Introduction

The MLB trade deadline created a flurry of action this year, with a staggering 50 trades occurring in the final 31 hours leading up to the deadline on July 31st at 6 p.m. ET. As we reflect one month later, it’s time to dive back into the most significant deals and re-evaluate their impacts with fresh insights.

Key Trades and Their Impact

The Deal: Texas Rangers receive RHP Merrill Kelly; Arizona Diamondbacks get LHP Kohl Drake, LHP Mitch Bratt, RHP David Hagaman.

July 31 Grades: B for Rangers, A for Diamondbacks

Kelly has maintained a strong performance with a 3.31 ERA over six starts for the Rangers, proving valuable as they navigate injuries to key starters. The Diamondbacks also appear to have hit a home run with the prospects they received.

The Deal: New York Mets receive CF Cedric Mullins; Baltimore Orioles get RHP Anthony Nunez, RHP Raimon Gómez, RHP Chandler Marsh.

July 31 Grades: B for Mets, B for Orioles

Mullins has struggled to find his rhythm in New York, raising concerns about his performance. On the other hand, the Orioles are seeing promising signs from their incoming pitchers.

The Deal: New York Yankees receive 3B Ryan McMahon; Colorado Rockies get LHP Griffin Herring, RHP Josh Grosz.

July 31 Grades: B for Yankees, A for Rockies

McMahon's offensive struggles have disappointed Yankees fans despite his defensive prowess, while the Rockies are pleased with the return they received in the deal.

The Deal: New York Yankees receive RHP Camilo Doval; San Francisco Giants get RHP Trystan Vrieling, C/3B Jesus Rodriguez, 1B/3B Parks Harber, LHP Carlos De La Rosa.

July 31 Grades: C for Yankees, B for Giants

Although Doval was a notable arrival, the results have been underwhelming for the Yankees. Conversely, the Giants are optimistic about their prospects' performances so far.

The Deal: New York Yankees get RHP David Bednar; Pittsburgh Pirates get C/1B Rafael Flores, C/1B Edgleen Perez, CF Brian Sanchez.

July 31 Grades: A for Yankees, B for Pirates

Bednar has been solid for the Yankees, quickly becoming a key player in their bullpen. The Pirates, while losing a solid pitcher, have secured potential future contributions from their prospects.

The Deal: New York Mets receive RHP Ryan Helsley; St. Louis Cardinals get INF Jesus Baez, RHP Nate Dohm, RHP Frank Elissalt.

July 31 Grades: B for Mets, A for Cardinals

Helsley’s stay with the Mets has been rocky, contrasting with the solid returns speculated for the Cardinals.

The Deal: San Diego Padres receive OF/1B/DH Ryan O'Hearn, OF Ramón Laureano; Baltimore Orioles get RHP Boston Bateman, INF Cobb Hightower, RHP Tyson Neighbors, INF/OF Victor Figueroa, INF Brandon Butterworth, RHP Tanner Smith.

July 31 Grades: B for Padres, A for Orioles

O'Hearn and Laureano have quickly bolstered the Padres' lineup, contributing to an uptick in runs scored.

The Deal: Seattle Mariners receive 1B Josh Naylor; Arizona Diamondbacks get LHP Brandyn Garcia, RHP Ashton Izzi.

July 31 Grades: A for Mariners, C for Diamondbacks

Naylor's performances have not met expectations in Seattle, and while the Diamondbacks are still evaluating their return, it remains too early to declare wins or losses.

The Deal: Seattle Mariners receive 3B Eugenio Suárez; Arizona Diamondbacks get 1B Tyler Locklear, RHP Hunter Cranton, RHP Juan Burgos.

July 31 Grades: A for Mariners, D for Diamondbacks

Suárez has not delivered the expected impact, while the Diamondbacks are struggling to gain value from the trade.

The Deal: Philadelphia Phillies receive RHP Jhoan Duran; Minnesota Twins get RHP Mick Abel, C Eduardo Tait.

July 31 Grades: A for Phillies, C for Twins

Duran has been a significant addition to the Phillies' bullpen, enhancing their performance after the trade.

The Deal: San Diego Padres receive RHP Mason Miller, LHP JP Sears; Athletics get SS Leo De Vries, RHP Braden Nett, RHP Henry Baez, RHP Eduarniel Núñez.

July 31 Grades: B for Padres, A for Athletics

Miller's impressive showing adds depth to the Padres' bullpen, while the Athletics are still awaiting returns from the prospects they've acquired.

The Deal: Houston Astros receive 3B Carlos Correa, $33 million; Minnesota Twins get LHP Matt Mikulski.

July 31 Grades: B for Astros, F for Twins

The trade featuring Correa raised eyebrows with the Astros taking on a large portion of his contract amid his declining performance.

Conclusion

As the season continues, these trades will shape the fortunes of each team involved. While the dust has settled for now, players' performances in the days and weeks to follow will refine our understanding of who truly won during this chaotic trade deadline.