We are still early in the offseason, but we have already seen three major trades, and there are definitely more to follow. Let’s examine each of the trades so far and give each team a grade and an overall grade for the trade.
Angles and Orioles Swap Grayson Rodriguez for Taylor Ward
Overall grade: B
The Angels have been looking for pitching for many years now, and although Grayson Rodriguez has been injured often throughout his MLB career, he is a former top prospect who has performed at a high level when healthy. The Angels are buying low on the RHP and hoping that they can get him back into the form he showed prior to his latest injury.
Angels Grade: A
This trade is strange from the Orioles standpoint. They are also a team that lacks pitching, so trading one away doesn’t make much sense. Furthermore, they acquired an OF in Ward who is in his 30s, one year away from free agency, and added to a position that is already one of their strong suits. Ward does have big power and can help their lineup, but it just seems like a move that didn’t have to be made.
Orioles Grade: C+
Mets and Rangers swap Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo
Apr 21, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo (9) hits a single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Overall grade: A
Both the Rangers and Mets are coming off of seasons where they narrowly missed the playoffs, and the two teams are looking for a shake-up. That is exactly what they get with this trade.
Rangers Grade: A+
The Rangers have gotten themselves a very talented outfielder in Brandon Nimmo. He has a great glove, brings incredible plate discipline and OBP skills, and his power developed last season. He gives the Rangers a solid top of the order bat, which is something they thought they had in Semien before his down season in 2025.
Mets Grade: A-
Despite losing a quality OF in Nimmo, the Mets have added a veteran infielder in Marcus Semien. Although his best offensive years might be behind him, Semien is still a quality hitter with an excellent glove who helps the Mets shore up their middle infield defense. We have seen a change of scenery help older players bounce back, and this could be one of those situations.
Red Sox and Cardinals swap Sonny Gray for multiple pitchers
Overall grade: B+
The Red Sox got back to the postseason a year ago and did it with surprisingly good pitching. With this trade for Sonny Gray, they have added a quality top-of-the-rotation starter who can help stabilize the rotation and eat up quality innings for them. Gray should immediately slot into the number two spot in the rotation, which deepens the Red Sox rotation overall.
Red Sox Grade: A-
The Cardinals are entering an offseason in which they are between a rebuild and a retool. They want to remain mildly competitive, while also shedding salary and older players to bring in younger players with potential and team control. Although they chipped in 20 million dollars toward Gray’s contract, the Cardinals still accomplished what they set out to do, moving an older Sonny Gray and some salary, while acquiring LHP prospect Brandon Clarke and RHP Richard Fitts.
Cardinals Grade: B
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