MLB trade grades: Dodgers bring back familiar face and then some thanks to White Sox

The Los Angeles Dodgers have traded for Joe Kelly and Lance Lynn, both of whom could be major additions to their pitching staff, thanks to the Chicago White Sox.

Joe Kelly is a former Dodger himself — a proponent of his famous frown — so it’s understandable why Los Angeles might bring back the fan favorite.

Lance Lynn, however, was not something most pundits saw coming. Lynn has struggled this season, though he has a high K/9 and may be better utilized as a reliever. Pairing these two together helps increase the overall value of the trade package, meaning a retooling team like the Chicago White Sox can get more back in return. It’s a smart move by both team, but in particular Chicago, which hopes to put themselves in position to win starting in 2024.

TRADE PACKAGE

MLB trade grades: Who won the White Sox-Dodgers trade?

It’s tough to side against the Los Angeles Dodgers in any trade. Andrew Friedman knows the value of his minor-league system.

Chicago is smart to get the most for their rentals as possible. Lynn, nonetheless, is signed through the end of next season, meaning he’ll be on the west coast for quite some time.

Here is the full trade, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Dodgers trade grade: A

I have to give Los Angeles the win here, as the best prospect dealt was Nastrini, who is the team’s No. 9 overall prospect. Leasure, meanwhile, is unranked and currently pitching in Double-A. Thompson’s power has been on full display in past seasons, but of late far from proven at the MLB level. In fact, he has struggled, which suggests the value of this trade package was far less than what the White Sox expected.

White Sox trade grade: C

Chicago shouldn’t have expected much in return for two pitchers with an ERA above four. In fact, Lynn has been downright unpredictable at times this season. However, he is a former Cy Young candidate with a year left on his deal, so he’s more than a rental. The Dodgers system is strong, but a No. 9 overall prospect plus two players who likely won’t contribute much doesn’t feel like enough for two veteran pitchers. Pass.