired RHP Mike Mayers from Royals for cash considerations
• Acquired RHP Luis Patiño from Rays for cash
• Acquired C Juan Gonzalez from Blue Jays for cash
• Acquired 2B Kean Wong from Mariners

Key takeaways: The White Sox had an exceptional deadline, trading their impending free-agent starting pitchers (Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn) and two veteran relievers (Kendall Graveman, Keynan Middleton) to be able to acquire four top-10 caliber prospects in catchers Edgar Quero and Korey Lee and pitchers Ky Bush and Nick Nastrini, among other players. Long term, the best trade the White Sox made was landing lefty Jake Eder from the Marlins. If Eder can stay healthy, he has the potential to develop into a No. 2 starter. All in all, they did a terrific job of selling at the trade deadline and improving their organization for the long term.

Kansas City Royals

Grade: C

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Cole Ragans and OF Roni Cabrera from Rangers for LHP Aroldis Chapman
• Acquired RHP Henry Williams and RHP Jesus Rios from Padres for RHP Scott Barlow
• Acquired INF Devin Mann and INF Derlin Figueroa from Dodgers for Ryan Yarbrough
• Acquired OF Nelson Velázquez from Cubs for RHP Jose Cuas
• Acquired LHP Taylor Hearn from Braves for INF Nicky Lopez
• Acquired LHP Tucker Davidson from Angels for cash considerations
• Traded RHP Andrés Núñez to Red Sox for cash considerations
• Traded RHP Mike Mayers to White Sox for cash

Key takeaways: The Royals didn’t have a lot to trade, but at least they focused on getting pitching back in most of their deals. They didn’t acquire many quality prospects in their trades, but with the quantity Kansas City amassed, hopefully some of them make significant strides in time. I especially liked their pickups of left-hander Cole Ragans and right-hander Henry Williams. Ragans has recently added more velocity to his fastball by making adjustments with his hips. A 2016 first-round pick, he still has some upside. Williams is a top-10 prospect with a plus fastball and slider and a developing changeup.

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American League West

Texas Rangers

Grade: A

Trades: 

• Acquired RHP Max Scherzer and cash considerations from Mets for INF/OF Luisangel Acuña
• Acquired LHP Jordan Montgomery and RHP Chris Stratton from Cardinals for LHP John King, RHP Tekoah Roby and INF Thomas Saggese
• Acquired LHP Aroldis Chapman from Royals for LHP Cole Ragans and OF Roni Cabrera
• Acquired C Austin Hedges from Pirates for international bonus money
• Acquired C Kevin Plawecki from Padres for cash considerations
• Acquired LHP Luis Valdez from Dodgers for RHP Ricky Vanasco
• Traded Spencer Howard to Yankees for cash considerations
• Traded LHP Taylor Hearn to Braves for cash

Key takeaways: The Rangers dramatically improved their chances of making the playoffs and also making a deep run in October — that’s the potential impact of adding a future Hall of Fame starter in Max Scherzer and a solid No. 3 type starter in Jordan Montgomery (3.42 ERA in 21 starts) to a first-place team. Amazingly, they didn’t have to trade any of their top five pitching prospects in either deal. I also liked their late-June pickup of Aroldis Chapman, who is back to throwing 102 mph and closing games again. We’re in for a fun AL West race between the Rangers and Astros after this deadline.

Houston Astros

Grade: A

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Justin Verlander and cash considerations from Mets for OF Drew Gilbert and OF Ryan Clifford
• Acquired RHP Kendall Graveman from White Sox for C Korey Lee
• Acquired RHP Spenser Watkins from Orioles for cash
• Acquired RHP Joel Kuhnel from Reds for cash

Key takeaways: The Astros “won” this trade deadline when they reacquired Justin Verlander, last year’s AL Cy Young Award winner, from the Mets, even though they had to trade two of their top position-player prospects to get the deal done. That they got the Mets to pay down as much of Verlander’s salary as they did more than made up for the prospects they lost. (According to The Athletic’s Will Sammon, the Mets will pay $35 million of Verlander’s remaining guaranteed money in 2023 and 2024 — around $58 million; New York also will cover half of Verlander’s $35 million vesting option for the 2025 season, too, if he pitches 140 innings next year; should that all happen, the Astros would pay about $40.5 million for two and a half seasons of a future Hall of Famer, albeit one who is now 40 years old.) Houston also improved its bullpen by bringing back Kendall Graveman, who is signed through next year. The Astros made a statement at the deadline: They want to win back-to-back world championships, and weren’t afraid to trade their top prospects to make it happen. A strong deadline for rookie GM Dana Brown and owner Jim Crane.

Los Angeles Angels

Grade: D

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Lucas Giolitio and RHP Reynaldo López from White Sox for C Edgar Quero and LHP Ky Bush
• Acquired 1B C.J. Cron, OF Randal Grichuk and cash considerations from Rockies for RHP Jake Madden and LHP Mason Albright
• Acquired INF Eduardo Escobar and cash from Mets for RHP Coleman Crow and RHP Landon Marceaux
• Acquired 1B/3B Mike Moustakas from Rockies for RHP Connor Van Scoyoc
• Acquired RHP Dominic Leone and cash from Mets for INF Jeremiah Jackson
• Traded LHP Tucker Davidson to Royals for cash

Key takeaways: The Angels put all their chips in and “rolled the dice,” as GM Perry Minasian characterized it in explaining their deadline. First, they decided not to trade Shohei Ohtani for what would have been the biggest return for a rental player in major-league history — we’re talking, probably six to eight top-20 type prospects. But the Angels will never know what they actually could have gotten back because they took Ohtani off the trade market a week before the deadline. Next, they traded two of their top five prospects to land impending free agent Lucas Giolito (and Reynaldo López, also a rental), then two of their top 30 prospects for impending free agents C.J. Cron and Randal Grichuk.

The Angels basically mortgaged their future because they feel they can still make the playoffs, which, if they’re successful, would improve their chances of re-signing Ohtani this winter. But I don’t think they are going to make the playoffs, particularly considering the rough schedule that awaits in August, and thus, likely will not be able to re-sign Ohtani, and thus, will have traded several of their top 10 prospects for expiring contracts.

I sincerely hope they do make the playoffs and Ohtani re-signs and I’m wrong. But I think in the offseason they’ll look back at this trade deadline and wish they had approached it in the opposite fashion. In the meantime, give Minasian credit. If you’re going to go for it, then go for it, and he certainly did, despite the potential consequences for himself and the club.

Seattle Mariners

Grade: D

Trades:

• Acquired OF Dominic Canzone, INF Josh Rojas and INF Ryan Bliss from Diamondbacks for RHP Paul Sewald
• Acquired LHP Zach Muckenhirn from Mets for RHP Trevor Gott and RHP Chris Flexen
• Acquired RHP Eduard Bazardo from Orioles for RHP Logan Rinehart
• Acquired RHP Trent Thornton from Blue Jays for INF Mason McCoy
• Traded OF AJ Pollock and INF Mark Mathias to Giants for a player to be named
• Traded OF Jack Larsen to Giants for cash considerations
• Traded SS Pat Valaika to Dodgers for cash
• Traded 2B Kean Wong to White Sox

Key takeaways: The Mariners were caught in between again and decided to trade their closer, Paul Sewald, whom they controlled through 2024, for a trio of platoon or role players depending on how you evaluate them. It was a quality-for-quantity type deal. And, although it improved their bench and position-player depth, it fell short of getting equal value for Sewald, though all three three players (Dominic Canzone, Josh Rojas and Ryan Bliss) do have positive contact rates, an area in which Seattle wants to improve. The three-for-one trade necessitated the subsequent offloading of AJ Pollock and Mark Mathias to the Giants to clear roster spots. The Mariners were only 3 1/2 games out of playoff position in the standings, and trading their closer for this return just wasn’t enough for me.

Oakland A’s

Grade: C

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Chad Patrick from Diamondbacks for INF Jace Peterson and cash
• Acquired LHP Easton Lucas from Orioles for RHP Shintaro Fujinami
• Acquired RHP Joe Boyle from Reds for LHP Sam Moll and cash
• Acquired RHP Yacksel Ríos from Braves for cash

Key takeaways: The A’s didn’t have a lot of tradable players, but they still managed to get out of their financial obligations to Shintaro Fujinami and acquire three pitching prospects with upside, something their system has been lacking, in three separate deals. Moving Jace Peterson helps clear a self-inflicted roadblock they created this offseason when they signed him and Aledmys Díaz, two infielders who were preventing some of their top upper-level prospects from getting regular big-league time.

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National League East

Atlanta Braves

Grade: B

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Pierce Johnson from Rockies for RHP Victor Vodnik and RHP Tanner Gordon
• Acquired LHP Brad Hand from Rockies for RHP Alec Barger
• Acquired INF Nicky Lopez from Royals for LHP Taylor Hearn, whom they’d earlier acquired from Rangers for cash considerations
• Acquired RHP Yonny Chirinos from Rays off waivers
• Acquired RHP Ben Heller from Rays for future considerations
• Traded RHP Yacksel Ríos to A’s for cash

Key takeaways: The Braves have the best team in baseball and didn’t want to disrupt their clubhouse at the deadline, especially considering they had few needs outside of depth for the pitching staff and bench. Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don’t make so you don’t alter a winning clubhouse. That’s the case here, which is why I gave the Braves a good grade. I also thought it was a worthwhile gamble to see if they can get Pierce Johnson pitching like he did with the Padres in 2020 and 2021, and I loved the Nicky Lopez pickup, which gives them a plus-plus defender coming off the bench who can play all four infield positions along with the outfield. I also loved the contract extension they gave Travis d’Arnaud because of how valuable he is as a backup catcher, occasional DH and clubhouse leader, not to mention how clutch he’s been in big games.

Philadelphia Phillies

Grade: B

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Michael Lorenzen from Tigers for INF Hao-Yu Lee
• Acquired INF Rodolfo Castro from Pirates for LHP Bailey Falter

Key takeaways: The Phillies were able to add a much-needed starting pitcher to their stable in Michael Lorenzen, who has posted a 3.58 ERA and a 1.098 WHIP in 18 starts. He has not allowed an earned run in four of his past five starts. Now with Lorenzen and Cristopher Sánchez (2.66 ERA in nine starts), the Phillies can deploy a six-man rotation to get their top-four starters additional rest when it makes sense. Lorenzen also gives them another option for the bullpen in the regular season or postseason should the need arise. However, the Phillies weren’t able to add another outfield bat at the deadline despite their efforts. They will need some of their star hitters, particularly Trea Turner, to perform better to carry them back to the postseason.

Miami Marlins

Grade: B+

Trades: 

• Acquired RHP David Robertson from Mets for C Ronald Hernandez and INF Marco Vargas
• Acquired 3B Jake Burger from White Sox for LHP Jake Eder
• Acquired 1B Josh Bell from Guardians for 3B Jean Segura and SS Kahlil Watson
• Acquired LHP Ryan Weathers from Padres for 1B Garrett Cooper and RHP Sean Reynolds
• Acquired RHP Jorge López from Twins for RHP Dylan Floro
• Traded 3B Joe Rizzo to Tigers

Key takeaways: The Marlins entered the trade deadline with two main goals: improve the power in their lineup and upgrade the back end of their bullpen. They accomplished both. Their best move was landing Jake Burger, who already has 25 home runs this season and is on pace for 46. They followed that up with a trade for Josh Bell, who didn’t live up to expectations with Cleveland but could be a significant addition for Miami if he can rediscover his best form. The Marlins improved the back of their pen with the acquisition of closer David Robertson (2.54 ERA, 15 saves) and Jorge López, whom they hope benefits from a change of scenery. With all those additions, they look like a strong contender for a wild-card berth.

New York Mets

Grade: A

Trades:

• Acquired OF Drew Gilbert and OF Ryan Clifford from Astros for RHP Justin Verlander and cash considerations
• Acquired INF/OF Luisangel Acuña from Rangers for RHP Max Scherzer and cash considerations
• Acquired C Ronald Hernandez and INF Marco Vargas from Marlins for RHP David Robertson
• Acquired RHP Justin Jarvis from Brewers for OF Mark Canha and cash
• Acquired SS Jeremy Rodriguez from Diamondbacks for OF Tommy Pham and cash
• Acquired RHP Phil Bickford and LHP Adam Kolarek from Dodgers for cash
• Acquired INF Jeremiah Jackson from Angels for RHP Dominic Leone and cash
• Acquired RHP Coleman Crow and RHP Landon Marceaux from Angels for INF Eduardo Escobar and cash
• Acquired RHP Trevor Gott and RHP Chris Flexen from Mariners for LHP Zach Muckenhirn

Key takeaways: The Mets went into a rebuild mode at the deadline and made the right choice by trading their two future Hall of Fame pitchers, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. In those two deals, the Mets acquired arguably the best position-player prospects from both the Astros and Rangers. Building a team up the middle is imperative, and with center fielder Drew Gilbert, infielder Luisangel Acuña (who’s played shortstop and some center field, and could always play second base) and rookie catcher Francisco Álvarez, the long-term future of the organization is much brighter today. This Mets season is still a huge disappointment, but the organization deserves credit for recognizing its shortcomings and quickly pivoting. Also, give owner Steve Cohen a lot of credit for being willing to absorb these eye-popping figures — as much as nearly $90 million in future salaries to Scherzer and Verlander (if the latter’s 2025 option vests) — to make these prospect deals work. I also was impressed that on the Mets’ smaller deals, they weren’t afraid to trade for teenagers, like they did in the David Robertson and Tommy Pham deals. They landed athletic players with high-risk, high-reward type tools in both transactions.

Washington Nationals

Grade: B-

Trades:

• Acquired SS Kevin Made and LHP DJ Herz from Cubs for 3B Jeimer Candelario

Key takeaways: The Nationals signed Jeimer Candelario in the offseason with the idea that if he had a good first half, they could trade him for prospects at the deadline, which is exactly what they did. DJ Herz is the best of the two prospects in the deal, with a 92 to 94 mph fastball, a plus changeup and the makings of a plus slider. He’s a cross-fire, bulldog-type pitcher with a strikeout mentality. However, it was disappointing that the rebuilding Nationals couldn’t make trades for reliever Kyle Finnegan, DH Joey Meneses or outfielder Lane Thomas.

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National League Central

Cincinnati Reds

Grade: D

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Sam Moll and cash from A’s for RHP Joe Boyle
• Traded RHP Joel Kuhnel to Astros for cash

Key takeaways: The Reds added depth to the left side of their bullpen with Sam Moll, but did nothing else. This is a young team that’s not only capable of winning the division, but also of going all the way if the starting pitching can carry the load. I was hoping the Reds would acquire a controllable starter such as Dylan Cease of the White Sox, but nothing materialized. At the very least, I thought they would land a rental veteran starter. Now they will have to count on Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo returning from injury and pitching to their potential. Bottom line: The Brewers got better at the deadline and the Reds didn’t.

Milwaukee Brewers

Grade: B

Trades:

• Acquired OF Mark Canha and cash from Mets for RHP Justin Jarvis
• Acquired 1B Carlos Santana from Pirates for INF Jhonny Severino
• Acquired LHP Andrew Chafin from Diamondbacks for RHP Peter Strzelecki
• Acquired RHP Evan McKendry from Rays for C Alex Jackson
• Acquired RHP Bradley Blaloc from Red Sox for INF Luis Urías
• Traded RHP Tyson Miller to Dodgers for cash considerations
• Traded RHP Taylor Floyd to Twins

Key takeaways: The Brewers wanted to add a couple of veteran hitters who know how to work a count and could improve the team’s on-base percentage, and they accomplished that by getting Mark Canha and Carlos Santana for little in return. Both players will set good examples for the Brewers’ young hitters. In addition, Milwaukee added better balance to its bullpen with the pickup of lefty Andrew Chafin from the Diamondbacks. While the Reds stood still, the Brewers made some nice upgrades.

Chicago Cubs

Grade: B-

Trades:

• Acquired 3B Jeimer Candelario from Nationals for SS Kevin Made and LHP DJ Herz
• Acquired RHP Jose Cuas from Royals for OF Nelson Velázquez
• Acquired RHP Josh Roberson from Rays for RHP Manuel Rodríguez, RHP Adrian Sampson and international bonus pool money
• Acquired C P.J. Higgins from Diamondbacks for cash considerations
• Traded RHP Vinny Nittoli to Mets for future considerations

Key takeaways: Two weeks ago, the Cubs were listening to offers on right-hander Marcus Stroman and outfielder Cody Bellinger, but an eight-game winning streak encouraged them to pivot from sellers to buyers. They arguably made only one significant move, adding the bat of Candelario (.835 OPS), a clear upgrade over Trey Mancini, who was designated for assignment to make room on the 26-man roster. I still believe the Cubs should have taken advantage of the seller’s market and traded Stroman and Bellinger to build for the future, then tried to re-sign both in free agency. I think both the Brewers and Reds have better teams in the NL Central.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Grade: B

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Jackson Wolf, 1B Alfonso Rivas and OF Estuar Suero from Padres for LHP Rich Hill and 1B/DH Ji Man Choi
• Acquired LHP Bailey Falter from Phillies for INF Rodolfo Castro
• Acquired INF Jhonny Severino from Brewers for 1B Carlos Santana
• Acquired SS Alika Williams from Rays for RHP Robert Stephenson
• Traded C Austin Hedges from Pirates for international bonus money
• Acquired RHP Andre Jackson from Dodgers for cash considerations

Key takeaways: The Pirates followed their blueprint. When they acquired Carlos Santana, Ji Man Choi and Rich Hill in the offseason, their goal was for the veterans to have solid first halves so they could trade them for prospects at the deadline. It worked in all those cases. Their best trade was the one with the Padres, and the key to that deal was Estuar Suero, a 17-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic.

St. Louis Cardinals

Grade: B

Trades:

• Acquired 2B César Prieto, LHP Drew Rom and RHP Zack Showalter from Orioles for RHP Jack Flaherty
• Acquired LHP John King, RHP Tekoah Roby and INF Thomas Saggese from Rangers for LHP Jordan Montgomery and RHP Chris Stratton
• Acquired RHP Adam Kloffenstein and RHP Sem Robberse from Blue Jays for RHP Jordan Hicks
• Acquired RHP Matt Svanson from Blue Jays for SS Paul DeJong and cash
• Acquired C Sammy Hernandez from Blue Jays for LHP Génesis Cabrera
• Acquired SS Richie Palacios from Guardians for cash

Key takeaways: The Cardinals officially started to turn the page on their disappointing season at the trade deadline, as they said goodbye to starters Jack Flaherty and Jordan Montgomery and relievers Jordan Hicks and Génesis Cabrera. Considering they were trading mostly rentals, the returns in those deals were decent in both quantity and quality. The Cardinals received a lot of interest in their surplus of outfielders, including Dylan Carlson, Alec Burleson and Tyler O’Neill, but since all three have had down years or been dealing with various injuries, their trade value wasn’t significant. St. Louis did the right thing by keeping them and hoping they can finish the regular season strong to raise their respective values, and then reassess possible trades in the offseason.

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National League West

Los Angeles Dodgers

Grade: C

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Lance Lynn and RHP Joe Kelly from White Sox for OF Trayce Thompson, RHP Nick Nastrini and RHP Jordan Leasure
• Acquired SS Amed Rosario from Guardians for RHP Noah Syndergaard and cash considerations
• Acquired INF/OF Kiké Hernández from Red Sox for RHP Nick Robertson and RHP Justin Hagenman
• Acquired LHP Ryan Yarbrough from Royals for INF Devin Mann and INF Derlin Figueroa
• Acquired RHP Ricky Vanasco from Rangers for LHP Luis Valdez
• Acquired RHP Tyson Miller from Brewers for cash considerations
• Acquired SS Pat Valaika from Mariners for cash
• Traded RHP Andre Jackson to Pirates for cash considerations
• Traded RHP Phil Bickford and LHP Adam Kolarek to Mets for cash
• Traded RHP Tayler Scott to Red Sox for cash
• Traded LHP Justin Bruihl to Rockies for cash

Key takeaways: The best trade the Dodgers almost made was the ill-fated deal to acquire Eduardo Rodriguez, which fell apart when Rodriguez nixed it with his limited no-trade clause. Lance Lynn, 36, and Joe Kelly, 35, give them experience, but both are in decline, and the Dodgers gave up a solid pitching prospect, Nick Nastrini, in that trade. They picked up a couple of shortstops in Amed Rosario and Kiké Hernández, but both are more extra players for me. Overall, I thought the Dodgers’ deadline deals were meh. They just didn’t move the needle for me.

San Francisco Giants

Grade: D

Trades:

• Acquired OF AJ Pollock and INF Mark Mathias from Mariners for a player to be named
• Acquired RHP Marques Johnson from Red Sox for RHP Mauricio Llovera
• Acquired OF Jack Larsen from Mariners for cash considerations

Key takeaways: This was a bizarre trade deadline for the Giants. They did nothing to improve the team. The Mariners were about to release Pollock, who was hitting .173, and Mathias is nothing more than a 26th-man-type utility player on the roster. For a team that’s in the thick of the division and wild-card races, standing pat made no sense to me whatsoever.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Grade: B+

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Paul Sewald from Mariners for OF Dominic Canzone, INF Josh Rojas and INF Ryan Bliss
• Acquired Tommy Pham and cash from Mets for SS Jeremy Rodriguez
• Acquired RHP Peter Strzelecki from Brewers for LHP Andrew Chafin
• Acquired INF Jace Peterson and cash from A’s for RHP Chad Patrick
• Acquired C C Francisco Ortiz from Rockies for cash
• Traded C P.J. Higgins to Cubs for cash considerations

Key takeaways: The Diamondbacks made a shrewd deal in landing one of the best relievers dealt at the deadline in closer Paul Sewald, and they were able to do so by basically packaging three platoon or role players. It was a quantity-for-quality type trade and they got the quality. Sewald has converted 21 of 24 save opportunities this season and has another full year of team control. I also liked that the Diamondbacks added outfield depth with the Pham pickup.

San Diego Padres

Grade: B 

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Rich Hill and 1B/DH Ji Man Choi from Pirates for LHP Jackson Wolf, 1B Alfonso Rivas and OF Estuar Suero
• Acquired RHP Scott Barlow from Royals for RHP Henry Williams and RHP Jesus Rios
• Acquired 1B Garrett Cooper and RHP Sean Reynolds from Marlins for LHP Ryan Weathers
• Acquired OF Ben Gamel from Rays for cash considerations
• Traded C Kevin Plawecki to Rangers for cash

Key takeaways: The Padres did the right thing by not selling and believing in this team. Entering deadline day, they had the NL’s third-best run differential  and third-best expected win-loss record — the underachieving and losing one-run and extra-inning games is bound to flip soon. I thought they added solid depth in their trades with the Pirates and Marlins: Ji Man Choi and Garrett Cooper can platoon at DH and both should help the bottom third of their lineup when they’re matched up properly against opposing pitchers. The best move the Padres made was landing Barlow from the Royals, especially if they can get him back to last year’s form. I also think Rich Hill will be invaluable as a fifth starter, long reliever or matchup pitcher. He can help this team in so many roles. 

Colorado Rockies

Grade: B+

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Jake Madden and LHP Mason Albright from Angels for 1B C.J. Cron, OF Randal Grichuk and cash considerations
• Acquired RHP Victor Vodnik and RHP Tanner Gordon from Braves for RHP Pierce Johnson
• Acquired RHP Alec Barger from Braves for LHP Brad Hand
• Acquired RHP Connor Van Scoyoc from Angels for Traded 1B/3B Mike Moustakas
• Acquired LHP Justin Bruihl from Dodgers for cash
• Traded RHP Blair Calvo to Tigers for cash
• Traded C Francisco Ortiz to Diamondbacks for cash

Key takeaways: The Rockies were wheeling-and-dealing at this trade deadline, getting younger and cheaper, while adding seven pitching prospects to their system. Overall, excellent returns for what they gave up. I especially liked the pitchers they got from the Angels for C.J. Cron and Randal Grichuk: Jake Madden and Mason Albright are both clearly top-20 type prospects, which is strong value for a couple of veteran rentals.

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(Top photo of Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer: Brad Penner / USA Today)