Grading MLB Trades Since the Lockout Ended
MLB owners and the Player’s Association came to an agreement on a new CBA on Thursday which ended the lockout that started in December.
With the end of the lockout, teams are now allowed to start trading again.
In the past few days, teams have been firing off blockbuster trades. Some moves have helped both sides, while some have seemed questionable for one team.
Mets Receive: RHP Chris Bassitt
A’s Receive: RHP J.T. Ginn and RHP Adam Oller
Mets Grade: B+
Chris Bassitt strengthens the middle of the Mets’s rotation. Bassitt isn’t a very proven pitcher, but he has performed well in the past two seasons. Last year he threw 157.1 innings with a 3.15 ERA, a 1.055 WHIP and 159 strikeouts. Bassitt doesn’t have many years left in the tank at 33, but he’s a pitcher that keeps runners off the bases and is a great fit for the Mets who are trying to make a push at the World Series.
A's Grade: C
J.T. Ginn has shown some promise in the Mets’s farm system where he had an ERA of 3.03 and a WHIP of 1.054. This is Bassitt’s last year under contract so getting a decent prospect for him is good for Oakland but it’s also a little confusing that they won’t make a playoff push as they showed flashes of being a playoff team last year.
Yankees Receive: 3B Josh Donaldson, INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa and C Ben Rortvedt
Twins Receive: C Gary Sánchez and 3B Gio Urshela
Yankees Grade: C-
With this deal, the Yankees improve somewhat at third base while regressing at catcher. Josh Donaldson had 12 more home runs and 23 more RBIs than Ushela last year. Also, Isiah Kiner-Falefa is a great defensive option at shortstop. Donaldson improves the bottom of the order but signing Kris Bryant might’ve been a better option, especially since they wouldn’t have had to give up their starting catcher for him.
Twins Grade: D+
This was really a “bleh” trade for both teams. Yes, Minnesota got rid of a $21-million-a-year contract, but it also could’ve gotten prospects with some promise instead of two players that haven’t shown much promise besides one year and are both around the age of 30.
A’s Receive: OF Cristian Pache, C Shea Langeliers, RHP Joey Estes and RHP Ryan Cusick
Braves Receive: 1B Matt Olson
A’s Grade: A
If you can get two of a team’s top prospects it’s hard to deny the offer, even if you’re sending a player like Matt Olson. Joey Estes and Ryan Cusick aren’t top prospects but they both threw under a 3.00 ERA last year and are both under 23. Oakland acquired four players that can all contribute to the team in the future.
Braves Grade: B+
The question of why replace the face of your franchise, Freddie Freeman, before he chooses where to sign is a valid one, but acquiring one of the most underrated players in baseball makes that decision less questionable. Statistically, Olson is right there with Freeman as a hitter and is a better defender than him. They gave up a hefty haul to get him, but this move keeps the Braves as World Series contenders.
Mariners Receive: OF Jesse Winker and 3B Eugenio Suárez
Reds Receive: RHP Justin Dunn, OF Jake Fraley, LHP Brandon Williamson and a player to be named later
Mariners Grade: A-
Jesse Winker is a very consistent hitter who isn’t going to put up league-leading numbers in home runs and RBIs but should continue to have a high OPS. Suárez has always been a high-strikeout hitter, but his average has gone down recently. Despite this, he hit 31 home runs and 79 RBIs last year. Seattle just acquired two big bats without giving up much for it.
Reds Grade: D+
Winker and Suárez aren’t the most elite players at their positions, but they are worth more than two below-average players and a decent prospect. Dunn is a back-of-the-rotation pitcher and Williamson can be one as well, but Cincinnati should’ve gotten better prospects for a .900 OPS hitter and a 30-home run hitter.
Jayson O’Connell is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jbo5216@psu.edu.
