Excitement continues to build leading up to Monday’s MLB trade deadline. Several high-profile deals have already been completed and more should be on the horizon with so many teams still holding realistic hopes of reaching the playoffs.
That dynamic also means it should be a seller’s market. Those teams that have already turned their focus to the future should be able to acquire some promising future assets in exchange for veterans who likely wouldn’t be part of the puzzle when they’re ready to contend again anyway.
So let’s take a closer look at some of the notable trades that have already been completed. Each breakdown includes a grade for each team involved as the clock ticks toward Aug. 1.
Melvin Upton Jr. to Toronto Blue Jays
Upton was one of the most interesting assets available ahead of the deadline. He’s returned to form this season with 16 home runs and 20 stolen bases, but two disastrous seasons with the Atlanta Braves and a mediocre first year with the San Diego Padres left his value as a bit of a mystery.
As it turns out, the strong first half didn’t do much to bolster it. The Padres received Hansel Rodriguez, a raw 19-year-old starter with a 3.06 ERA in Class A rookie ball. They were also forced to retain all but $5 million of the outfielder’s remaining contract, per Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
It reduces most of the risk for Toronto. If Upton can continue to provide dual-threat production down the stretch, it should become a steal based on the small package it gave up. And even if he struggles at the plate, he can provide solid defense and base running, which are key for playoff teams.
Speaking of the postseason, the chance to compete for a championship is what excited the outfielder most about the trade, as noted by Brendan Kennedy of the Toronto Star.
“I’m here to help this team win and in whatever capacity that might be, I’m ready for it,” Upton said. “I’ve been around for a little while and I think the main goal, especially at this point in my career, is to try to win a ring.”
On the flip side, the Padres are out of playoff contention, so it’s no shock they decided to take the best offer for Upton and move forward. Being forced to retain so much of the salary takes away a sizable portion of the upside from the deal, though.
Grades: Toronto B, San Diego C+
Aroldis Chapman to Chicago Cubs
The Cubs already had a reliable closer in Hector Rondon before making the deal for Chapman. But instead of trying a cheaper trade for somebody to fill the seventh or eighth inning, they decided to shoot for the stars by grabbing the league’s most electric closer from the New York Yankees.
Chicago had to give up veteran pitcher Adam Warren and three prospects, including promising shortstop Gleyber Torres, who could eventually fill the No. 2 hole in the order for the Yanks. But it’s a move that should go a long way in stabilizing the bullpen.
The Cubs lead baseball in starter ERA by a significant margin but rank 13th in reliever ERA, according to ESPN.com. Chapman has already started to prove his value in that regard with four strikeouts over 2.1 scoreless innings since the deal. Jayson Stark of ESPN noted the other key numbers:
Ultimately, it’s a good move for both sides. The Cubs have championship aspirations and should now deal with far less headaches in the late innings. And the Yankees had a plethora of bullpen weapons, which allowed them to deal one of them to bolster the farm system.
Grades: Chicago B+, New York A-
Drew Pomeranz to Boston Red Sox
It’s been quite a journey for Pomeranz this season. He didn’t even earn a spot in the Padres’ rotation until early April. He then proceeded to secure a spot on the All-Star team by posting a 2.47 ERA with 115 strikeouts in 102 innings before the break.
Now he’s been traded from easy-going San Diego to Boston, one of the most intense sports markets in the country. After getting shelled in his first start with the Red Sox, he bounced back by giving up just two runs in six innings while striking out seven in his last outing.
The most important thing is his curveball. It’s one of the most underrated out pitches in the league when he’s got a feel for it, which wasn’t the case in his debut with Boston. Pitcher List provided a look at the sweeping breaking ball from his latest start:
While the Red Sox were able to upgrade their rotation for this season, the Padres continue looking toward the future by getting Anderson Espinoza. The 18-year-old right-hander has struggled with a 4.63 ERA across 19 starts in the minors so far this season, but he’s slotted in as the team’s top prospect, according to MLB.com.
Grades: Boston B+, San Diego B
All deals discussed via USA Today’s Trade Tracker.
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