Below is a list the trades involving major league players from July 15 to the July 30 deadline. I will offer a perspective from both teams' point of view and will discuss how much I like or dislike each deal. At the end of each trade I will ask the question of "Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:" I will put myself in the shoes of the GM of each team and decide if I would accept the trade exactly as it is.
July 15:
Braves acquire OF Joc Pederson
Cubs acquire 1B Bryce Ball
Braves acquire OF Joc Pederson
Cubs acquire 1B Bryce Ball
After Ronald Acuña Jr. was injured on a play in the outfield on July 10, I was wondering if Atlanta would still try to make a run at the playoffs and acquire an outfielder. The need was definitely there, especially with doubt that Marcell Ozuna will join the team again. I think this is a great deal for the Braves as they get a solid replacement outfielder to help them push for the division title. Even with the loss of Acuña, the Braves still have a good enough roster to potentially chase down a Mets team with a depleted starting rotation. Joc Pederson is currently in the middle of a 7 million dollar contract this season that contains a mutal option for 10 million dollar option for 2022. There is a buyout of 2.5 million on the 2022 option.
As for the Cubs in this trade, they have seemed to be a team that will be selling by the deadline all year. They still have trade candidates in Rizzo, Bryant, and Baez. They may have viewed Pederson as a rental if they were planning on declining his option. They get a first base prospect in Ball, who is currently in High-A, to help them shed some salary and forego the buyout fee. Ball has struggled hitting in the minor leagues this season, and may seem like a long shot to get to the big leagues.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Braves: Yes
Cubs: Yes
July 16:
Braves acquire C Stephen Vogt
Diamondbacks acquire 1B Mason Berne
The Braves have had problems with the catching position all year, as Travis d'Arnaud has played in just 23 games. William Contreras has hit just .204 in his 44 games this season and is currently in Triple-A. It was important for the Braves to get a durable and healthy catcher to handle the pitching staff. Vogt does not offer much upside offensively but he will be solid defensively.
Mason Berne is 25 year old first baseman still in Low-A ball. He has struggled offensively and does not seem to be a legitimate major league prospect. He is likely just an organizational depth guy. The Diamondbacks opened up more at bats for Carson Kelly and Daulton Varsho.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Braves: Yes
Diamondbacks: Yes
July 21:
Dodgers acquire OF Billy McKinney
Mets acquire OF Carlos Rincon and cash
The Dodgers made this move to help beef up their outfield depth. I think there were many other options available that would be an upgrade over McKinney. McKinney does not offer much power at all and does not hit for a high enough average to be a factor offensively.
The Mets dump McKinney and acquire a decent prospect in Rincon in the process. Rincon is 23 years old in Double-A currently and has a .253 batting average with 13 home runs. Rincon is on track to make the majors, but I do not expect him to be anything more than a fourth outfielder.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Dodgers: No
Mets: Yes
July 22:
Rays acquire DH Nelson Cruz and RHP Calvin Faucher
Twins acquire RHP Joe Ryan and RHP Drew Strotman
The Rays make a move to strengthen the middle of their lineup by acquiring Nelson Cruz. Cruz will slot in at DH for the remainder of the season. Cruz is impressive because of the power numbers he puts up as well as keeping a relatively low strikeout rate. The price wasn't too steep to pay for the Rays since the 40 year old slugger is a free agent at the conclusion of the year. Tampa also lands Calvin Faucher. In order for him to be a future bullpen arm in the big leagues, he needs to prove he can throw strikes more consistently.
The Twins have no chance to make the playoffs this season so they made they right move by sending the impending free agent Nelson Cruz out. They get two interesting pitching prospects back who can both reach the majors very soon. Joe Ryan was a 7th round pick of the Rays in 2018, and is currently in Triple-A in his age-25 season. He possesses an elite strikeout rate throughout his time in the minors and could be a back end of the rotation option for the Twins very soon. Drew Strotman is currently in Triple-A as well but does not have the same potential Joe Ryan does. I view Strotman as more of a bullpen arm where I think his fastball-slider combo will play a lot better.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Rays: Yes
Twins: Yes
July 23:
Mets acquire LHP Rich Hill
Rays acquire RHP Tommy Hunter and C Matt Dyer
The Mets were able to patch up a rotation that has been filled with injuries this season. With DeGrom being managed with caution, Carrasco out with a hamstring injury, and Syndergaard recovering from surgery, the Mets have had a tough time filling out their rotation. Hill gives them a proven starter that can help eat innings and slots in nicely at the end of the rotation whenever the injured statrters return.
This move is a little confusing to me for the Rays. With Glasnow going down earlier in the year and with the rotation being filled with unproven starters, I would have liked to see them keep Hill to help eat innings. I expect the Rays to make another move to acquire another starting pitcher as they make a push in the AL East. They get Tommy Hunter who I do not see as a big contributor out of the bullpen this season. Matt Dyer has struggled hitting the ball in Low-A this year, and does not seem to be on track to be a big league catcher.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Mets: Yes
Rays: No
July 26:
Padres acquire 2B Adam Frazier and cash
Pirates acquire SS Tucupita Marcano, OF Jack Suwinski and RHP Michell Miliano
The Padres continue to upgrade their roster by trading away pieces of their deep farm system. They get a player who is my bet to win the batting title in the NL this year. I don't think there is a great fit here as Jake Cronenworth has been the regular second baseman, but he could always be moved to first base. The Padres infield is now filled with fantastic depth and they can mix and match plenty of potent lineups. This is a great pickup by San Diego.
The Pirates got a slightly underwhelming package for Adam Frazier. The key piece was Tucupita Marcano, a solid contact hitter who is able to play shortstop or second base. I view him more of a second baseman because of his average arm strength. Tucupita's game is putting the ball in play and hitting for average. He does not have much power at all and reminds me a little of Frazier actually. He could be a decent second baseman at the major league level. Jack Suwinski is a 23 year old outfielder currently in Double-A. His highest batting average in a single season is this year where he his currently hitting .265. I think he will reach the big leagues but won't stick around for too long. Michell Miliano is the last piece and could turn himself into a decent prospect if he can command his pitches better. His walk rates are extremely high, and he is likely best suited for the bullpen long term. I think the Pirates did okay in this deal, but I would have liked them to either get a better headliner prospect than Marcano, or get a few better throw in prospects as well. The return should have been better since Frazier is not a rental. He has one more arbitration eligible year in 2022.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Padres: Yes
Pirates: No
July 26: Yankees acquire RHP Clay Holmes from Pirates for INF Diego Castillo and INF Hoy Park
I was shocked to see the Yankees wanted to add Clay Holmes to their bullpen to help fix the problem. Holmes has consistently struggled with his command as a Pirate, and would have been non-tendered at the end of the year if I was in charge of the Pirates. The Yankees definitely could have used these assets to find solid rental reliever.
The Pirates got Diego Castillo as the first piece back in this trade. Castillo is 23 years old hitting .275 in Double-A this season. Castillo has shown the ability to take his walks while also putting the ball in play and limiting the strikeouts. Hoy Park is 25 years old already but is putting up good numbers at Triple-A this season. He has 54 walks compared to just 52 strikeouts and is hitting .292. Park should get a chance to play second base in Pittsburgh very soon.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Yankees: No
Pirates: Yes
July 26:
A's acquire LHP Andrew Chafin
Cubs acquire OF Greg Deichmann and RHP Daniel Palencia
The A's acquire Chafin to help solidfy their bullpen. Oakland now has two good left handed relievers in Chafin and Jake Diekman. This seems like a fair deal as Oakland is most likely headed to a Wild Card berth.
The Cubs are not contending this year and would likely not have been able to bring back Chafin next year, so he could be considered a rental reliever. Greg Deichmann is an outfielder in Triple-A currently. He has hit for a high average but has very limited power. He could be a depth outfielder in Chicago as soon as next year. Daniel Palencia was recently signed in February of 2020 so he barely has 10 innings in the minors.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
A's: Yes
Cubs: Yes
July 27:
Astros acquire RHPs Kendall Graveman and Rafael Montero
Mariners acquire RHP Joe Smith and 3B Abraham Toro
This was a big trade from two teams that are fighting in the same division. The Astros get the best player in the deal in Graveman, who is a free agent at the end of this season. He has a 0.82 ERA in 33 innings this year. Rafael Montero is the other player coming to Houston. He was DFA'd by the Astros because of his struggles this year.
The Mariners get Joe Smith who will try to rebound from a tough stretch with Houston this year. Smith is not a guy I would target if I am trying to make a postseason push like the Mariners are. Abraham Toro is the the other player coming to Seattle. Toro is able to play both corner infield spots but is best served as a bench bat. The Mariners players were not happy with this deal, and it is justified. The M's just gave away a top reliever this year to their division rivals for a struggling reliever and a bench bat.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Astros: Yes
Mariners: No
July 28:
Reds acquire RHP Luis Cessa and LHP Justin Wilson
Yankees acquire a player to be named later
The Reds acquire two pieces for their bullpen this year. Cessa has had a good year, putting up a 2.75 ERA in 39.1 innings. He is a quality depth option in any bullpen and is controllable through 2023. Justin Wilson has struggled tremendously, and will definitely have his team option declined for the 2022 season. This trade gives the Reds a piece of the bullpen in 2022, but Cessa is not worth having to buyout the Wilson contract.
The Yankees give up a solid contributor in the bullpen in Cessa, but now they do not have to pay the buyout fee with Justin Wilson. There should be another move for the Yankees to help fill out the rest of their bullpen.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Reds: No
Yankees: Yes
July 28:
Mariners acquire LHP Tyler Anderson
Pirates acquire C Carter Bins and RHP Joaquin Tejada
With the trade of Kendall Graveman, the Mariners were definitely in the market to acquire another pitcher. The problem I have here is that they gave up more in value for Anderson than what they got for Graveman. Putting that aside, Anderson could contribute as a starter or as a multi-inning reliever.
The Pirates are out of the playoff race so this was a good move to get something for a rental pitcher. Carter Bins is a solid defender that could reach the big leagues based solely on his defense. Catching prospects have a tough time panning out and now Ben Cherington has acquired Bins, Endy Rodriguez, and Henry Davis in the draft. Joaquin Tejada is just an 18 year old pitching prospect so he is very far away from the big leagues. This was a very good move for the Pirates.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Mariners: No
Pirates: Yes
July 28:
Reds acquire RHP Mychal Givens
Rockies acquire RHP Case Williams and RHP Noah Davis
The Reds add another piece to their bullpen as they make a push for the playoffs. Givens has been very solid and will be a back end of the bullpen arm. The Reds have added very good depth to the 'pen the last few days.
The Rockies acquire two starting pitching prospects in return for Givens. Noah Davis is a depth option as he is already 24 years old pitching in A+. He might be a long shot to reach the big leagues but he has been a solid rotation piece so far in his minor league career. Case Williams has a solid fastball-curveball combo, but I do have concerns of him not being able to be a starter long term because of the inability to throw a quality third option. If he develops his changeup, he could be a decent back of the rotation arm.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Reds: No
Rockies: Yes
July 28:
Astros acquire RHP Yimi García
Marlins acquire RHP Austin Pruitt and OF Bryan De La Cruz
The Astros add their second bullpen arm as we near the deadline in Garcia. Yimi Garcia is a consistent strike thrower out of the bullpen and is more of a depth arm in my opinion. Houston did not give up much at all so it seems worth it to add Garcia.
Austin Pruitt had only pitched in two games this season for the Astros, and in his career has been a below average arm. He seems like a possible non-tender at the end of this season. Bryan De La Cruz is a 24 year old outfielder who has had a successful season in Triple-A. His defense is average so he will need to hit his way to a fourth outfielder/bench bat role.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Astros: Yes
Marlins: Yes
July 28:
A's acquire OF Starling Marte
Marlins for LHP Jesús Luzardo
I applaud the A's making a push for the division, but this deal was not a good one for them at all. Marte will be a solid addition to the outfield, but there is no way Oakland will have the money to resign. They can't even extend him a qualifying offer since he was acquired in the middle of the season. I love Marte as a player, but what the A's gave up in this deal is way too much.
The player going back to the Marlins in return for the rental Starling Marte is Jesus Luzardo. Luzardo has had struggles with injuries and performance this season. but the former top prospect has all the tools needed to be a successful starting pitcher. Luzardo joins a young and loaded rotation for the Marlins over the next few years.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
A's: No
Marlins: Yes
July 28:
Brewers acquire INF Eduardo Escobar
Diamondbacks acquire INF/OF Cooper Hummel and INF Alberto Ciprian
Eduardo Escobar has had a solid year for the Diamondbacks and has shown impressive power all year long. The Brewers have a solid starting rotation so it was important for them to add a quality bat. Escobar is a nice rental piece and he will be a nice upgrade in the infield.
Arizona is not in contention so it made sense to get something for Eduardo Escobar. Cooper Hummel has some defensive versatility, but has not been able to hit enough to be promoted past Double-A. I do not think he will reach the big leagues. Alberto Ciprian has been off to an impressive start in his career, although he has played in just over games. At just 18 year old, he could turn himself into a decent contact hitter.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Brewers: Yes
Diamondbacks: Yes
July 29:
White Sox acquire 2B Cesar Hernandez
Indians acquire LHP Konnor Pilkington
With Nick Madrigal going down for the year because of an injury the White Sox made a move for Hernandez to help out at second base. Hernandez has not had the best of seasons, but could be a useful infielder for the Sox down the stretch. I think they paid a little too much to the infielder compared to what the Padres gave up for Frazier and the Brewers gave up for Escobar.
Konnor Pilkington is being sent back to the Indians in the deal. He is currently having a solid year in Double-A, and I view him as a back end of the rotation starter at the MLB level in a few years. The Indians got great value for a rental infielder who is struggling hitting currently.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
White Sox: No
Indians: Yes
July 29:
Blue Jays acquire LHP Brad Hand
Nationals acquire C Riley Adams
Brad Hand is a solid reliever but I would not to use him in high leverage situations. I think he is a good piece to use as a middle innings reliever or to get a few key lefties out if they are batting consecutively. Hand has put together a quality season but has struggled leading up to the deadline. I do not think the Jays should be done adding bullpen arms. They should get a controllable one preferably.
The Nationals are falling out of contention so it makes sense to move Hand. They get Riley Adams as a guy who get get some innings behind the plate in a few years. He does not do anything extremely well, but catching depth is always a good thing to have.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Blue Jays: Yes
Nationals: Yes
July 29:
Yankees acquire OF Joey Gallo, LHP Joely Rodríguez
Rangers acquire 2B Ezequiel Duran, SS Josh Smith, INF/OF Trevor Hauver and RHP Glenn Otto
I do not think Joey Gallo is a fit at all for the New York Yankees. The problem has been a weak starting rotation beyond Gerrit Cole, and a lineup that cannot put the ball in play consistently. A lineup with Judge, Sanchez, Stanton, and Gallo is very powerful obviously, but I think the Yankees really needed to get a contact bat like Whit Merrifield. Joely Rodriguez is a guy that I honestly would not let take up a 40-man roster spot. I think this might be one of the worst trades this deadline. Gallo is only controllable through the 2022 season.
Ezequiel Duran is a middle infielder that I think profiles well at second base. He owns a .295 batting average at A+ this year in his age-22 season. If he continues to progress he could be a decent contact hitter in the majors in a few years. Josh Smith is another infielder hitting well at A+ ball. He has a better chance to stick at shortstop than Duran, but I think he would be a good player with a move to second base. There is not much power here but Smith could be a decent contact hitter. Trevor Hauver is the third infielder currently at A+. He is in the same boat as the other two players, where a move to second base seems to be the most likely move. He hits for a high average but does not have much power. All three players are similar. The last piece in the deal is Glenn Otto. Otto is already 25 years old and currently possesses a decent fastball and curveball combo. He does not have a solid third offering, which makes me believe he will be a bullpen arm for the Rangers in a few years. I would have liked to see the Rangers get players at different positions instead of getting three second baseman, but they did get some good value here.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Yankees: No
Rangers: Yes
July 29:
White Sox acquire RHP Ryan Tepera
Cubs acquire LHP Bailey Horn
The White Sox add a quality arm to their bullpen. Tepera goes from the Cubs to Sox and helps the Sox build a better bullpen around Liam Hendriks. Tepera has a 2.91 ERA with the Cubs in 43.1 innings this year.
Bailey Horn is the player going to the Cubs in the deal. I think he could be a good bullpen arm in the future, as he works with a fastball that has gotten up to 97. He mixes in a curveball and slider. Even if he works to improve his command I think he profiles the best coming out of the back end of a bullpen.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
White Sox: Yes
Cubs: Yes
July 29:
Mariners acquire RHP Diego Castillo
Rays acquire RHP J.T. Chargois and 3B Austin Shenton
The Mariners find a replacement closer for Kendall Graveman in Diego Castillo. This is a fantastic move for the Mariners, as Castillo is controllable through the 2024 season. Hopefully the Mariners locker room is feeling a little better now after this addition.
I have no idea why the Rays would want to do this trade to be honest. They have the team to potentially win their division and compete for the World Series. They could have just waited until the offseason to trade Castillo, and they would have received similar value in return. They could not afford to thin out their pitching staff at all. JT Chargois is the man that will take Castillo's place in the bullpen. Although their statistics are similar this season, I believe Castillo is superior to Chargois by a decent margin. Austin Shenton also comes over to the Rays. He is a third baseman in Double-A currently and I view him as a good prospect. He puts the ball in play and limits the strikeouts at the plate. He is an average fielder so he will need to exceed with the bat to stay at the Major League level.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Mariners: Yes
Rays: No
July 29:
Dodgers acquire LHP Danny Duffy
Royals acquire a player to be named later
With Danny Duffy being injured currently, the price to pay for the Dodgers was very low. Depending on performance, that prospect could be a decent player though. This was worth it for the Dodgers to get a guy who could be used as a depth starter down the stretch or a guy who can work multiple innings out of the bullpen.
The Royals wanted to get something for Duffy since he is a free agent at the end of the year. If he was healthy at the trade deadline the return would have been decent, but they got what they could for him.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Dodgers: Yes
Royals: Yes
July 29:
Yankees acquire 1B Anthony Rizzo
Cubs acquire RHP Alexander Vizcaíno and OF Kevin Alcántara
I find this to be a little bit of a curious move for the Yankees. They might have stopped Rizzo from going to the Red Sox, but I don't think this is a great fit. I am a fan of Rizzo, but Luke Voit should be coming back and stationed at first base for the remainder of the season. It will be almost impossible for Giancarlo Stanton to get regular DH at bats now. The player is great, but the fit is not.
The Cubs get a bullpen arm in Alexander Vizcaíno. Without an average third offering, I do not think Vizcaíno will be able to stick in the rotation. He does have a good fastball and changeup combo to allow him to be an effective reliever. Kevin Alcántara is the other player coming back to Chicago. He should be a very good defender in center field for the entirety of his career. Once Alcántara fills out a little, he should be able to hit for more power. I think this is a good outfielder to develop over the next few years.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Yankees: No
Cubs: Yes
July 29:
Red Sox acquire OF Kyle Schwarber
Nationals acquire RHP Aldo Ramirez
The Red Sox have been making a push in the AL East and they get a nice power hitting lefty to add to their lineup. Schwarber should get a lot of looks in left field as I would keep JD Martinez as the primary DH. This is a nice pickup for the Red Sox, and Schwarber might not be a rental since he has an $11.5 million club option in 2022.
The Nationals were not likely to pick up their side of the option which basically makes Schwarber a rental. They get Aldo Ramirez back from the Red Sox. Ramirez does not have any one pitch that is exceptional, but he does have good control and works with a 3 pitch mix. He could be a back of the rotation starter many years down the road.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Red Sox: Yes
Nationals: Yes
July 30:
Padres acquire RHP Daniel Hudson
Nationals acquire RHP Mason Thompson and SS Jordy Barley
The Padres add a proven bullpen arm to help them compete for the NL west crown and a world series title this year. With the Nats, Hudson pitched to a 2.20 ERA in 32.2 innings.
Mason Thompson could slot in as an immediate replacement in the Nationals bullpen. He has a decent repertoire with a fastball, changeup, and soft slider. Jordy Barley is a shortstop prospect with fantastic speed. He is a huge stolen base threat but does not get on base enough to use his speed. I do not view him as a future major leaguer.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Padres: Yes
Nationals: Yes
July 30:
Brewers acquire LHP Daniel Norris
Tigers acquire RHP Reese Olson
Daniel Norris joins the Brewers bullpen in a little bit of a questionable move. The Brewers must have wanted another lefty available to use. Norris had a 6.75 ERA with 13 walks in 13.1 innings with the Tigers prior to being moved.
Reese Olson is heading back to the Tigers. Olson has a solid four pitch mix including a fastball, slider, changeup, and curveball. None of the pitches are elite, but if Olson is able to improve his command he could be a decent back of the rotation arm.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Brewers: No
Tigers: Yes
July 30:
Pirates acquire IF/OF Michael Chavis
Red Sox acquire LHP Austin Davis
Michael Chavis was a former top prosepcr for the Red Sox and has failed to live up to expectations in Boston to start his major league career off. The Red Sox sold very low on him and shipped him to Pittsburgh. I think this is a great move for the Pirates. Chavis is capable of playing plenty of different positions. He has a few minor league options remaining so he will be able to get consistent at bats in either the bigs or Triple-A.
The Red Sox add a left handed reliever to their bullpen in Austin Davis. Davis has struggled with the Pirates so far this year in limited innings, so I am curious why the Red Sox would make this move. I would not have sold this low on Chavis.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Pirates: Yes
Red Sox: No
July 30:
Brewers acquire RHP John Curtiss
Marlins acquire C Payton Henry
John Curtiss has been a solid reliever for his entire career. In 40 innings with the Marlins in 2021, he holds a 2.48 ERA. Curtiss will help lengthen the Milwaukee bullpen. I just wish the Brewers would not have given up a catching prospect.
Payton Henry is currently in Triple-A and is more of a defensive minded catcher. He does have some decent pop in his bat, but doesn't hit for a high average. His defense is solid so he should get a shot to at least secure a backup catching role soon. I always like when teams get catching prospects in deals.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Brewers: No
Marlins: Yes
July 30:
Giants acquire LHP Tony Watson
Angels acquire RHP Jose Marte, RHP Ivan Armstrong and LHP Sam Selman
Although Tony Watson has not had a great season, I still view this as a decent pickup for the Giants as they prepare to battle for the NL West crown. The Giants are able to add another lefty to their bullpen. So far, Watson has a 4.64 ERA with the Angels this season.
The Angels did not get back a top prospect, but they got back three players for a rental reliever. Jose Marte is a 25 year old reliever who has put up dominant strikeout numbers so far this year.
Ivan Armstrong is another reliever who is currently in High-A at 21 years old. He is averaging just over a strikeout per inning.
Sam Selman is a 30-year old left handed reliever that will likely just finish out the year in the Halo's bullpen. He might be a non tender candidate in the offseason.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Giants: Yes
Angels: Yes
July 30: Phillies acquire SS Freddy Galvis and cash from Orioles for RHP Tyler Burch
The Phillies make a move for veteran shortstop Freddy Galvis to help add some depth to the infield. Galvis will be a free agent at the end of the season. So far with Baltimore he has hit .249 with 9 home runs in 72 games.
The Orioles get Tyler Burch as the only part of their return. Burch is a reliever who has put together impressive strikeout totals so far in 2021. He could be a future bullpen arm for Baltimore in a few years.
Would I have done this deal if I was the GM of the?:
Phillies: Yes
Orioles: Yes
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