MLB Rumors: Grading the Yankees, Mets and Red Sox trade deadline

The MLB trade deadline has passed, so let’s hand out some grades for the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets for their performances. Did they pass, or did they flunk?

This past Tuesday was a hectic day in MLB, as it was the final day for all 30 teams to swap players, whether it was to help the team make a push for a postseason spot or World Series appearance or to bolster their farm system and build for the future. Whatever the case may be, all 30 teams were able to trade players since July 1, even though there weren’t as many big names and difference-making players available as in years past.

As is the case, fans and media alike go into teaching mode and decide to hand out grades for organizations based on their performances. As is the case with school, you thrive to get an A to pass with ease.

But when it comes to some of the more notable names, particularly on the East Coast, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets, did they pass? Let’s hand out some trade deadline grades for these three teams.

MLB rumors: Grading the New York Mets’ trade deadline

The Mets were eliminated by the San Diego Padres in last year’s Wild Card Series despite winning 101 games last year. So, team owner Steve Cohen flexed his bank account and committed nearly $500 million in total money this past winter to either retain players or sign free agents. Some of the players they brought in were Justin Verlander, Kodai Senga, David Robertson, and Jose Quintana. These were moves to position the team for a deep postseason run. Instead, they underperformed and sat outside of a playoff spot.

Kudo to the Mets, Cohen, and general manager Billy Eppler for committing to a strategy at this deadline, and that was to sell and replenish the farm system.

The first domino to fall was Robertson, who was dealt to the Miami Marlins for prospects Marco Vargas and Ronald Hernandez.

After that trade, Max Scherzer was open to waiving his no-trade clause and was eventually dealt to the Texas Rangers, in exchange for top prospect Luisangel Acuña. Then on trade deadline day, they dealt Verlander back to the Houston Astros in exchange for top outfield prospects Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford.

Getting a bunch of top prospects for some of the big names was a good move for the Mets. Build for the future. But, they didn’t get much-needed pitching prospects in the deals. Not to mention, they are paying an absurd amount of money for Verlander and Scherzer to play postseason baseball in Texas.

As for a grade, the Mets get a B-.

New York Mets trade deadline grade: B-