The MLB Trade deadline is always a crazy fiasco with unexpected deals, and contending teams looking to bolster their rosters. While the rebuilding teams look to fortify their future by trading away their best assets. This deadline was no different with many major deals occurring over the last couple of days. I gave a comprehensive breakdown of two earlier deals involving Trevor Bauer and Marcus Stroman (They will not be included in this list). This article is dedicated to recapping all of the major trades that were finalized today, and a breakdown of the winners, losers, and grades of these moves. Without further a do let’s get started!
Trades & Grades:
Texas Rangers receive: Nate Jones, Relief Pitcher and international bonus money
White Sox receive: Joe Jarneski, Starting Pitcher & Ray Castro, Starting Pitcher
The Texas Rangers strike another deal to add a long term asset to their roster. Nate Jones is one of the best relievers in baseball, but has been bit by the injury bug the majority of his career. Jones is currently sidelined for all of 2019 due to a right forearm surgery. The Rangers are desperate for quality relievers, and were intrigued by Jones’s skill set and the fact he is controllable for the next two years. The 33 year old could be a steal if he can stay healthy, and can contribute for the Rangers next year. The international bonus money is a deal sweetener that will allow the Rangers to lock up Bayron Lora, a 16 year old outfielder from the Dominican Republic. The Rangers are known for their aggressiveness in landing top level and young international talent.
Grade: B
The White Sox are in the middle of a rebuild, and honestly had no use for an aging and oft injured reliever. They are able to use this deal to take a chance on two young prospects with upside. Joe Jarneski is a 19 year old starting pitcher who was picked in the 12th round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers. He is a raw talent with a high strikeout to walk ratio. Ray Castro is a 22 year old starting pitcher who is a little bit behind the curve in his development. The White Sox aren’t getting premium talent here, but were able to save some money, and take fliers on a couple of young pitchers
Grade: C+
Milwaukee Brewers receive: Jacob Faria, Starting Pitcher
Tampa Bay Rays receive: Jesus Aguilar, First Baseman
The Brewers are desperate for pitching help, and can afford to take a chance on a developing starter. Jacob Faria had a breakout stint for the Rays in 2017, but has since regressed in his effectiveness. He has dealt with several injuries, but has potential at the young age of 26. He is also under team control for the next several seasons, and has an opportunity to prove his worth in Milwaukee. He currently is serving a reliever role at Triple-A, and it will be interesting if he returns to a starter role with the Brewers. Faria isn’t a dominant pitcher, and is unlikely to lead a rotation but has potential to be a middle of the rotation piece in the future.
Grade: B+
The Rays needed another bat in the lineup, and were able to add a solid contributer in Jesus Aguilar. Aguilar in 2018, hit 35 home runs and represented Milwaukee in the 2018 All Star Game as well as the 2018 Home Run Derby. He has struggled mightly in 2019, batting only .225 with 8 home runs a steep decline from 2018. However, he is also under team control, and has shown he can play at an all-star level. The Rays needed a right handed bat, and a change of scenery could be the missing ingredient for Aguilar getting back on track.
Grade: B
Houston Astros receive: Martin Maldonado, Catcher
Chicago Cubs receive: Tony Kemp, Infielder
The Astros needed some depth behind their starting catcher Robinson Chirinos. Maldonado is familiar with Houston, and was actually a member of their organization at the end of 2018. He is an above average defender, and tends to be pretty mediocre at the plate. The Astros are known for their depth, and were able to address a serious need in case Chirinos goes down with an injury. Maldonado will be a free agent at season’s end, and will likely be a rental.
Grade: C+
Joe Maddon loves versatile players who can play a multitude of positions. The Cubs already have a backup catcher, and only traded for Maldonado to fill in for the injured Willson Contreras. Contreras is back, and this diminished the need for Maldonado. He adds another swiss army knife type player in Tony Kemp. Kemp has the ability to play in the infield and outfield. He also adds another left handed bat coming off the bench for the Cubs. He can fill in for Ben Zobrist for the time being as he tries to return from injury. The biggest appeal of Kemp is his elite level of speed. He is a base stealing threat, and can be a crucial pinch runner for Maddon. Kemp is also under team control for the next several years giving the Cubs a long term asset.
Grade: B
Washington Nationals receive: Daniel Hudson, Relief Pitcher
Toronto Blue Jays receive: Kyle Johnston, Starting Pitcher
The Nationals have one of the worst bullpens in the MLB, and clearly had a need for this position. Daniel Hudson, a 32 year old righty has reinvented himself as a reliever. The former starter has been working on a solid 3.00 ERA for Toronto this season. The one drawback to Hudson is the fact he has a high walk rate, and does not rack up the strikeouts. However, he is an immediate upgrade over the Nationals current unit, and gives Washington another option in the bullpen.
Grade: B
The Blue Jays have no use for veteran relievers in the midst of their terrible season. They are able to get some nice value in return for Hudson, in the 23 year old starting pitcher Kyle Johnston. The former Texas Longhorn, has put up solid numbers at Double-A currently sporting a 4.03 ERA. He tends to have issues with command, but could eventually devleop into a reliable back end starter. The Blue Jays make a nice move to kick start their rebuild by adding young talent.
Grade: B+
Milwaukee Brewers receive: Drew Pomeranz, Starting Pitcher & Ray Black, Relief Pitcher
San Francisco Giants receive: Mauricio Dubon, Infielder
The Brewers have decided to go far quantity over quality with this trade. Pomeranz has struggled mightly in 2019 currently sporting a 5.68 ERA far from his 3.32 ERA in 2017. The Brewers are very thin at starting pitcher, and are simply taking a chance on Pomeranz. Ray Black is another option for the Brewers bullpen, a 29 year old righty with little MLB experience. Black has a cannon for an arm with a velocity surpassing 95 miles per hour. The Brewers are rolling the dice hoping that one or both of these arms can contribute down the stretch.
Grade: C
The Giants are able to find a MLB ready talent in Mauricio Dubon. Dubon is a 25 year old infielder who is currently lighting it up at the Triple-A level. He sports a .297 batting average, and has blasted 16 home runs as well. Dubon is a solid defender as well who can play multiple positions, but primarily at second base. He is under team control for a while, and gives the Giants a long term solution potentially at second base. The biggest question is if he can stay healthy, which as been his biggest undoing to this point.
Grade: B+
Washington Nationals receive: Hunter Strickland, Relief Pitcher
Seattle Mariners receive: Aaron Fletcher, Relief Pitcher
The Nationals add another reliever to the fold as they look to remake their bullpen. Hunter Strickland is a very capable reliever who was a go to arm for the Giants from 2014 to 2016. He has struggled to stay on the field for the last several years due to injuries, but recently returned and looked solid in a short sample size. The Nationals need relief help now, and were willing to part with a solid prospect in order to get it. Strickland could be a diamond in the rough as he will be under team control for the next two seasons. If he can stay healthy, this could end up being a major steal for Washington.
Grade: A
The Mariners obviously liked the long term fit of Aaron Fletcher more than 30 year old Strickland. Fletcher has been dominant at the minor league level, and currently sports a 1.79 career minor league ERA. This is very impressive numbers for the southpaw who has the potential to be a workhorse for Seattle soon. He has a high strikeout rate which is nearly a must for relief pitchers in today’s game. This is a nice trade for both sides with each team getting real value.
Grade: A
Washington Nationals receive: Roenis Elias, Relief Pitcher
Seattle Mariners receive: Elvis Alvarado, Outfielder/Pitcher & Taylor Guilbeau, Relief Pitcher
The Nationals have a clear strategy to add as many relievers as possible as you can see. Elias is a southpaw who has put together an average 2019 with a 4.50 ERA. The biggest surprise is his ineffectiveness against lefties who are currently hitting .353 against him. This number should go down as Elias gets more work, and gives the Nationals another lefty to use besides Sean Doolittle.
Grade: C+
I actually like the compensation for the Mariners in this deal. Elvis Alvarado is a very raw talent that is far from MLB level. He has a good frame at 6’4 and 180 pounds, but has struggled mightly as a hitter. He has actually been getting some work as a pitcher so it remains to be seen what his role will ultimately be. Guilbeau is a MLB ready reliever who could get a look at the major league level this year. Taylor dominated at Double-A with a 2.31 ERA, but has struggled so far at Triple-A with a 5.19 ERA. The 26 year old still has respectable stuff, and obviously is a long term piece for the Mariners.
Grade: B
Oakland Athletics receive: Tanner Roark, Starting Pitcher
Cincinnati Reds receive: Jameson Hannah, Outfielder
The Athletics always seem to make quiet moves to improve their club. Roark is in the midst of a solid 2019 campaign sporting a 4.24 ERA. The A’s have been decimated in their rotation with injuries, and clearly have a need at starting pitcher. Their trade for Homer Bailey has failed so far, and motivated them to go out and get Roark. The Atheltics may have overspent for an average pitcher who will be a free agent at season’s end. However, they had no other option but to try to make a move for a solid starter.
Grade: C+
The Reds keep add a solid piece to their farm system after giving up quite a bit to get Trevor Bauer. Jameson Hannah is a former second round pick by the A’s in 2018. Hannah has big time upside, and could be a future center fielder for the Reds. Hannah is a smooth, swinging lefty who is currently hitting .283 at Advanced Class A. He also has value as a defender, and has showcased his natural instincts at young age. Hannah is unlikely to contribute soon, but is quite a haul for Roark who was not a long term piece.
Grade: B+
Arizona Diamondbacks receive: Zac Gallen, Starting Pitcher
Miami Marlins receive: Jazz Chisholm, Shortstop
The Diamondbacks traded Zack Greinke, and are looking to add to their rotation long term. They meet this need by adding a young talent in Zac Gallen. Gallen was a former top prospect received by the Marlins from St. Louis when they moved Marcel Ozuna. Gallen has had a standout 2019 putting up a 1.77 ERA at Triple-A, and impressing with 2.72 ERA so far at the MLB level. Gallen has excellent stuff, and projects to be a future top starter for the Diamondbacks. He is a high strikeout pitcher, and gives the Diamondbacks a real asset for their rotation for years to come.
Grade: B+
The Marlins are desperate to find long term position players who can contribute. Jazz Chisholm was the top prospect for the Diamondbacks before this trade. The Bahamian is a superb athlete, and already has the makings of a future Gold Glover with his defense. The biggest question will be how does his bat develop at the next level. He has 18 home runs at Triple-A so far, but is only hitting a meager .204. He will have to improve as a hitter or else this trade could be a major steal for the Diamondbacks.
Grade: B
Philadelphia Phillies receive: Corey Dickerson, Outfielder
Pittsburgh Pirates receive: A player to be named later & cash
The Phillies needed a left handed bat, and found one in Corey Dickerson. Dickerson is a rental, and will be a free agent at season’s end. However, Dickerson can contribute as a hitter who is currently batting .305, and has a little bit of pop as well. He gives the Phillies another option off the bench and in the outfield. The biggest drawback to Dickerson is that he is a below average defender, but the Phillies really only value his bat for their potential postseason run.
Grade: B
This trade is hard to grade for the Pirates because we do not know the return player just yet. They move Dickerson, but weren’t going to sign him long term anyway so this move was not a surprise.
Grade: N/A
Los Angeles Angels receive: Max Stassi, Catcher
Houston Astros receive: Rainier Rivas, Outfielder & Raider Uceta, Outfielder
The Angels needed help at catcher with Jonathan Lucroy out with injuries. Stassi is a below average hitter, but provides solid defensive value for the Angels. He also has experience as a backup whenever Lucroy is able to return. This is a temporary fix for the Angels to improve their defense.
Grade: C+
The Astros just traded for another catcher, and no longer needed Max Stassi. They are able to turn him into a chance with two young, raw prospects. Rivas and Uceta are both outfielders with the respective ages of 18 and 20. Their longterm outlook is unclear, and are clearly projects but are worth a shot in this trade. Stassi was not a long term piece, so why not take a shot on two developing prospects?
Grade: B
Tampa Bay Rays receive: Nick Anderson, Relief Pitcher & Trevor Richards, Starting Pitcher
Miami Marlins receive: Ryne Stanek, Relief Pitcher & Jesus Sanchez, Outfielder
The Rays always love to add depth on their pitching staff. Anderson is a 29 year old rookie who has impressed after his long journey to the majors. He currently has a 3.92 ERa, and is a flame thrower coming out of the pen. He is also under team control for the next several years, and could be a valuable piece beyond 2019. Richards is also a young right hander, who at 26 has put up decent numbers as a starter for the Marlins. He has a 4.50 ERA this year for a bad Marlins team, and had a terrific track record in the minors. Richards could potenially become a rotation piece for the Rays who have been very bullpen/opener dependent this season. He is also under team control, and will be able to plug innings for the Rays right away.
Grade: B+
The Marlins are just trying to keep adding young assets, and have now resorted to traded controllable pieces. Ryne Stanek is a solid pickup, and has impressed this year in his non traditional opener role. Stanek is a good reliever who can contribute for the Marlins for the next several years. Jesus Sanchez is the real key to this deal for Miami. Sanchez is a 21 year old prospect with MLB potential who was the #4 prospect in the Rays system. He has a strong arm in right field, and boasts potential with his power bat. He fared well at Double-A, but has really struggled since moving up to Triple-A. He is a few years away from the call up to the Show, but has real potential to be a long term asset.
Grade: B
Arizona Diamondbacks receive: Mike Leake, Starting Pitcher
Seattle Mariners receive: Jose Caballero, Infielder
The Diamondbacks are desperate for rotation pieces, and had to reach deep into the barrel to find talent. They made a deal to acquire Mike Leake, a respectable veteran pitcher who will be under contract into next year. Leake has had a solid year to this point boasting a 4.34 ERA. Leake is no longer a flame thrower, and has to resort to his secondary pitches much more than past days. This trade could be a nightmare because Leake gives up a ton of home runs. He will not join Arizona who has a very hitter friendly park. I feel this is just an attempt by Arizona to stay somewhat competitive after trading Zack Greinke.
Grade: C
The Mariners are not contenders, and were smart to get out of the Mike Leake contract. They are able to add another prospect as they continue to retool their farm system. Jose Caballero is a young talented second baseman with potential. He has good defensive instincts, and has impressed early on with his bat. He is a little bit behind the curve with his development, but gives the Mariners some value for Leake who was not a long term piece.
Grade: B
Houston Astros receive: Aaron Sanchez, Starting Pitcher & Joe Biagini, Relief Pitcher
Toronto Blue Jays receive: Derek Fisher, Outfielder
The Astros continue to add value to their pitching staff with this move. Aaron Sanchez once looked like a future ace, but has fell hard off the tracks in 2019. His ERA sits at a whopping 6.04, and has been crushed by major league opposition. Sanchez is still young, and the Astros have a history of turning wayward pitchers back into productive forces. He also has another year of control, and could make a run for a rotation spot next year. Biagini gives the Astros another arm to add to their solid bullpen. Biagini is a ground ball pitcher, and has the ability to make batters swing and miss. These are two low key pickups for the Astros to improve their pitching staff beyond 2019.
Grade: B+
The Blue Jays were obviously looking to improve their outfield with this move. Derek Fisher was once heralded as a top prospect, but has fell out of grace with Houston. Fisher has shown solid speed, defensive skills, and posted great numbers at the minor league level. He has disappointed in his multiple MLB campaigns to this point, and had the bad luck of playing for a outfield heavy team. This is a fresh start for Fisher, and he should get more opportunities to contribute with the young Blue Jays. It remains to be seen if he can develop into the player he was projected to be.
Grade: C+
San Francisco Giants receive: Scooter Gennett, Second Baseman
Cincinnati Reds receive: Cash
This is a pure rental for the Giants who are needing help at second base. The incumbent Joe Panik has hit a dreadful .204 in 2019. Gennett has dealt with injuries all year, but is on the cusp of returning to action. Gennett shocked the baseball world developing into a top flight second baseman in 2017 & 2018. Gennett has real power, and it will be interesting if this will translate to a pitcher friendly Oracle Park. Gennett will be a free agent, and will be motivated to improve his value down the stretch. This is a no risk situation move for the Giants.
Grade: A
I am surprised the Reds didn’t at least got a low level prospect in this deal. Makes you wonder just how serious Gennett’s injury really is.
Grade: C
Los Angeles Dodgers receive: Jedd Gyorko, Infielder
St Louis Cardinals receive: Tony Cingrani, Relief Pitcher & Jeffry Abreu, Starting Pitcher
The Dodgers love to bolster their bench before a playoff run and the trend continues. Gyorko is a solid defender at multiple positions, and has some pop in his bat as well. He gives the Dodgers a solid option in pinch hitting situations, and could make an occasional start when needed.
Grade: B
The Cardinals only picked up Cingrani to make the money work, but he could contribute in the bullpen as they make a playoff push. He is likely to just be a rental, but gives the Cardinals another option against lefties. Abreu is a young prospect who is too green to get a read on just yet. He is worth the flier however, and could be a piece for the Cardinals in the future at only 19 years old.
Grade: B
Atlanta Braves receive: Mark Melancon, Relief Pitcher
San Francisco Giants receive: Tristan Beck, Starting Pitcher & Dan Winkler, Relief Pitcher
The Braves had a major need in their bullpen and were able to address it over the past few days. A former all-star closer, Melancon has become more of a setup man, but could compete for a closer spot with Atlanta. He has experience pitching in the postseason which could be useful for the young Braves. Melancon is a ground ball pitcher, who relies on his craft more than overpowering stuff. He also will be under contract until next year giving the Braves more than a rental option.
Grade: B+
Tristan Beck is a good young starter with some potential value for the Giants. Beck has been average with a 5.32 ERA in the minors this year. However, he does have a wide array of pitches, who can make hitters swing and miss. He needs to develop into a more consistent pitcher, but his ability to get strikeouts is already a plus. Winkler is a throw in piece that could see work right away for the Giants. Winkler has been a average reliever with an ERA of 4.98 to this point. Winkler has had success in previous seasons, but has struggled with injuries and his command. Going to a pitcher friendly park could pay off for the 29 year old reliever.
Grade: B
San Diego Padres receive: Carl Edwards Jr., Relief Pitcher
Chicago Cubs receive: Brad Wieck, Relief Pitcher
The Padres are able to add a reliever in Edwards Jr. that was once the number one arm in Chicago’s bullpen. Edwards has a smooth delivery and nasty stuff, but has struggled mightly this season with a 6.07 ERA. He still is under team control until 2022, and I feel the Cubs gave up on him too quickly. If Edwards Jr. returns to form this could be a major steal for a Padres bullpen that is already impressive.
Grade: A
The Cubs are trading a disappointing reliever for another disappointing reliever. Wieck is younger and has more team control which could be appealing to Chicago. He also has struggled with a 6.57 ERA for San Diego. The Cubs see something in Wieck or else this deal wouldn’t have been made.
Grade: C
Atlanta Braves receive: Shane Greene
Detroit Tigers receive: Joey Wentz, Starting Pitcher & Travis Demeritte, Infielder
The Braves continue to follow the rival Nationals approach of adding relievers. Shane Greene has been a impressive force for Detroit as a closer sporting a 1.17 ERA. He is under team control for one more year, so the Braves do get a little more value than a straight rental. Greene has been one of the best relievers in the game thus far, and relies heavily on groundballs to get outs. He also has the ability to make batters swing and miss at a high clip. The big questions is how does he handle the pressure of pitching for a contending team. He has been dominant on a terrible team with little to know expectations. If Greene can handle the pressure this could be a solid deal for Atlanta.
Grade: B+
The Tigers are rebuilding, and were unlikely to sign Greene to a long term deal. They are able to add to their already impressive minor league pitching core with Joey Wentz. Wentz is a southpaw and former 6th round pick in 2016. He was the 11th best prospect for the Braves, but has had serious issues with health and inconsistency. He has put up average numbers at Double-A this year with a 4.72 ERA. Wentz does have solid stuff, and if he can clean up his overall game could be a future rotational piece. I like the addition of Demeritte for the Tigers. This team is running out of future contributors to their lineup. A former first round pick in 2013, the 24 year old has been traded a lot due to his lack of overall skill. Demeritte excels in one area, and that is hitting the baseball. He already has eye popping power, and has improved his batting average year after year in the minors. He is currently hitting .286 with 20 home runs at Triple-A, and this could lead to a MLB call up any day now.
Grade: B+
Minnesota Twins receive: Sam Dyson, Relief Pitcher
San Francisco Giants receive: Prelander Berroa, Starting Pitcher & Jaylin Davis, Outfielder, & Kai-Wei Teng, Starting Pitcher
The Twins wanted reliever help, and they got it in the form of Sam Dyson. Dyson is a sinker ball throwing reliever who has a ton of movement on his pitches. He has become a consistent reliever, and forces a ton of ground balls without giving up the long ball often. This is very appealing to a Twins team that could use some help in the bullpen. He has another year of team control which is the reason he garnered such a return. Dyson has some experience pitching in the postseason from his days with the Texas Rangers.
Grade: B
The Giants are able to cash in with several solid prospects for Dyson. None of these prospects are highly touted, but all have upside for the Giants. Prelander Berroa has great stuff, and is still developing at the spruce age of 19. Davis could contribute at the MLB level soon, the outfielder is hitting .331 at Triple-A with 15 home runs. This kind of hitting ability could give the Giants another option in their outfield. Kai-Wei Teng does not have the stuff of Berroa, but has been dominant at Full Class-A with a 1.60 ERA. Teng is already showing maturity with his delivery and composure on the mound. If he can develop his stuff he could eventually be a big league piece.
Grade: B+
Chicago Cubs receive: Nick Castellanos, Outfielder
Detroit Tigers receive: Paul Richan, Starting Pitcher & Alex Lange, Starting Pitcher
The Cubs wanted to bolster their lineup, and have certainly done so with Nick Castellanos. Castellanos has become one of the most consistent hitters in the league today, and currently has a .273 batting average. He also has the ability to drive the ball out of the park. Castellanos can play both corner outfield spots, and is not a bad defender with a solid arm. He gives the Cubs another masher to add to the lineup that is already deep. Theo Epstein’s club has under performed, and management was aggressive in adding another rental piece to their lineup. I just don’t believe this was the biggest need for the Cubs.
Grade: C+
This is a heck of return in my opinion for the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers are building one hell of a pitching staff in their minor league system. Paul Richan was a former top pick for the Cubs, and has impressed at Advanced Class-A with a 3.97 ERA. Richan has the makeup, stuff, and control to be a future top end starter. He needs a couple of years of developing, but could eventually be a top of the line pitcher for the Tigers. Alex Lange is another top pick that the Tigers acquire from the Cubs. Lange strangely struggled at Class-A with a ERA above 7.00, but has pitched well at Double-A with a 3.92 ERA. Lange is not a big time strikeout pitcher, but has really good stuff at a young age. He has to become a more consistent starter and improve his command. However, like Richan, Lange could be a contributor at the next level for a long time with his potential alone.
Grade: A
Houston Astros receive: Zack Greinke, Starting Pitcher
Arizona Diamondbacks receive: Corbin Martin, Starting Pitcher & J.B. Bukauskas, Starting Pitcher, & Seth Beer, First Baseman, & Joshua Rojas, Infielder
The Astros with the shocker of the day adding another Cy Young winner to their rotation. Greinke even at age 35 is still one of the best pitchers in the game, and now joins a rotation with Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. This three piece combo is going to be tough to beat come playoff time. Greinke is also under team control for the next couple of years, with the Diamondbacks covering a major amount of his salary. This is important as Cole will be a free agent this offseason. Zack has a ERA of of 2.90 this year, and still has a high strikeout rate. Greinke continues to eat up innings, and never seems to fall into bad spells like other pitchers. This is quite a pickup for the Astros who are already stacked from top to bottom. They paid a heavy price, but Greinke could be the missing link to the Astros becoming champions again. They also avoided having to give up their top prospect in Kyle Tucker.
Grade: B+
The Diamondbacks got a valuable return for Greinke, and made the right decision by moving on. Even with Greinke they were still a mediocre team, and were better served to cash in on prospects. They were able to pick up Corbin Martin and J.B. Bukauskas, both are talented right handers with top level potential. Martin is recovering from Tommy John surgery, but could be a MLB contributor right away when he returns. Bukauskas is a former top pick in 2017 who has a knack for strikeouts. His ERA this season is high at 5.25, but he has potential to be a solid starter in the future. The biggest addition is Seth Beer, a first baseman with impressive offensive skill already. He is a power hitter who actually does not strikeout at a high rate. The D-Back’s need a new first baseman after trading their face of the franchise Paul Goldschmidt last offseason. Beer is a while away from the Show, but has potential to be an offensive force. Rojas is a throw in piece who is ready to contribute at the MLB level. He has a solid bat, and versatility to play all across the infield. Rojas is an above average infielder, and is the only trade piece that is likely to play for Arizona right away.
Grade: B+
Three Losers:
New York Yankees: I am surprised the Yankees did not make any moves at all. The Astros, Indians, and other teams all improved. Cashman has shown deadline patience in the past, but to not make any moves at all was a shocker.
Chicago Cubs: I feel like the Cubs made a desperate attempt to improve by trading for Castellanos. They also gave up on Carl Edwards Jr. too early in my opinion. The Cubs plain and simple are not the same team this year. They gave up several vital pitching prospects that could come back to haunt them down the road.
Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox also decided to stand pat, and did not make any major moves. This is certainly out of character for Dave Dombrowski who is known for swinging for the fences at the deadline. I think this was a case that they simply did not have the minor league value of other teams. They were forced to settle with their current regime, and hope that is good enough to compete. The Rays got better while the Red Sox watched from the sidelines.
Three Winners:
Houston Astros: The Astros gave up a lot, but were able to improve their team. They added a former Cy Young winner in Zack Greinke which was the deal of the day. They also added Sanchez and Biagini to improve their pitching staff beyond 2019. The Astros took a big step forward with their title hopes this year.
Cleveland Indians: The Indians improved their farm system, and were able to add solid power hitters to their lineups. They gave up Trevor Bauer, but have the pieces to fill in for his loss. I feel the Indians improved their team overall, and gave themselves a better chance to compete.
Atlanta Braves: The Braves improved a drastic need in more ways then one. They added a solid reliever in Chris Martin, a former all-star in Melancon, and a overachieving arm in Shane Greene. Their bullpen has now on paper gone from a major weakness to a solid strength. They gave up some prospects, but did a nice job of not overpaying for their acquisitions. I think the Braves have now put themselves in a position to be one of the more complete teams in the National League.
Final Thoughts:
Another trade deadline in the books, and I for one am like a kid in the candy store. It will be interesting to see which teams moves will pay off today and years from now. Only time will tell, and this deadline sets up what should be a wild run to the postseason.
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