Closer Devin Williams to the Mets 3yr/50mil
Grade: A- The Mets lose a fan favorite in Diaz but replace him with Williams who was arguably the best closer before a down year with the Yankees moving him into the bullpen.
P Cody Ponce to Blue Jays 3yr/30mil
Grade: C+ Ponce is another player who went overseas to increase his value after struggling in the majors, he is coming off a KBO MVP and should be at least a low-end starter.
Closer Ryan Helsley to Orioles 2yr contract/w opt out
Grade: B- With limited quality closers on the market it was a good move to pick up Helsley with the injury to Bautista. Helsley played well with the Mets in a bullpen role and closing for the Cardinals.
P Dylan Cease to Blue Jays 7yr/210mil
Grade: B+ Cease has been a consistent pitcher who can fill in as a #2 or 3 starter with good health. Snatching one of the top starters off the market with the possible retirement or departure of Max Scherzer was a smart move.
Red Sox trade for P Sonny Gray for P Brandon Clarke and P Richard Fitts (prospects) to Cardinals
Grade: Red Sox B The Red Sox get a solid veteran pitcher in Gray who was an ace on a bad team and will be better served as the #2 or #3 starter for the Red Sox while the Cardinals have taken on the bulk of his contract. Cardinals D The Cardinals give away their best pitcher while paying most of the contract for two prospects who still need development.
Rangers trade for OF Brandon Nimmo for 2B Marcus Semien to the Mets
Grade: Rangers B- Nimmo is a solid left-handed bat who plays with good consistency and power. He gives them insurance if they lose Adolis Garcia. Mets C+ Semien gives the Mets a consistent bat to put at 2B with good defense, which was a spot in rotation last season, although his offense is declining.
Orioles trade for OF Taylor Ward for P Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels
Grade: Orioles C+ Ward is a solid consistent bat with good power who has been able to stay healthy. I only downgrade the trade because the Orioles need pitching and getting Ward tells me the Orioles made a mistake signing Tyler O’Neil. Angels B The Angels get a young pitcher who has proven he can be a #2 starter with the potential of being more if he can stay healthy.
1B Josh Naylor stays with Mariners 5yr/92.5mil
Grade: B+ Naylor was an important addition down the stretch and solidified a 1B spot that was a rotating door. He is a consistent batter with good power and young enough to earn the contract.
