MLB Trade Deadline: Regrading 5 of the best and worst deals

Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres celebrates at second base after hitting a one-run RBI double during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game two of the National League Championship Series at PETCO Park on October 19, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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Luis Castillo #58 of the Seattle Mariners reacts to throwing a strike to end the seventh inning against the against the Colorado Rockies at T-Mobile Park on April 16, 2023 in Seattle, Washington, MLB Trade Deadline. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

The MLB trade deadline had some blockbuster trades, but how did they all fare in 2022 and beyond? Let’s regrade them nine months later.

The 2022 major-league baseball trade deadline provided a few stunning trades, most notably the deals that sent Juan Soto and Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres.

But there were more. Many more.

Luis Castillo turned out to be arguably the most impactful trade deadline addition, adding another frontline starting pitcher to the Seattle Mariners, who then extended him on a five-year contract. The Jordan Montgomery trade turned out to be a coup for the St. Louis Cardinals, with Harrison Bader (when healthy) adding a spark to the New York Yankees’ lineup and outfield.

There were also a few duds, perhaps none bigger than the blockbuster trade that sent right-hander Frankie Montas to the Yankees. He lasted only eight games and is set to miss most, perhaps all, of the 2023 season as he recovers from a right shoulder injury.

Let’s take a look back at some of the best and worst trades from the 2022 deadline.

Luis Castillo sent to the Seattle Mariners at MLB Trade Deadline

At the time, I had heard the same sentiment from executives across baseball: Luis Castillo was available, but the asking price was sky high, and they were unsure anyone would meet it. But the Seattle Mariners did, acquiring the star right-hander from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for No. 1 prospect Noelvi Marte, No. 3 prospect Edwin Arroyo, No. 5 prospect Levi Stout and Andrew Moore.

And the Mariners have benefitted from it in a big way.

Castillo posted a 3.17 ERA and a 77/17 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 11 starts last season. The Mariners rewarded him with a five-year, $108 million contract extension, ensure that he will headline their rotation for years to come. And in 24.2 innings this season, he has posted a 0.73 ERA and a 26/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Grade: A.

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