2023 MLB Trade Deadline Grades: Yankees and Mets Gear Up for Playoff Push, Padres Make Bold Moves, Red Sox Miss the Mark

The 2025 Major League Baseball trade deadline has wrapped up, and teams were busy making moves. Some teams bolstered their rosters for immediate success, while others focused on future potential. Here’s a closer look at how each team fared.

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks: B
The Diamondbacks aimed to deal players on expiring contracts. They successfully traded third baseman Eugenio Suárez to the Mariners and sent starting pitcher Merrill Kelly to the Rangers. However, they couldn’t find a trade partner for Zac Gallen.

Atlanta Braves: D
The Braves made uninspiring additions with Erick Fedde and Tyler Kinley. They couldn’t trade any of their key free agents, which was a missed opportunity given their situation.

Chicago Cubs: C
The Cubs were expected to make bigger moves while chasing a playoff spot. They improved their bench slightly with Willi Castro and added depth with Michael Soroka, but they didn’t secure a frontline pitcher.

Cincinnati Reds: C+
The Reds added third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes and pitcher Zack Littell, but they needed a bigger offensive boost, which these trades didn’t provide.

Colorado Rockies: B-
In a rebuilding phase, the Rockies traded Ryan McMahon and other relievers for decent returns, although the moves didn’t significantly enhance their young talent.

Los Angeles Dodgers: B+
The Dodgers made strategic, lower-profile moves that strengthened their roster, particularly by addressing their outfield issues with Alex Call.

Miami Marlins: C+
The Marlins let outfielder Jesús Sánchez go but kept ace Sandy Alcantara, who could be a valuable asset if he performs well down the stretch.

Milwaukee Brewers: B-
The Brewers made solid additions to their bullpen and catcher position. Still, none of their moves significantly shifted the team’s trajectory.

New York Mets: A-
The Mets made key enhancements to their bullpen by acquiring Ryan Helsley and others, and improved their center field with Cedric Mullins.

Philadelphia Phillies: B+
The Phillies ramped up their efforts in the NL East by adding closer Jhoan Duran and center fielder Harrison Bader, positioning themselves well for a playoff push.

Pittsburgh Pirates: D
The Pirates made some moves but missed chances to trade key players like Mitch Keller and several veterans, leaving them without clear direction.

San Diego Padres: A+
The Padres were the most aggressive, acquiring multiple key players, including closer Mason Miller and All-Star Ryan O’Hearn. They also kept Dylan Cease from being traded, bolstering their chances in the wild card race.

San Francisco Giants: B
The Giants offloaded several players while getting a reasonable return for others, but they didn’t necessarily improve their standing significantly.

St. Louis Cardinals: B
The Cardinals managed to trade several relievers, addressing their needs but still have concerns over their lineup depth.

Washington Nationals: C
The Nationals held on to promising pitcher MacKenzie Gore while dealing lesser-known players for depth. Their cautious approach may pay off in the long run.

American League

Athletics: B+
The Athletics took a calculated risk in trading a veteran reliever for a star shortstop prospect, a move that could pay off well.

Baltimore Orioles: F
The Orioles had a disappointing trade season, showing signs of a failed rebuild by selling low instead of building on previous playoff appearances.

Boston Red Sox: C-
The Red Sox made two uninspired trades, missing out on significant players that could have made a difference in their playoff race.

Chicago White Sox: C
Though they made some fine moves, the White Sox missed a chance to maximize the potential of Luis Robert Jr., leaving fans wondering about their direction.

Cleveland Guardians: F
Despite being close to a playoff spot, the Guardians traded away key players, prioritizing finances over competitiveness, which frustrated fans.

Detroit Tigers: B
The Tigers focused on adding depth rather than big-name players, which may not be enough for their aspirations.

Houston Astros: A-
The Astros made a big splash by reacquiring Carlos Correa, which shows their commitment to winning despite injuries.

Kansas City Royals: C+
The Royals added depth instead of significant players, balancing hopes of competitiveness with caution.

Los Angeles Angels: C
The Angels tried to stay competitive but their acquisitions felt underwhelming, lacking the impactful changes needed to spark a playoff run.

Minnesota Twins: D
The Twins failed to leverage their biggest trade chips effectively, leaving their direction unclear amid a lack of bold moves.

New York Yankees: B+
The Yankees made smart moves, enhancing their position players and bullpen but still showed a need for a stronger starting pitching option.

Seattle Mariners: A
The Mariners made impactful trades that added significant offensive strength, a refreshing urgency for a team looking to make a World Series run.

In reflecting on the trade activities across the league, it’s clear that teams were making both bold and conservative moves. The outcomes of these trades will unfold as the season progresses and will shape the future landscapes of these franchises.

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