MLB Trade Deadline 2023: Grades for every major move made this year

The 2023 MLB trade deadline has come and gone, and teams have made significant moves to bolster their roster or build for the future.

Here are the grades for some of the major trades that occurred:

#1. Houston Astros reunite with Justin Verlander

The Astros made a big splash by reacquiring Justin Verlander, a known quantity and much-needed arm for their pitching staff.

In return, the New York Mets received top prospects in outfielders Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford. A mutually beneficial swap for two contending teams.

Justin Verlander will reunite with the Houston Astros for the rest of the 2023 season.

• Astros get: RHP Justin Verlander
• Mets get: OF Drew Gilbert, OF Ryan Clifford

Grades: Astros A- | Mets A

#2. New York Yankees get Keynan Middleton

The Yankees’ lackluster move to acquire reliever Keynan Middleton didn’t do much to address their struggling team, while the White Sox secured a fringe top-30 prospect in return.

• Yankees get: RHP Keynan Middleton
• White Sox get: RHP Juan Carela
• Grades: Yankees D | White Sox C

#3. Atlanta Braves elevate their bullpen by getting another reliever

The Braves added another piece to their bullpen by acquiring Brad Hand, a reliable lefty reliever. The Rockies received a young pitcher in Alec Barger in return.

• Braves get: LHP Brad Hand
• Rockies get: RHP Alec Barger
• Grades: Braves A- | Rockies B-

LA Dodgers trade an aging pitcher for another SS

The Dodgers strengthened their infield with Amed Rosario, while the Guardians got a starting pitcher in Noah Syndergaard, a somewhat risky move given his recent injury history.

• Dodgers get: SS Amed Rosario
• Guardians get: RHP Noah Syndergaard
• Grades: Dodgers B- | Guardians C-

#4. Angels push their chips for Shohei Ohtani

The Angels made ambitious moves to support Shohei Ohtani’s quest for the playoffs, acquiring Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez. The White Sox received promising prospects in return.

• Angels get: RHP Lucas Giolito, RHP Reynaldo Lopez
• White Sox get: LHP Ky Bush, C Edgar Quero
• Grades: Angels B | White Sox A-

Texas Rangers acquire Aroldis Chapman to bolster the bullpen

The Rangers strengthened their bullpen by bringing in Aroldis Chapman, while the Royals received two prospects to build their farm system.

• Rangers get: RHP Aroldis Chapman
• Royals get: OF Roni Cabrera, LHP Cole Ragans
• Grades: Rangers B+ | Royals C+

These trades reflect the diverse strategies teams employed during the 2023 MLB trade deadline. Some contenders went all-in to enhance their chances, while others focused on building for the future.

It will be interesting to see just how impactful these trades prove to be this season.

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