Our MLB trade tracker for the 2023 season is live with MLB trade rumors shaping the summer of baseball coverage. We’ll look at MLB trades today with grades and analysis for each of the key MLB trades in 2023. Let’s jump into the latest MLB trade news
Who got traded in the MLB today?
There has been one MLB trade today, and it was a blockbuster. The Tampa Bay Rays acquired front-line starting pitcher Aaron Civale from the Cleveland Guardians for one of MLB’s top prospects, first baseman Kyle Manzardo.
Latest MLB trades
Tampa Bay Rays acquire Aaron Civale from the Cleveland Guardians
The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired a reinforcement in the starting rotation as they battle it out with the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East moving forward.
- Tampa Bay Rays acquire: Aaron Civale
- Cleveland Guardians acquire: Kyle Manzardo
Civale, 28, has been tremendous thus far this season. He’s pitching to a 5-2 record with a 2.34 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 3.55 FIP in 13 starts. Civale now joins a Rays rotation that has been solid this season outside of former top prospect Taj Bradley (5.67 ERA, 1.41 WHIP).
As for the Guardians, they acquire a top-60 prospect (per Baseball America). The first baseman hit .322 with 22 homers and 81 RBI in between Single-A and Double-A last season. He’s had a harder go at it in Triple-A this season (.238 average, .783 OPS). He projects as a power hitting first baseman who makes contact and boasts a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio.
- Tampa Bay Rays grade: A-
- Cleveland Guardians grade: A
Colorado Rockies trade C.J. Cron, Randal Grichuk to Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels bolstered their lineup for the remainder of the season, acquiring C.J. Cron and Randal Grichuk from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for two prospects.
- Colorado Rockies acquire: Mason Albright, Jake Madden
- Los Angeles Angels acquire: C.J. Crom, Randal Grichuk
In June, FanGraphs ranked Mason Albright as the 18th-best prospect in the Angels’ farm system. Albright, age 20, is a 6-foot southpaw who was drafted with the 351st pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. In 79.2 innings this season, he compiled a 3.62 ERA with a .248 batting average allowed and a 25.7 percent strikeout rate. He could develop into a back-end starter for Colorado.
Madden, the No. 7 prospect in the Angels’ farm system (FanGraphs), is another pitching prospect for Colorado. Standing at 6-foot-6, the righty has struggled this year in his first season at A-ball (5.46 ERA, 12.9 percent walk rate). However, he was the 118th pick in the 2022 MLB Draft and there’s a potential for three solid pitches.
C.J. Cron and Randal Grichuk are both on expiring contracts. Grichuk has been outstanding this year, posting a 119 wRC+ with a .312/.367/.502 slash line. While he doesn’t hit for a lot of power, Grichuk adds significant depth to the Angels’ lineup. Cron adds another right-handed power bat to Los Angeles, providing the club with more protection around Shohei Ohtani.
- Los Angeles Angels grade:
- Colorado Rockies grade:
Kansas City Royals’ Nicky Lopez traded to Atlanta Braves
- Atlanta Braves receive: Nicky Lopez
- Kansas City Royals receive: Taylor Hearn
The Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves struck a small trade on Sunday, with Atlanta trading pitcher Taylor Hearn to Kansas City for infielder Nicky Lopez.
Hearn, a southpaw, was traded to Atlanta for cash considerations on July 24. One week later, he’ll join the Royals’ organization as pitching depth. He doesn’t project to have a long-term role in Kansas City with a career 5.11 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in the majors.
Nicky Lopez will be a defensive replacement and infield depth in Atlanta. In 67 games with the Royals, he slashed .210/.322/.280 with a 72 wRC+. However, Lopez boasts a 9th percentile Outs Above Average as a middle infielder.
- Atlanta Braves grade: C+
- Kansas City Royals grade: D+
Texas Rangers swing deal with Cardinals for Jordan Montgomery, Chris Stratton
A day after acquiring Max Scherzer, the Texas Rangers placed Nathan Eovaldi on the 15-day injured list then immediately traded for Jordan Montgomery and Chris Stratton.
- Texas Rangers acquire: Jordan Montgomery, Chris Stratton
- St. Louis Cardinals acquire: Thomas Saggese, Tekoah Roby, John King
Montgomery provides the Rangers with a high-end No. 3 starter. A free agent this winter, Montgomery posted a 3.42 ERA with a 21.2 percent strikeout rate and a 1.25 WHIP in 121 innings this season. He relies heavily on groundballs (44.4 percent), so Rangers’ infielders Marcus Semien and Corey Seager will see significant work when he’s on the mound. Stratton has a 4.36 ERA this season in 53.2 innings, but he has held opponents to a .227 batting average and posted a 26.7 percent strikeout rate.
From the Cardinals’ perspective, the primary motivation behind this deal is getting some value for Montgomery before he leaves in free agency. Right-handed pitcher Tekoah Roby (No. 11 prospect in Rangers’ farm system), infield prospect Thomas Saggesse (14th-best prospect in Rangers’ system) and John King provide the Cardinals with much-needed depth in the minor leagues. Roby and Saggessee could make their MLB debuts next season in St. Louis.
- Texas Rangers grade: A-
- St. Louis Cardinals grade: B
St. Louis Cardinals’ Jordan Hicks traded to Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays added to their bullpen before the MLB trade deadline, acquiring set-up man Jordan Hicks from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for two prospects.
- Toronto Blue Jays receive: Jordan Hicks
- St. Louis Cardinals receive: Sem Robberse, Adam Kloffenstein
Hicks posted a 3.67 ERA in St. Louis this season. Command remains an issue for the hard-throwing righty, evidenced by his 12.7 percent walk rate and 1.51 WHIP. However, Hicks has struck out 31.2 percent of batters faced this season and should be a reliable set-up man for the Blue Jays.
Right-handed pitcher Sem Robberse was ranked as the seventh-best prospect in the Blue Jays’ farm system this season. The 21-year-old starter is 6-foot-1 and projects to make his MLB debut by 2025. Adam Kloffenstein, not one of Toronto’s top-30 prospects, is also headed to St. Louis.
- Toronto Blue Jays grade: B-
- St. Louis Cardinals grade: B+
New York Mets trade Max Scherzer to Texas Rangers
The New York Mets officially became sellers at the 2023 MLB trade deadline, sending All-Star pitcher Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers for prospect Luisangel Acuna.
- New York Mets receive: Luisangel Acuna
- Texas Rangers receive: Max Scherzer, $35-plus million in cash
New York is eating more than $35 million of Scherzer’s remaining contract. He’s owed less than $18 million for the remainder of the regular season, but holds a $43.333 million player option for 2024. Based on the fact this level of cash is being included, Scherzer is exercising his opt-in. The Rangers owe Scherzer just $22.5 million over the next two years.
The Rangers know Scherzer likely isn’t regaining his Cy Young form. MLB scouts noted all year and it was highlighted by Jayson Stark, Scherzer’s fastball spin rate is at a career-low, his fastball ride is at a three-year low and Scherzer’s fastball velocity is at its lowest point in nine years. However, a change of scenery paired with a competitive environment could help him be a front-line starter for the Rangers. Most importantly, Texas went into the deadline needing a starting pitcher and they acquired one.
New York can be relatively pleased with its return. The 2023 season was already a disaster, a team with World Series expectations became a seller. The Mets had to make the best out of a bad situation. Luisangel Acuna, the brother of Ronald Acuña Jr, was rated as the 56th-best prospect in MLB by FanGraphs entering the season and is second-best prospect in the Rangers’ system.
Standing at 5-foot-8, Luisangel Acuña projects to be a middle infielder in the big leagues. However, there’s a chance his athleticism could shift him to the outfield. This season with the Rangers’ Double-A affiliate, Acuña slashed .315/.377/.453 with 42 steals in 84 games.
- New York Mets grade: A
- Texas Rangers grade: B+
Kendall Graveman traded to Houston Astros
The Chicago White Sox continued their teardown, trading reliever Kendall Graveman to the Houston Astros for catching prospect Korey Lee.
- Houston Astros acquire: Kendall Graveman
- Chicago White Sox acquire: Korey Lee
Lee, rated as Houston’s fourth-best prospect by FanGraphs, was a relatively surprising first-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. He exploded in 2022, hitting 25 home runs with 76 RBI and 12 steals in 104 games with the Astros’ Triple-A affiliate. Lee isn’t a top-100 prospect, but he’ll be a top-10 prospect in a fast-improving White Sox farm system and profiles as an everyday catcher in 2024.
For the Astros, Graveman provides them with a high-end reliever to set up closer Ryan Pressly. Across 44 innings this season, Graveman has a 3.48 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP and he’s held opponents to a .205 batting average. He’ll immediately take over in the 8th inning for Houston.
- Houston Astros grade: B-
- Chicago White Sox grade: A-
Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox swing Lance Lynn trade
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox made their second trade in a span of 48 hours, this time agreeing to a deal for Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly just as the Tampa Bay Rays seemed to be on the verge of acquiring Lynn.
- Los Angeles Dodgers receive: Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly
- Chicago White Sox receive: Nick Nastrini, Jordan Leasure, Trayce Thompson
Headlining the return for Chicago is top pitching prospect Nick Nastrini. Entering the season, Nastrinin was rated as the Dodgers’ eighth-best prospect (FanGraphs). A 6-foot-3 righty drafted with the 131st pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, Nastrinin has struck out 26.1 percent of the batters he’s faced this season at the Double-A level and has held opponents to a .232 batting average. Command (4.52 BB/9, 11.3 percent walk rate) remains an issue, but he has three above-average pitches that could turn him into a mid-rotation starter if he cleans up his command.
Leasure, 24 years old, projects as a reliever in the majors. This season for the Dodgers’ Double-A affiliate, he holds a 3.09 ERA and has struck out 39.7 percent of batters with a .169 batting average allowed.
From the Dodgers’ perspective, Lynn adds an innings-eater to a rotation that needed more stability. While Lynn has struggled this season (6.47 ERA), he also compiled a 3.42 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP and a 635-148 K-BB ratio across 571 innings from 2019-’22.
- Los Angeles Dodgers grade: B- (B+ if Lynn returns to form)
- Chicago White Sox grade: A-
New York Mets send David Robertson to the Marlins
- Miami Marlins receive: David Robertson
- New York Mets receive: Marco Vargas, Ronald Hernandez
We’re not ready to say that the struggling Mets are in fire sale mode. But it’s clear that the powers to be don’t believe contention will be the name of the game moving forward on the season.
New York dealt Robertson, a former All-Star closer, to the Marlins for two prospects. Its return includes the Marlins’ 18th-ranked prospect (Vargas) and 21st-ranked prospect (Hernandez). Not a bad return for a rental.
As for Miami, it had a need for a late-inning reliever as the team attempts to earn a spot in the playoffs. Robertson, 38, has been solid this season (2.05 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 14 saves).
- Miami Marlins grade: B-
- New York Mets grade: A
Carlos Santana traded to the Milwaukee Brewers
- Milwaukee Brewers receive: Carlos Santana
- Pittsburgh Pirates receive: Jhonny Severino
Santana, 37, is hitting a mere .235 with a .732 OPS in 94 games this season. Though, he has added 12 homers to the mix. With an ability to play first, catcher and the DH spot, he provides Milwaukee with a bit more power from the plate.
As for Severino, he is not among the Brewers’ top prospects. However, the 18-year-old Dominican Republic native was liked internally before the trade. He was hitting .250 with four homers and 10 RBI while boasting an .832 OPS in 12 games for Milwaukee’s Rookie Ball affiliate.
- Milwaukee Brewers grade: B+
- Pittsburgh Pirates grade: B
Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez traded to Los Angeles Angels
The Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels completed a trade late on Wednesday with the White Sox sending starting pitcher Lucas Giolito and reliever Reynaldo Lopez to the Angels for two prospects.
- Los Angeles Angels receive: Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo López
- Chicago White Sox receive: Ky Bush, Edgar Quero
From the White Sox’s perspective, this move was all about reloading the farm system. Chicago entered the season with one of the worst farm systems in MLB. Now, it parts ways with two players it didn’t plan to bring back for the 2024 season.
Ky Bush, a second-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, was one of the Angels’ top pitching prospects. The 6-foot-6 southpaw has struggled this year, posting a 5.88 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP at the Double-A level. However, he has struck out 29.7 percent of batters faced this year. If he develops, Bush profiles as a No. 4 starter.
Edgar Queto is another top prospect from the Angels’ system. The 20-year-old catcher delivered a breakout season in 2022 with the Angels’ A-Ball affiliate, posting a .312/.435/.530 slash line with 17 home runs and 12 steals. He’s struggled more this season in Double-A (.246/.386/.332), but still offers the profile of a future everyday catcher.
Giolito, a free agent at the end of the season, will be a mid-rotation starter for Los Angeles. He posted a 3.79 ERA with a .231 batting average allowed and a 1.22 WHIP this season in Chicago. Lopez, who is also on an expiring contract, has struck out 29.2 percent of batters faced this season but has a 1.31 WHIP with a 12.4 percent walk rate.
- Chicago White Sox grade: B
- Los Angeles Angels grade: B
Los Angeles Dodgers trade Syndergaard for Rosario
- Los Angeles Dodgers receive: Amed Rosario
- Cleveland Guardians receive: Noah Syndergaard
The Dodgers managed to shed the remainder of Syndergaard’s $13 million salary while adding a starting shortstop without having to give up a prospect. It seems like the heist of a century, but no one’s going to jail over this one. Rosario was once a highly-touted prospect who has had his inconsistent moments, but there’s hope he can be boosted by a strong atmosphere in LA. His work against left-handed pitching should help the Dodgers down the stretch, even if there are some ugly days in the field.
Meanwhile, the Guardians have enough pitchers and no clear replacement for Rosario, who was a key piece in the Francisco Lindor trade. Syndergaard is in the midst of a career-worst season and is set for free agency at the end of the year. This feels like an odd move.
- Los Angeles Dodgers grade: A-
- Cleveland Guardians grade: C-
Related: Los Angeles Dodgers swing trade for Cleveland Guardians’ Amed Rosario
Miami Marlins, Minnesota Twins swap relief pitchers
This is an interesting move for both sides. Each team swaps experienced relievers who aren’t in the midst of their best seasons. The hope is that a change of scenery can do each other good
- Minnesota Twins receive: Dylan Floro
- Miami Marlins receive: Jorge Lopez
Floro is a 32-year-old former World Series winner who’s set to be a free agent this offseason. He’s never been an All-Star, but the veteran’s consistency as of late seemed to appeal to the Twins, who are looking for more reliable options out of the bullpen. His 4.54 ERA doesn’t excite either, but Floro’s Fielding Independent Pitching measure looks much better at 2.78.
Lopez is a 30-year-old former All-Star who’s arbitration eligible at the end of the year. The Twins added the former Baltimore Orioles closer at the deadline last year, but he never lived up to expectations or regained his previous form. Struggling with some mental issues, Lopez has had a tough season, with a 5.09 ERA and a FIP of 5.94. Going to Miami might be just what he needs to reset.
- Minnesota Twins grade: B
- Miami Marlins grade: B
Seattle Mariners trade for Trent Thornton from Toronto Blue Jays
The Mariners have witnessed their bullpen collapse at various points throughout the season. On Wednesday, they made a small acquisition aimed at bringing more stability to the pen.
- Seattle Mariners receive: Trent Thornton
- Toronto Blue Jays receive: Mason McCoy
Thornton is a 29-year-old reliever who has been mostly stuck in Triple-A so far this season for the Blue Jays, and that’s where he’ll report for the Mariners too. But there’s hope the five-year-pro can find a role eventually in Seattle. In just four games at the MLB level this season, Thornton has pitched well, to the tune of a 1.69 ERA, allowing one run in 5.1 IP.
In exchange for Thornton, the Mariners part with infielder Mason McCoy. He’s pretty much past prospect status at this point as a 28-year-old who has yet to make his MLB debut. The former sixth-round pick has a batting average of .260 in the minor leagues but has flashed double-digit home run potential in his last two seasons. We’ll see if being in a new atmosphere can eventually earn him a chance in the big leagues.
- Seattle Mariners grade: B
- Toronto Blue Jays grade: C-
Boston Red Sox trade Enrique Hernandez to Los Angeles Dodgers
Seeking more depth in the outfield, the Dodgers found their solution with a former World Series winner. Enrique Hernandez spent six seasons in L.A. in his first tenure but is now on an expiring contract. Yet, the Dodgers didn’t have to give up much for him either.
- Los Angeles Dodgers receive: Kike Hernandez
- Boston Red Sox receive: Nick Robertson, Justin Hagenman
Hernandez isn’t having a great season at the plate, but the Dodgers know what he offers as a versatile outfielder who can also play the infield in a pinch. Plus, they know he won’t be an issue in the locker room.
Meanwhile the Red Sox clear a bit off their payroll with Hernandez’s $10 million salary off the books. They also get to take a flier on two prospects who haven’t been able to find consistent success yet. Neither player made MLB.com’s top-30 prospect list, but a change of scenery could serve both pitchers well. Each is at the Triple-A level, but it remains to be seen whether the Sox will give them a chance in the big leagues.
- Los Angeles Dodgers grade: B
- Boston Red Sox grade: B+
Atlanta Braves acquire Pierce Johnson from Colorado Rockies
On Monday, the Atlanta Braves strengthened their bullpen by trading prospects Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for Pierce Johnson.
- Atlanta Braves receive: Pierce Johnson
- Colorado Rockies receive: Victor Vodnik, Tanner Gordon
Johnson, a 6-foot-2 righty, struggled out of the bullpen in Colorado. He posted a 6.00 ERA with a .288 batting average allowed and a 1.85 WHIP in 39 innings this year. However, Atlanta is likely hoping Johnson’s 30.9 percent strikeout rate and a move away from Coors Field are something to build from. While Johnson struggled in 2022 (5.02 ERA with San Diego Padres), he posted a combined 3.09 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 78.2 innings from 2020-’21.
Neither Vodnik nor Gordon were top-30 prospects in Atlanta’s farm system. Both figure to serve as organizational depth for the Rockies.
- Colorado Rockies grade: C+
- Atlanta Braves grade: C+
St. Louis Cardinals trade Genesis Cabrera to Toronto Blue Jays
After being designated for assignment by the St. Louis Cardinals on July 17, relief pitcher Genesis Cabrera was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays on July 21 in a one-for-one player swap.
- St. Louis Cardinals receive: Sammy Hernandez
- Toronto Blue Jays receive: Genesis Cabrera
Cabrera was an excellent reliever for St. Louis from 2020-’21, posting a 3.41 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP and a 10.6 K/9 across 92.1 innings. He struggled a bit in 2022 (4.63 ERA, 1.32 WHIP) before even further regression this season in St. Louis (5.06 ERA), 1.56 WHIP).
Toronto offers Cabrera a fresh start, with the change of scenery likely just what the 26-year-old reliever needed. With a new coaching staff, the Blue Jays hope Cabrera can function as a middle reliever moving forward. In exchange, St. Louis received catcher Sammy Hernandez. A 14th-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, the 19-year-old catcher slashed .192/.241/.317 with a 24.1 percent strikeout rate in 112 plate appearances with the Blue Jays’ Single-A affiliate this season.
- Toronto Blue Jays grade: B+
- St. Louis Cardinals grade: C+
Oakland Athletics trade Shintaro Fujinami to Baltimore Orioles
- Oakland Athletics trade: Shintaro Fujinami
- Baltimore Orioles trade: Easton Lucas
The Baltimore Orioles strengthened their bullpen before the MLB trade deadline, pulling in right-handed pitcher Shintaro Fujinami from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for Easton Lucas.
Fujinami, age 29, signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with Oakland in January after he was posted by his Japanese team. In his first four appearances as a starter, Fujinami allowed 24 earned runs (14.4ERA) with a 12-12 K-BB ratio in 15 innings. Oakland moved him to the bullpen and after an acclimation period, he settled in nicely.
Baltimore is making a quality addition to its relief options. In his final 21.2 innings as a reliever with the Athletics, Fujinami posted a 3.32 ERA with a 22-6 K-BB ratio. He adds depth to an already strong back-end unit. As for the Athletics, this is primarily a salary dump. Lucas, turning 27 in September, is a reliever n the minors who has struggled at Triple-A (4.26 ERA) this year.
- Baltimore Orioles: A
- Oakland Athletics: C
New York Mets acquire Chris Flexen, Trevor Gott from Seattle Mariners
The struggling Mets added to their bullpen by picking up veteran pitcher Trevor Gott from Seattle. While New York did acquire Flexen in the deal, he was immediately designated for assignment. Flexen was a part of the deal in order for the Mariners to move off the remainder of his $3.9 million salary.
- New York Mets receive: RHP Trevor Gott, RHP Chris Flexen
- Seattle Mariners receive: LHP Zach Muckenhirn
In Gott, the Mets acquire a 30-year-old veteran who is pitching to a 4.03 ERA and 1.41 WHIP on the campaign. This represents his best performance since the righty was a member of the Los Angeles Angels back in 2015.
In return, Seattle picks up a 28-year-old lefty in Muckenhirn who put up a 6.00 ERA in three appearances with the Mets earlier in the season. As reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Seattle moved off Flexen and Gott to create some payroll flexibility. Because the Mariners made the move to help set up an acquisition at the MLB trade deadline, it boosted their grade here.
- New York Mets: B
- Seattle Mariners: B+
Aroldis Chapman heads to the Texas Rangers
- Kansas City Royals receive: LHP Cole Ragans, OF Roni Cabrera
- Texas Rangers receive: LHP Aroldis Chapman
The Kansas City Royals traded reliever Aroldis Chapman to the Texas Rangers on Friday in exchange for starting pitcher Cole Ragans and outfielder Roni Cabrera. As part of the deal, Ragans was optioned to Triple-A Omaha and Cabrera was assigned to the Royals Dominican Summer League Team.
After signing a one-year deal with Kansas City this offseason, Chapman reestablished himself as one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in baseball. Across 29.1 innings this season, Chapman recorded a 2.45 ERA and struck out 43.4 percent of batters faced.
Texas entered June 30 ranked 24th in bullpen ERA (4.37), with its relievers placing 16th in K-BB rate (14.6 percent) and 19th in strikeout rate (23.1 percent). Chapman is owed the remaining portion of his $3.75 million salary and will be a free agent in 2024.
Ragans, the 30th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, is in his age-25 season. The 6-foot-4 southpaw has compiled a 5.92 ERA with a 13.2 percent walk rate in 24.1 innings with Texas this season. Last year with the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate, he posted a 3.32 ERA in 43.1 innings. Cabrera was signed out of the Dominican Republic in international free agency in January 2022. Neither are top-30 prospects in the Rangers’ system.
- Kansas City Royals: C
- Texas Rangers: B
Los Angeles Angels acquire Mike Moustakas from Colorado Rockies
- Los Angeles Angels get: Mike Moustakas
- Colorado Rockies get: Connor Van Scoyoc
A day after acquiring Eduardo Escobar from the New York Mets, the Los Angeles Angels made more MLB trade news by landing Colorado Rockies infielder Mike Moustakas. Primarily serving as a backup corner infielder this season in Colorado, Reynolds posted a respectable .270/.360/.435 slash line with a .795 OPF, 101 wRC+ and 17 RBI in 136 plate appearances. In Los Angeles, he’ll again function as infield depth for a team that just demoted Jared Walsh.
Connor Van Scoyoc, age 23, was an 11th-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. The 6-foot-6 righty has made 11 starts at the High-A Level this season for the Angels’ minor-league affiliate, recording a 2.76 ERA in 62 innings. Based on his age for the level and career struggles in the minors (4.4 ERA, 1.36 WHIP across 264 innings), he’ll likely function as minor-league pitching depth for the majority of his career.
- Colorado Rockies: C
- Los Angeles Angels: B-
New York Mets trade Eduardo Escobar to Los Angeles Angels
- Los Angeles Angels receive: Eduardo Escobar
- New York Mets receive: Landon Marceaux, Coleman Crow
The Los Angeles Angels placed Anthony Rendon on the 10-day injured list with a left wrist contusion on June 19, creating a need for depth at third base. So, Los Angeles dealt starting pitching prospect Coleman Crow and fellow pitching prospect Landon Marceaux to the Mets for Escobar. While neither were top prospects in the Angels’ farm system, it’s an overpay. Escobar posted a .236/.286/409 slash line in 120 plate appearances with the Mets this season.
Meanwhile, New York receives two intriguing young arms. When he’s not injured, Crow has posted a 1.88 ERA and 0.63 WHIP across 24 innings at the Double-A level this season. Marceaux isn’t as intriguing as a prospect, but he does provide New York with more pitching depth in the minors.
- New York Mets: A
- Los Angeles Angels: D+
When can MLB teams make trades?
Major League Baseball teams are allowed to make MLB trades all the way until the MLB trade deadline on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 6 PM EST. Once the trade deadline passes, MLB teams can’t make trades involving major-league players until the offseason.
What is the biggest trade in MLB?
The biggest trade in MLB this season was the New York Mets trading infielder Eduardo Escobar to the Los Angeles Angels for pitching prospects Coleman Crow and Landon Marceaux. From April through June, a majority of the MLB trades are clubs swapping cash considerations for players that were about to be released or already designated for assignment. Stay tuned, our MLB trade tracker will be analyzing and grading every deal up to the 2023 MLB trade deadline.
Who makes trades in MLB?
The president of baseball operations and general manager of a team are responsible for MLB trades. While there are a few coaches in the NBA and NFL who have the authority to make trades, only the front offices of clubs make trades in baseball.
MLB trade tracker: Biggest 2022 MLB trade deadline deals
San Diego Padres acquire Juan Soto from Washington Nationals
- San Diego Padres acquire: Juan Soto, Josh Bell
- Washington Nationals acquire: James Wood, Robert Hassell, MacKenzie Gore, C.J. Abrams, Jarlin Susana, Luke Voit
Los Angeles Angels trade Raisel Iglesias to Atlanta Braves
- Atlanta Braves receive: Raisel Iglesias
- Los Angeles Angels receive: Tucker Davidson, Jesse Chavez
Kansas City Royals trade Whit Merrifield to Toronto Blue Jays
- Toronto Blue Jays land: Whit Merrifield
- Kansas City Royals land: Samad Taylor, Max Castillo
New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals swap Jordan Montgomery, Harrison Bader
- New York Yankees acquire: Harrison Bader
- St. Louis Cardinals acquire: Jordan Montgomery
Philadelphia Phillis land Noah Syndergaard from Los Angeles Angels
- Philadelphia Phillies get: Noah Syndergaard
- Los Angeles Angels get: Jadiel Sanchez, Mickey Moniak
Cincinnati Reds trade Tyler Mahle to Minnesota Twins
- Minnesota Twins receive: Tyler Mahle
- Cincinnati Reds receive: Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Steven Hajjar
New York Yankees land Oakland Athletics pitcher Frankie Montas
- New York Yankees acquire: Frankie Montas, Lou Trivino
- Oakland A’s acquire: Ken Waldichuk, JP Sears, Luis Medina, Cooper Bowman
Milwaukee Brewers trade Josh Hader to San Diego Padres
- San Diego Padres get: Josh Hader
- Milwaukee Brewers get: Robert Gasser, Esteury Ruiz, Taylor Rogers, Dinelson Lamet
Chicago Cubs deal Scott Effrross to New York Yankees
- New York Yankees land: Scott Effross
- Chicago Cubs get: Hayden Wesneski
Seattle Mariners swing blockbuster trade for Luis Castillo
- Seattle Mariners acquire: Luis Castillo
- Cincinnati Reds acquire: Noelvi Marte, Edwin Arroyo, Levi Stoudt, Andrew Moore