MLB Trade Deadline Grades: Who Aced the Test and Who Struck Out?

The MLB trade deadline has come and gone, leaving a whirlwind of deals, blockbuster moves, and a whole lot of speculation in its wake. As the dust settles, it’s time to grade each team’s performance, separating the savvy sellers from the bold buyers and those who simply missed the mark.

A-Plus: The Teams Who Nailed It

1. San Diego Padres: The Padres went all-in at the deadline, acquiring Juan Soto and Josh Bell in a stunning move that sent shockwaves through the league. This was a bold and risky gamble, but one that could potentially propel them to the World Series. They also added pitching depth with Josh Hader and Brandon Drury, solidifying their already-strong roster. Grade: A+

2. New York Mets: The Mets addressed their biggest weakness – pitching – by acquiring Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco in a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Guardians. These additions significantly boosted their rotation, giving them a legitimate chance to compete for a World Series title. Grade: A+

3. St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals were incredibly active at the deadline, adding veteran leadership in Corey Kluber and Albert Pujols. These moves added valuable experience to their roster and provided much-needed depth in both pitching and hitting. Grade: A+

B+: The Teams Who Made Solid Moves

1. Houston Astros: The Astros continued their dominance by acquiring Christian Vázquez, a solid defensive catcher who will solidify their already strong roster. They also brought in Trey Mancini to bolster their offense. These moves, while not earth-shattering, were shrewd additions to a team already built for contention. Grade: B+

2. Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays addressed their biggest need – starting pitching – by acquiring José Berríos from the Minnesota Twins. This move significantly bolstered their rotation and gave them a much-needed boost in their quest for a playoff spot. Grade: B+

3. Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays, known for their shrewd moves, acquired Harold Ramírez from the Cleveland Guardians, adding another offensive weapon to their already potent lineup. Grade: B+

C: The Teams Who Could Have Done Better

1. New York Yankees: The Yankees, despite having a strong team, were relatively quiet at the deadline, only making minor moves. While they are in a good position to make a run, they could have done more to address their pitching concerns. Grade: C

2. Atlanta Braves: The Braves lost a key piece in Freddie Freeman to the Dodgers in the offseason and failed to find a suitable replacement at the deadline. They did acquire Manny Piña, a solid defensive catcher, but they missed out on the opportunity to make a big splash. Grade: C

3. Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox had a disappointing season and failed to make any significant moves at the deadline. They are now in danger of missing the playoffs, a stark contrast to their World Series aspirations. Grade: C

D: The Teams Who Struck Out

1. Chicago Cubs: The Cubs are in a rebuilding phase and opted to sell off key players at the deadline, including Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Báez. While these moves were logical for their long-term future, it left fans disappointed and signaled a lack of direction. Grade: D

2. Los Angeles Angels: The Angels are in a difficult position with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani as their only legitimate stars. They failed to make any significant moves at the deadline, leaving them in a precarious position. Grade: D

3. Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates are in a full-blown rebuild, and they opted to sell off their best players at the deadline, including Adam Frazier, Richard Rodríguez, and Tyler Anderson. While this is a necessary move for their long-term future, it leaves them in a tough spot for the present. Grade: D

The Takeaways:

The 2021 MLB trade deadline was a fascinating display of strategy and ambition. While some teams made bold moves, others were content with minor adjustments. The results of these moves will play out over the rest of the season, with the playoffs and World Series on the line.

Here are some key takeaways from the deadline:

• The arms race continues: Pitching remains the most valuable commodity in baseball, and teams were willing to pay a premium for top-tier arms.

• The Padres are all-in: San Diego made a major statement by acquiring Juan Soto, signaling their intention to win a World Series title.

• The Cubs are rebuilding: Chicago’s decision to sell off key players signals a shift in their direction, focusing on the future rather than the present.

• The Angels are in a tough spot: Los Angeles remains in a difficult position, with no clear path to contention.

The 2021 trade deadline was just the beginning of a long and winding road to the World Series. With a new wave of talent injected into the league, the second half of the season promises to be exciting and unpredictable. It’s time for teams to prove their mettle, as the stakes are higher than ever.