MLB Rumors: MLB trade grades for every major deadline deal so far [UPDATED]
By Mark Powell
Let’s get nuts, people. The MLB Trade Deadline is at 6 p.m. ET on August 1. Who will be buyers, and who will end up selling? Here’s everything you need to know.
The MLB trade deadline is THE biggest days of the baseball calendar, if only because it pertains to every fanbase. Yes, the postseason and World Series are nice. And hell, Opening Day brings the hope needed for all of us — and I speak as a Detroit Tigers fan — to watch 162 games a year.
Yet, it’s the MLB trade deadline which sets the table for the October games to come, and gives fans a real idea of what’s going on behind the scenes, and the direction of their ballclub.
Sadly, not every general manager can be a trade savant. Were that true, there would be no longstanding rebuilds. Here’s a look at the best (and worst) trades so far.
MLB Rumors: Astros trade for Justin Verlander…again
Astros trade grade: A
“Come on, this is a dream come true for the Astros and their fan base. The Astros were supposed to be on the downturn after failing to re-sign Verlander. Yet, they are in prime position to make the postseason this year. Now, they get their ace back to make another push for a World Series title. And Verlander has looked like his usual self in his recent stretch of starts.”
Mets trade grade: B+
“The Mets may call it “repurposing,” but this is essentially a rebuild. Their farm system desperately needed to add talent, and they have done so thus far They got two promising prospects from the Marlins for Robertson, and acquired Luisangel Acuna, the No. 44 prospect in baseball, from the Rangers. Now, they get Houston’s top prospect in Gilbert, who also ranks No. 68 overall in the entire league.”
MLB Rumors: Cubs acquire Jeimer Candelario from Nationals
Cubs trade grade: A
“Had Chicago not gone on a recent winning streak, they might’ve been selling on guys like Stroman and Bellinger. Instead, they’re making one of the biggest lineup upgrades at the trade deadline and still maintaining their future core by not giving up any of their current Top 10 prospects — players who could also be dealt if there are more moves for the Cubs to make — which is especially important for a two-month rental.”
Nationals trade grade: B+
“Getting a pair of Top 20 prospects, albeit not major-league ready guys, is a win for Washington. This team, if it’s going to compete, has to build up its core and that has been the M.O. of the front office since they dealt Juan Soto at the 2022 deadline.”
MLB trade grades: Guardians deal Aaron Civale to Rays
Rays trade grade: B+
“Yes, Manzardo feels like a steep price to pay for Civale, but it must be factored in that he’s signed through the 2025 season. Also, Tampa has one of the richest farm systems in all of baseball, meaning they could afford to part ways with a player like Manzardo. The Rays also already have Yandy Diaz playing first base, who is in the midst of an excellent season himself. They aren’t losing as much as a prospect ranking might suggest.”
Guardians trade grade: B
“I have some questions here. First, Cleveland opted for a high-ceiling return, rather than acquiring multiple prospects to fill out the depth of their farm system. Second, why trade one of your best starting pitchers when they’re still in the AL Central race?
All that being said, Manzardo is a top-40 prospect for a reason. This trade a win for both sides. Tampa needs pitching at the top level of their rotation, while Cleveland needed young, controllable hitters. Check.
MLB Rumors: Mets deal Max Scherzer to Rangers
Mets trade grade: B+
“This trade needed Max Scherzer’s approval to go through, and thank goodness for the Mets, they got it.
Scherzer’s contract was getting too big to handle, and whatever happened during Scherzer’s sit-down with the Mets’ front office clearly wasn’t anything reconciliable. By offloading Scherzer now, the Mets save a good chunk of money for the future and get a No. 3 ranked prospect from the Rangers. Overall, pretty good.”
Rangers trade grade: C+
“With one of the best farm systems in the league, giving up shortstop Luisangel Acuña won’t hurt the Rangers too much in the long term. Still, the question must be asked: did the Rangers have to give up a top-five prospect?
In Scherzer, the Rangers are basically replacing one former Mets ace (Jacob deGrom) with another. This plan backfired then, and may very likely backfire again.”
More blockbuster trades to come!
Next: Inside the Clubhouse: What I’m hearing as the MLB Trade Deadline nears