Welcome to the 2020 MLB trade tracker! This article will break down every trade from this week and assess a grade for each team’s return. Check back for up-to-date information to and through the August 31st 4pm EST deadline. Players are listed by the team that acquired them.
This season’s deadline will be one of the most interesting ones to date. Teams are reluctant to overpay for rental players as they will likely only have them for a month or two. Teams are also unable to trade players not in the 60-man player pool. This could lead to some big-name, controllable assets being moved ahead of the deadline!
August 31st, 2020 – Deadline Day!
Photo by Mary Altaffer/Associated Press
Mets receive: Todd Frazier 3B/1B, Robinson Chirinos C
Rangers receive: 2 PTBNL
Familiar face anyone? The Mets made this move to acquire some depth and help with their playoff run. The Mets are in an unfortunate situation because opt-outs and injuries have forced them to really wait for 2021 to contend. The problem is some of their core players aren’t getting any younger and their bullpen is still brutal. Frazier is historically a solid fielder but is really better suited for 1B nowadays. He will likely see more time at 3B/DH with Alonso and Smith at 1B/DH. I don’t hate this trade to acquire more depth, especially given that both these guys have team options for next year. The Mets can decide to save some money and perhaps compensatory draft picks by accepting the options on these guys, rather than sign free agents.
Mets grade: (B)
What to say about the Rangers…If you scroll down this article you can see the earlier trades they made and how unhappy I’ve been with their year-to-year strategy. Yes they got some value for players that likely won’t impact their 2021 campaign. But are we really to believe that the Rangers 2020 midseason and offseason strategy was a good one?
Rangers grade: (C)
Mets receive: Miguel Castro RHP
Orioles receive: Kevin Smith LHP
This one makes a little more sense for the Mets as they acquire a reliever to help in their bullpen for more than just 2020. Castro has been lit up in the AL East and gives up way too many home runs. The Mets will hope that he just stops throwing his fastball and can parlay his plus offspeed pitches into a couple solid campaigns. They give up a prospect who is on the outside looking in of 2021 impact.
Mets grade: (B)
The Orioles took advantage of the Mets interest and acquired a much more interesting prospect. Maybe it’s my Yankee-fan bias but it’s hard not to see Castro as a launching pad for Gleyber Torres and friends. Credit the Orioles for making a few smart moves, given that they don’t have many veteran assets and could hypothetically still sneak into the playoffs as a wildcard.
Orioles grade: (B+)
Blue Jays receive: Ross Stripling RHP
Dodgers receive: 2 PTBNL
The Jays buy low on Stripling and add him to a plethora of veteran arms they acquired at the deadline (scroll down). The Jays now have plenty of veterans that can eat up innings while the offense looks to lead them to a playoff appearance. Stripling has been plain bad in 2020 but this could be one of those “change of scenery” moments for Ross. The Jays take relatively no risk and acquire multiple starters to push for the playoffs and act as stopgaps for their rotation of the future. (Pearson, Woods-Richardson, Manoah)
Blue Jays grade: (B+)
This is a cost saving move more than anything for the Dodgers. The Dodgers are likely to run into luxury tax issues in 2021, so moving Stripling has been an option even before he started pitching so poorly. As far as 2020 is concerned, Stripling has pitched himself out of the rotation and the Dodgers are not going to roll out relievers they cannot trust during their World Series run. They effectively shed salary and pick up some depth wherever they might need it after the season.
Dodgers grade: (A)
Photo by Adrian Crouse/AP
Rockies receive: Kevin Pillar OF, Cash Considerations
Red Sox receive: 2 PTBNL
In a backwards world where the Rockies think that they are contending for something, this trade makes a lot of sense. Although Pillar is declining defensively, he still provides an upgrade over whatever corner outfielder the Rockies decide to roll out. Almost all of the Rockies outfield options are also left-handed hitters, making the lefty-killing Pillar a very good fit. Let’s get this straight: The Rockies should not be buyers. But, that being said, they trade next to nothing to acquire a solid player who fits their roster and their needs perfectly. Short-term: A+, Long-term: F
Rockies grade: (A-)
Short of trading their young superstars or essentially paying a team to take on some of JD Martinez’s contract, there wasn’t much the Red Sox could do at the deadline. No one was expecting a contender, but the 2020 Red Sox have been just dreadful. The PTBNL are unknown at this time, maybe they can poach a back-end starter from the Rockies system, before the very thought of pitching in Coors Field ruins his career.
Red Sox grade: (B+)
Reds receive: Archie Bradley RHP
Diamondbacks receive: Josh VanMeter INF, Stuart Fairchild OF
The Reds made a move to address their abysmal bullpen. They are incredibly thin in the pen and serviceable relievers Mike Lorenzen and Raisel Iglesias just have not been effective this year. Archie Bradley limits home runs and provides an immediate upgrade over everyone in the Reds pen. To get their closer, they don’t part with any top major or minor league talent. If the Reds start to turn their season around, this is the trade that will serve as a catalyst.
Reds grade: (A)
Oh the Diamondbacks…How can I continue to be disappointed by them, day after day? Just when they looked like they were going to turn it around, they lost 9 of their last 10 games which triggered a sell on deadline day. The D-Backs have another year of control of Bradley, but they decided not to make the same mistake they made with Robbie Ray. Especially with Bradley’s velocity dropping every year, this is probably the most the D-Backs could ever get for him. Both VanMeter and Fairchild could become solid hitters in the next few years. The D-Backs have a fairly deep farm system so I like the acquisition of the controllable major league talent in VanMeter than can serve as a stopgap and perhaps eventually a bench bat.
Diamondbacks grade: (A)
Photo by Jeff Chiu/AP
Marlins receive: Starling Marte OF
Diamondbacks receive: Caleb Smith LHP, Humberto Mejia RHP, PTBNL (Julio Frias)
The Marlins desperately needed a center fielder. Although they have a plethora of outfield prospects, none of them are hitting at the major league level. Many of their prospects project more as corner outfielders, other than JJ Blezay, who is a few years away. The Marlins can keep Marte on a team option in 2021 so he isn’t a true rental. If the Marlins think they can contend next year, they can keep him, otherwise he becomes a rental option next season. The Marlins are deep with young major-league ready starting pitching which in turn, made Caleb Smith expendable. Although they lack lefties in the rotation and in the minors, Smith is still the player I would have chosen to move off this team.
Marlins grade: (A)
The now rebuilding (again) Diamondbacks moved on from Starling Marte after giving up two of their top ten prospects to acquire him this offseason. I get it, things didn’t work out for the Diamondbacks. But realistically, they moved Liover Peguero and Brennan Malone for Caleb Smith and company. Not exactly how it was drawn up…Perhaps they can utilize Caleb Smith to become the next Zac Gallen.
Diamondbacks grade: (C+)
Blue Jays receive: Jonathon Villar 2B/SS/CF
Marlins receive: PTBNL (Griffin Conine)
This was a good deal for the Jays as they acquire a good hitter in Villar who can fill in for the injured Bo Bichette for the time being. The last thing the Blue Jays want to do is rush back their young star. If and when Bichette does return in 2020, Villar can easily slide into a plug-and-play role coming off the bench and providing rest for any of the starters up the middle. I don’t love the Blue Jays getting rid of young talent, but they can’t really afford to have everyone in their lineup hit home runs or strike out. They’ll start to look like the Twins…
Blue Jays grade: (A)
In return, the Marlins take on a project in Griffin Conine. Conine is already 27 years old and is still raw. He possesses amazing power but he can’t seem to make contact enough. I like the Marlins creating more infield opportunities even though there is a possibility they can make the playoffs. 2B Isan Diaz might opt back in the season and they still have Jazz Chisholm waiting in the wings. That being said, Villar is a solid player that fits the Jays really well. It would have been nice to see the Marlins get a little more in return.
Marlins grade: (A-)
Phillies receive: David Phelps
Breweres receive: 3 PTNBL (Israel Puello RHP, Juan Geraldo RHP, Brandon Ramey RHP)
David Phelps has rebounded nicely from elbow surgery in 2018 and is putting up another solid campaign in 2020. The Phillies bullpen is one of the worst in baseball even after acquiring Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree from the Red Sox over a week ago. Phillies fans would have loved to see a more high-profile acquisition but the Phillies thin farm system might not have been equipped for a move like that. If Neris and Tommy Hunter can pitch better; the Phillies bullpen, including all the new pieces, could be fairly solid.
Phillies grade: (A-)
The Brewers are in a weird spot where their record and complete lack of offense suggests they should sell, but they are very much in the wide-open NL Central race. We’ve seen the Brewers do damage in the postseason as a wild card and they are one Christian Yelich hot-streak away from getting right back in the division race. Phelps can be seen as a (somewhat) expendable piece of their deep bullpen, but it’s clear the Brewers didn’t commit to selling. They acquire multiple expendable arms from the Phillies in the hopes that they can reach some untapped potential in one or all.
Brewers grade: (B)
Reds receive: Brian Goodwin
Angels receive: Packy Naughton LHP, PTBNL
The Reds are one of the more inconsistent teams in the National League and could use some help on offense. The move for Goodwin is questionable at best. It’s not like their lineup is lacking left-handed hitters and Goodwin is not a plus defender that can come in as a late inning replacement. On top of this, the Reds picked OF Nick Williams off waivers two weeks ago. Yes Williams has been struggling but they are essentially the same player. I think the Reds felt like they had to do something and this is what they got.
Reds grade: (C)
Goodwin really isn’t adding any value to the Angels at this point. With Upton’s huge contract in left field and Mike Trout in center, Goodwin is just blocking playing time for top prospect Jo Adell. The Angels made moves to free up at-bats for prospects but I’m sure Angels fans wish the team was buying for a playoff run. At least they get a potential bullpen arm or spot-starter in Naughton.
Angels Grade: (B-)
Blue Jays receive: Robbie Ray LHP
Diamondbacks receive: Travis Bergen LHP, Cash Considerations
What happened to Robbie Ray? The potential ace in 2019 that the Diamondbacks refused to trade has seemed to fall off a cliff. Ray’s command has been brutal in 2020. He leapfrogged the “effectively wild” category and has been unable to avoid the walk (9.0 BB/9). His K% is similar to his career average but his K/BB ratio is over 10 points off. Perhaps a change of scenery, pitching coach, catcher, or all three will help Ray put it together and close 2020 strong.
Blue Jays grade: (B)
This is exactly what happens when teams are unrealistic in their expectations. Not trading Ray in 2019 has burned the Diamondbacks as they are quickly falling out of contention in 2020. It’s tough to see such a talented pitcher struggle so much this year, but as previously mentioned, a change of scenery might do the trick. The D-Backs could have brought in a haul in 2019 with Ray pitching like an ace with an extra year of control. However, in 2020 they will have to settle for Bergen, an experienced minor leaguer who has gotten better thanks to an increase in his velocity. The improving Blue Jays will not have room for Bergen on their 40-man in 2021, so moving him makes sense.
Diamondbacks grade: (C+)
Athletics receive: Mike Minor LHP
Rangers receive: 2 PTBNL
The Athletics decided to buy low on Mike Minor in order to get some major league pitching depth. It’s unclear if Minor will supplant anyone in the rotation, as his 2020 has been pretty rough to say the least. Minor’s traditional metrics are all poor (0-5 5.60 ERA) and his peripherals tell the same story. Minor is surrendering much more hard contact on top of a 2mph loss in fastball velocity (~92 to ~90). The Athletics bullpen is very solid and their offense has been rolling. The rotation could use a veteran arm so taking a chance on Minor makes sense here.
Athletics grade: (A-)
Too little too late seems to be a running theme at this year’s deadline, especially for the Texas Rangers. Mike Minor was a hot commodity at the deadline in 2019. The Rangers decided to hold and are now feeling the repercussions. The struggling Rangers seem reluctant to accept a full rebuild based on their 2020 deadline strategy. At least they got something?
Rangers grade: (C-)
Padres receive: Mike Clevinger RHP, Greg Allen OF, PTBNL
Indians receive: Austin Hedges C, Josh Naylor 1B/OF, Cal Quantrill RHP, Joey Cantillo LHP, Gabriel Arias SS, Owen Miller INF
AJ Preller is wheeling and dealing, starting off deadline day with a BLOCKBUSTER! All eyes were on the Indians, to see just which of their starting pitchers would be on the move today. Mike Clevinger is a bona-fide ace that has been in the shadow of Shane Bieber these past two seasons. Clevinger is controllable for two more seasons and can slot as the #1 or #2 starter, depending on how Chris Paddack bounces back from a rocky 2020 campaign. They did part with their #7 prospect Gabriel Arias, but he is outside the top 100 overall and obviously blocked by Fernando Tatis Jr. It felt like they gave up too much in the Mariners deal but they seem to have come away with a steal here.
Padres grade: (A)
I guess the Indians *had* to trade Clevinger? A full rebuild would probably have included moving Francisco Lindor. However, with Lindor still under team control, the team has perhaps acquired his replacement in Arias. Either Arias, Tyler Freeman or Brayan Rocchio will likely need to move to second base, with Nolan Jones as the expected third baseman of the future. Quantrill can be a back-end starter or middle-reliever for the next few years and the Indians are looking forward to the high upside of Joey Cantillo. It was a decent haul for their second-best pitcher, I just have a hard time believing that the Braves or Yankees couldn’t put together a better offer.
Indians grade: (B+)
August 30th, 2020
Photo by Chadd Cady/San Diego Union-Tribune
Padres receive: Austin Nola C/INF, Austin Adams RHP, Dan Altavilla RHP
Mariners receive: Taylor Trammell OF, Ty France 3B, Luis Torrens C, Andres Munoz RHP
This one is a bit of a head-scratcher to me. Yes, the Padres need help at catcher and in the bullpen, but why the Mariners? Austin Nola has been hitting extremely well this season, but are we really viewing him as a late bloomer? He is 30 years old but his saving grace is that he’s not a rental for San Diego. He should be able to platoon or back up Mejia in 2021. They also acquire two controllable bullpen arms in Altavilla and Adams. Altavilla hasn’t been too great in 2020 and Adams is still recovering from knee surgery in 2019. Why did any of this warrant a top prospect?
Padres grade: (C)
The Mariners just fleeced the Padres. None of the players they traded have a long-term role on this team. They get two major league ready players in France and Torrens, both of whom can get a tryout for the next month of regular season play. Munoz is a fireballer in the bullpen but is coming off an elbow injury. I am unsure of his long-term health but his arm could be worth the risk. The prize of this haul is Taylor Trammel. Their outfield of the future could feature: Kyle Lewis, Jared Kelenic, Julio Rodriguez and now Trammel. All four of them can share time as they develop and the Mariners can get them at-bats at DH, as well. Even if the jury is out on Trammel and Munoz doesn’t pan out, the Mariners trade expendable pieces for incredibly high upside. Jerry Dipoto does it again. Just ask the Mets…
Mariners grade: (A)
Padres receive: Jason Castro, C
Angels receive: Gerardo Reyes, RHP
This article is starting to become about the Padres. San Diego acquires the struggling Jason Castro, in an effort to bolster their weak catching unit. Although Castro is still hitting under .200, his 98 WRC+ is about average. With their catcher of the future Francisco Mejia still hurt, this trade makes sense for the Padres. Austin Hedges is a great defensive catcher but cannot swing the bat, especially in 2020. He will be on the weak side of the platoon and a late inning substitution for the poor fielding Castro.
Padres Grade: (B+)
Again we find the disappointing Angels selling, without really having valuable pieces to sell. Castro probably does not have a place on the Angels roster in 2021 but it’s not like they have many options waiting in the wings. Their lineup remains fairly right-handed heavy so I would expect them to pick up another left-hand hitting catcher this offseason. In Reyes, the Angels get a hard throwing middle-relief pitcher and not much more. Already 27 years old, the upside on Reyes is limited but it’s much more logical to see him on the 2021 roster than Castro.
Angels grade: (B)
Red Sox receive: Jeisson Rosario OF, Hudson Potts 1B/3B
Padres receive: Mitch Moreland, 1B
The Padres are loading up for a postseason run. They acquire Mitch Moreland from the struggling Red Sox and bring in a solid, well-rounded veteran with postseason experience. Moreland is a plus defender but likely will serve as the DH most days with Eric Hosmer entrenched at first. The only reason the Padres don’t get an A is because I think they are still thin in the outfield. With Tommy Pham likely out for the year and Jurickson Profar still hitting under the Mendoza line, I would have expected the Padres to make a move for an outfielder. That being said, Mitchy Two-Bags brings power from the left side of the plate, something the top of this lineup could use. Looking deeper, Moreland also has one of the best barrel rates in the league and is in the top 5 percentile in wOBA and xSLG, making him a great value.
Padres Grade: (A-)
The return for the Red Sox might not look too exciting for fans, receiving two prospects outside the Padres top 15. However, that it just a testament to the Padres deep farm system. The Red Sox system is incredibly thin and they received two potential big leaguers. Potts has shown some great pop, although the Sox might have a logjam at 1B/3B. Rosario’s hit tool is a work in progress but he possesses elite speed, great defense, and a high .OBP.
Red Sox Grade: (A)
Rockies receive: Michael Givens, RHP
Orioles receive: Tyler Nevin 1B/3B, Terrin Vavra 2B/SS, PTBNL
Oh look the Rockies need bullpen help. It must be 2020, or 2019, or 2018 or…you get the point. It feels like the Rockies are always searching for pitching talent as Coors field seems to chew pitchers up and spit them out. Givens, 30, has two more years of arbitration before hitting the market. It makes sense for the Rockies to add him to their young core of Estévez, Almonte, and Kinley. I guess with an expanded playoff, the Rockies feel like anything is possible. They didn’t give up any top prospects but it feels like they should be selling.
Rockies grade: (B-)
The Orioles acquire two low-impact prospects in Tyler Nevin and Terrin Vavra. Nevin will likely be held to one of the corner infield spots, as Vavra is a contact hitting middle infielder. Given the Rockies situation it feels like they are better off holding onto these prospects. However, I think the Orioles traded Givens too late. They could have got a bigger haul when he was under-30 and still closing games. That being said, they still get some value out of a guy who does nothing for their rebuild.
Orioles grade: (B+)
Cubs Receive: Jose Martinez, 1B/OF
Rays Receive: PTBNL
The Cubs are in need of some help on offense, as they’ve come crashing down after a hit start to the year. Martinez is a logical fit for them as he can slide in as the regular DH, especially against left-handed pitching. Martinez is a serious defensive liability but he likely won’t see much time in the field. The Cubs don’t want to be rolling out both their catchers in the lineup every day so Martinez can provide a better option.
Cubs grade: (B)
Although he fits with the Cubs, Jose Martinez has been the odd-man out for the Rays. His lack of defense and defensive versatility doesn’t really fit the Rays style. He also hasn’t been all that as a hitter. His strikeouts are up and his peripherals are all down. A change of scenery, perhaps to the familiar NL Central could bode well for Martinez. We don’t know exactly who the Rays will receive but they are getting something back for an expendable player who wouldn’t be on the team in 2021 anyway.
Rays grade: (B+)
Braves receive: Tommy Milone, LHP
Orioles receive: 2 PTBNL
Did the Orioles feel bad for the Braves? By no means is Tommy Milone a superstar but he has been impressive in 2020. He has posted one of the lowest barrel rates and can be counted on to eat up innings. Their saving grace in this trade is that the Braves have a very deep system and perhaps these PTBNLs can have more significant value than we think.
Orioles grade: (C+)
Everyone knows just how desperate the Braves are for starting pitching. Their ace Mike Soroka is on the shelf and quite frankly, Max Fried has been their only functional starter. There is no way the Braves stop here unless they feel like they can fast track all their young pitching into a playoff rotation. I felt like the Orioles could have charged more for Milone, as the scrambling Braves ended up starting him the night they acquired him. The Braves need to hold onto their prospects to make a bigger splash in this trade market.
Braves grade: (B)
August 29th, 2020
Photo by Tony Dejok/AP
Padres receive: Trevor Rosenthal, RHP
Royals receive: Edward Olivares OF, PTBNL
With Kirby Yates out for the season and Drew Pomeranz on the IL, what was supposed to be a strong Padres bullpen hasn’t been great in 2020. They also brought in Emilio Pagan, who has not lived up to the success he showed in Tampa Bay. The Padres need serious help in this bullpen if they want to be a true contender, so I like taking the flier on Rosenthal. Trevor Rosenthal has seen a career renaissance in Kansas City and will look to parlay it into a long-term deal this offseason.
Padres Grade: (A-)
I do think the Padres gave up a little too much to take the flier on Rosenthal. Yes, he has had success in the past, but it’s tough to say if it was worth trading Olivares. Olivares has shown some power in the minor leagues and has plus speed. I do think the Padres are thin in the outfield in 2020, but when Tommy Pham comes back they will look better in 2021. This trade looks eerily similar to the Tim Hill/Franchy Cordero swap earlier this year. If Olivares pans out, the Royals could have room for his talent after dealing away Brett Phillips.
Royals Grade: (A-)
August 28th, 2020
Photo by Dan Berstein/Getty Images
Athletics receive: Tommy La Stella, INF
Angels receive: Franklin Barreto, 2B/SS
The Athletics already have one of the best offenses in the league, but second base has been a position that has plagued them. They have tried multiple combinations of former top prospects, (Jorge Mateo, Tony Kemp, Barreto) but the position remains a disappointment. La Stella will provide much needed pop from the left-side, especially with 1B Matt Olson struggling all year. To bring in La Stella, the Athletics sacrifice some of their defensive integrity, but they retain Kemp, who is a better defender. The A’s will be able to platoon some of the weaker hitters with La Stella’s bat in the lineup. I see this as a perfect fit.
Athletics grade: (A)
The 2020 Angels have been woefully disappointing. It’s difficult to see a team with Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, and Shohei Ohtani in last place. La Stella will be a free agent this offseason and the Angels decided to move him. He doesn’t fit their long-term plans, but who knows what they are at this point. The Angels might just throw the shortened 2020 season aside and get ready for a full, regular (hopefully) 2021. They bought low on a former top prospect in Barreto, who has not performed at the major league level to date. If the Angels can tap into his former potential, I’ll be willing to revisit this grade.
Angels grade: (B-)
White Sox receive: Jarrod Dyson, OF
Pirates receive: International Bonus Pool money
The White Sox have arrived and their young offense is already contending for a division title. The White Sox are deep with right-handed batters and sport a below-average defense. Dyson is still considered a plus defender and can play all three outfield slots. Dyson is certainly not blowing anyone away with his bat, but he did sport a >10% walk rate his last two seasons. It has regressed closer to his career average, but if Dyson can get on base and break up the right-hand dominant lineup every so often, this isn’t a bad deal at all.
White Sox grade: (A-)
Kudos to the Pirates for getting any value for Dyson at all. He is a well below average hitter and his plus-defense isn’t helping a rebuilding Pirates team. The White Sox are not likely to make a big splash in the international market so it can be seen as expendable for them. Scouting internationally must have been a huge problem in 2020, seeing as though scouting domestically was. Maybe the Pirates have their eye on someone.
Pirates Grade: (A)
August 27th, 2020
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Blue Jays receive : Taijaun Walker, RHP
Mariners receive: PTBNL
The Blue Jays pick up a middle of the rotation starter without losing any of their major prospects. The Blue Jays have one of the deepest systems in the league, with many of them starting to graduate to the major leagues. I’m happy to see the Blue Jays going for glory in the expanded postseason, without sacrificing any part of their future. Walker has diminished velocity over the years and still walks way too many batters. It’s a far cry from his top prospect status back in 2012, but he has overcome multiple injuries to reinvent himself in 2020.
Blue Jays Grade: (A)
Obviously, no one knew how COVID-19 would change the season, we didn’t even know it existed at the start of the MLB offseason. I’m sure the Mariners were looking for more return on Walker, who will be a 28-year old free agent this offseason. The Blue Jays have a deep system and the Mariners will have even more time to decide where they need depth or where they can find a diamond in the rough.
Mariners Grade: (B+)
Royals receive : Lucius Fox, INF/OF
Rays receive : Brett Phillips, OF
This is a good depth trade for the Royals. Brett Phillips is the odd man out in their outfield. A rebuilding team really doesn’t need to hold onto a fourth outfielder that another team wants to trade more upside for. I do think the upside of Fox is limited, as his major league readiness is questionable. (I’m not sure how ready he’ll ever be).
Royals Grade: (B+)
For the Rays, they acquire more speed, something their roster is lacking. Something tells me the Rays aren’t done dealing, as their 28-man roster is a little crowded, especially in the outfield. They give up a low-end prospect, who they could lose to waivers or the Rule-5 draft this offseason, to fill a roster hole.
Rays Grade: (B+)
