I am going to make something abundantly clear: I am not a prospect expert. Some people will listen to a few podcasts, learn a few names, and then pretend to know what they are talking about. Not me.
There are two things I know when it comes to prospects
The name of the Red Sox top guys.
Tai Peete
For those of you that do not know, I am the proud owner of a PSA 10 Tai Peete Bowman 1st gold autograph (flex).
I think Tai Peete can be a Top 10 prospect. He has hit for the cycle twice this year, and is a real 30/30 threat in my opinion. I truly believe it could be a $10,000 card.
Alright, back to what I was saying. I won’t pretend to know a ton about the prospects that were dealt yesterday. My grades are mostly off of vibes. I will give commentary for some of the teams, but not all.
Enjoy.
American League East
Baltimore Orioles — Grade: C+
Acquired: Cash considerations; C Jake Rogers; OF Jhomnardo Reyes; RHP Anthony Eyanson; RHP Kyson Witherspoon; OF Enddy Azocar; C Carlos Narváez; a player to be named later; RHP Alex Hoppe; RHP Harrison Kreiling; RHP Brock Moore; RHP Michael Forret; OF Christian Franklin
Traded away: OF Johnathan Rodríguez; RHP Zane Barnhart; RHP Dean Kremer; C Adley Rutschman; C Jake Rogers; cash considerations; OF Taylor Ward; RHP Tyler Wells; RHP Joe Glassey
My Thoughts: I have seen a lot of grades in the high B’s to A’s, but I think this is a sad day for Orioles fans. Trading Rutschman marks the end of an era.
Boston Red Sox — Grade: B
Acquired: OF Jahmai Jones; INF Curtis Mead; C Adley Rutschman; C Jake Rogers; cash considerations; LHP Erik Miller; OF Eli White
Traded away: LHP Connelly Early; RHP Anthony Eyanson; RHP Kyson Witherspoon; OF Enddy Azocar; C Carlos Narváez; IF Marcelo Mayer; RHP Tyler Uberstine; two players to be named later
My Thoughts: Most of my thoughts can be found on the latest episode of The Skippers View Podcast. I am completely fine with the Rutschman deal if they extend him. If they don’t, I am not a fan. With Mayer, it has become evident that he was not built for Boston.
New York Yankees — Grade: D+
Acquired: C Omar Alfonzo; OF Luis Cruz; 1B Luis García Jr.; OF Heliot Ramos
Traded away: RHP Camilo Doval; RHP Yovanny Cruz; RHP Jake Bird; RHP Jack Cebert; RHP Ben Grable; LHP Henry Lalane; SS Kaeden Kent
My Thoughts: Became clear to everyone that New York does not believe that Aaron Judge will be returning this season. If he were, I think they would have been a little bit more aggressive.
Tampa Bay Rays — Grade: A
Acquired: RHP Freddy Peralta; C/1B Liam Hicks; RHP Tyler Wells; OF Jack Suwinski; international bonus-pool money
Traded away: OF Aidan Smith; RHP Gary Gill Hill; 2B Émilien Pitre; INF Brayden Taylor; RHP Jacob Kisting; INF Adrian Santana; RHP Michael Forret; C Hunter Feduccia; RHP Jacob Kmatz
My Thoughts: According to Brett, Tampa Bay nailed the deadline. I know that because when I went to see his thoughts on George Lombard Jr, I was met with a tweet about the Rays.
Toronto Blue Jays — Grade: B-
Acquired: C Ryan Sprock; OF Brett Bateman; INF Ty Southisene; RHP Jameson Taillon; cash considerations; RHP José Soriano; RHP Spencer Arrighetti; LHP Dasan Hill; RHP John Klein; 2B Dameury Pena; international bonus-pool space; INF Josh Smith; RHP Josh Stephan
Traded away: RHP Tommy Nance; international bonus-pool money; RHP Kevin Gausman; a player to be named later or cash considerations; INF Arjun Nimmala; OF Eddie Micheletti Jr.; RHP Angel Rivero; OF Daulton Varsho; RHP Jeff Hoffman; cash considerations; LHP Adam Macko
My Thoughts: The classic buy/sell. Let’s see how it works out (it won’t)
American League Central
Chicago White Sox — Grade: A
Acquired: 2026 Competitive Balance Round A pick; LHP Jaden Woods; RHP José Urquidy; RHP Luis Castillo; RHP Huascar Brazobán; OF Brenton Doyle; C Joey Bart
Traded away: INF Jacob Gonzalez; LHP Brandon Eisert; RHP Felix Doroteo; RHP Seranthony Domínguez; OF Nolan Jones; C Boston Smith; RHP Gabe Davis; RHP Zach Franklin; RHP Mason Adams; SS Carlos Vielma; RHP Duncan Davitt
My Thoughts: White Sox get an “A” exclusively because they are buyers.
Cleveland Guardians — Grade: B+
Acquired: RHP Craig Yoho; OF Blake Perkins; OF Jo Adell; LHP Foster Griffin; 1B Nathaniel Lowe; cash considerations
Traded away: C Bo Naylor; RHP Codi Heuer; C Jacob Cozart; LHP Josh Hartle; LHP Will Dion; RHP Kendeglys Virguez; OF Nick Mitchell; RHP Alejandro Rivera; INF Juan Brito
My Thoughts: Upgraded middle of the order, and have officially broken free from the Naylor brothers.
Detroit Tigers — Grade: B
Acquired: A player to be named later; RHP Zane Barnhart; OF Zyhir Hope; RHP River Ryan; RHP Brady Smith; LHP Kash Mayfield; LHP Jackson Wolf
Traded away: OF Jahmai Jones; C Jake Rogers; LHP Tarik Skubal; RHP Casey Mize; 3B Gage Workman
My Thoughts: The Tigers had a D until they had their last-minute Hail Mary to get rid of Casey Mize. As a result, they get a B for at least committing to selling. My guess is they had a high asking price on Mize, and teams were not willing to bite. Until, of course, AJ Preller jumped in.
Kansas City Royals — Grade: D-
Acquired: RHP Nate Pearson; cash considerations; RHP Lucas Braun; LHP Carter Holton; RHP Carlos Duran; RHP Nolan Hoffman
Traded away: RHP Max Martin; OF Kameron Misner; OF Lane Thomas; LHP Bailey Falter; LHP Kris Bubic; RHP Manuel Colón
My Thoughts: I get wanting to keep Wacha and Lugo to “compete next year”, but that ignores the fact that a large percentage of the roster needs an overhaul as well. Plenty of teams would have paid a solid price for both, particularly Wacha.
Minnesota Twins — Grade: B+
Acquired: RHP Tommy Nance; international bonus-pool money; LHP A.J. Minter; RHP Dean Kremer; RHP Jeff Hoffman; cash considerations
Traded away: C Ryan Sprock; INF Bruin Agbayani; INF Billy Amick; OF Jhomnardo Reyes; LHP Dasan Hill; RHP John Klein; 2B Dameury Pena; international bonus-pool space
My Thoughts: I really like them getting Jeff Hoffman and commiting to competing. Dean Kremer is a major pet project.
American League West
Athletics — Grade: C+
Acquired: RHP Aiden Moffett; RHP Scott Blewett; RHP Seth Johnson
Traded away: RHP Aaron Civale; cash considerations; OF Colby Thomas
My Thoughts: Probably should have sold more.
Houston Astros — Grade: B-
Acquired: OF Jadyn Fielder; RHP Max Martin; OF Daulton Varsho
Traded away: RHP Lance McCullers Jr.; LHP Colton Gordon; cash considerations; RHP Nate Pearson; RHP Spencer Arrighetti
My Thoughts: Probably should have bought more.
Los Angeles Angels — Grade: A+
Acquired: INF Angel Arredondo; INF Arjun Nimmala; OF Eddie Micheletti Jr.; RHP Angel Rivero; C Jacob Cozart; C/DH Moisés Ballesteros; RHP Mason McGwire; RHP Kyle Robinson; INF Nacho Alvarez Jr.
Traded away: C Logan O’Hoppe; RHP Chase Silseth; RHP José Soriano; OF Jo Adell; RHP Ryan Zeferjahn; RHP Kirby Yates; LHP Brent Suter
My Thoughts: Angels get an A+ for actually looking in the mirror and seeing the disaster that their team is. They got great value, in my opinion, and might actually start to build a foundation now.
Seattle Mariners — Grade: C+
Acquired: RHP Seranthony Domínguez; OF Nolan Jones; C Boston Smith; OF Taylor Ward
Traded away: RHP Luis Castillo; RHP Alex Hoppe; RHP Harrison Kreiling; RHP Brock Moore
My Thoughts: I guess Taylor Ward is nice? But feels like they were afraid to commit to buying and trying to make a run. Also feels like they were hanging Hancock and Kirby in front of teams and not agreeing to any deal.
Texas Rangers — Grade: C-
Acquired: C Logan O’Hoppe; RHP Chase Silseth; LHP Adam Macko
Traded away: INF Angel Arredondo; INF Josh Smith; RHP Josh Stephan
My Thoughts: The Rangers are actually in a better positon then the Mariners right now in the standings. But they don’t have a roster built for October. It was clear they wanted to sell when the Jacob DeGrom news came out, but then they didn’t do anyhing. So what was the plan?
National League East
Atlanta Braves — Grade: D+
Acquired: OF Lane Thomas; LHP Bailey Falter; RHP Tyler Mahle; RHP Duncan Davitt; RHP Tyler Uberstine; LHP Brent Suter
Traded away: RHP Lucas Braun; LHP Carter Holton; RHP Anthony Molina; C Joey Bart; OF Eli White; INF Nacho Alvarez Jr.
My Thoughts: On the podcast yesterday I brought them up as the biggest losers of the deadline. I wasn’t really thinking about the DeGrom news, so I suppose they get a few points for at least trying to make a deal.
Miami Marlins — Grade: B
Acquired: INF Brayden Taylor; RHP Jacob Kisting; INF Adrian Santana; 1B/OF Jonathon Long; RHP Jace Beck; RHP Victor Vodnik
Traded away: C/1B Liam Hicks; LHP Braxton Garrett; INF Connor Norby; RHP Aiden May
My Thoughts: I don’t think many, including the Marlins, expected them to be 1.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. I think there is a lot to be excited about with this team, but they are still a few pieces away from making true noise. They are a worse team today then yesterday, but got some nice pieces in return for Hicks.
New York Mets — Grade: A
Acquired: INF Bruin Agbayani; INF Billy Amick; OF Aidan Smith; RHP Gary Gill Hill; 2B Émilien Pitre; RHP Gabe Davis; RHP Zach Franklin; 3B/SS Jefferson Rojas; SS Sammy Stafura; RHP Luke Gabrysh; OF John Spikerman; RHP Chayce McDermott
Traded away: LHP A.J. Minter; RHP Freddy Peralta; RHP Huascar Brazobán; RHP Clay Holmes; OF Tyrone Taylor; RHP Luke Weaver; LHP Brooks Raley; C Ben Rortvedt
My Thoughts: I saw a lot of outlets give low grades to the Mets. Sure, they are dead in the water and it is embarassing how bad they are. That being said, they went and got 11 prospects to bolster their farm system. Everyone knows they will open up the check books this winter, and this time they will also have some prospects to deal when needed.
Philadelphia Phillies — Grade: B+
Acquired: OF Kameron Misner; IF Luis Arraez; RHP Caleb Kilian; LHP Brooks Raley; OF Colby Thomas; RHP Manuel Colón
Traded away: Cash considerations; RHP Ramon Marquez; RHP Marty Gair; RHP Luke Gabrysh; OF John Spikerman; RHP Seth Johnson; RHP Nolan Hoffman
My Thoughts: Luis Arraez was my favorite player this deadline, so any team that got him get a big + in my books. Probably could have used another starter, but Andrew Painter did look good the other day soooooo.
Washington Nationals — Grade: A-
Acquired: LHP Connelly Early; RHP Yovanny Cruz; RHP Jake Bird; RHP Jack Cebert; RHP Ben Grable; LHP Josh Hartle; LHP Will Dion; RHP Kendeglys Virguez; OF Nick Mitchell; RHP Joe Glassey
Traded away: INF Curtis Mead; 1B Luis García Jr.; LHP Foster Griffin; OF Christian Franklin
My Thoughts: I love Connelly Early, but I don’t know much about the other prospects they got. Sold very high on Luis Garcia Jr, and kept their dynamic duo. Big wins for Washington.
National League Central
Chicago Cubs — Grade: A+
Acquired: RHP Aaron Civale; RHP Kevin Gausman; a player to be named later or cash considerations; RHP Clay Holmes; OF Tyrone Taylor; LHP Braxton Garrett; RHP Ryan Zeferjahn
Traded away: RHP Aiden Moffett; OF Brett Bateman; INF Ty Southisene; RHP Jameson Taillon; cash considerations; 3B/SS Jefferson Rojas; 1B/OF Jonathon Long; RHP Jace Beck; C/DH Moisés Ballesteros; RHP Mason McGwire
My Thoughts: Chicago sees Milwaukee in front of them and said “screw it, all in". I thought they would go for Casey Mize, but went and got Gausman and Holmes instead. Both of them are high risk high reward, but the Cubs need to take high risk if they want to catch the Brewers.
Cincinnati Reds — Grade: F
Acquired: RHP Alejandro Rivera; international bonus-pool money; INF Juan Brito
Traded away: 1B Nathaniel Lowe; LHP Caleb Ferguson; cash considerations
My Thoughts: If Cincinnati was 3.0 GB of the Wild Card, I could appreciate them holding on and going for it. However, at this moment they are dead last in the Central and 5.5 GB of the WC. They had at least six expiring contracts that they could have shipped off. They made one move….
Milwaukee Brewers — Grade: F- (If that is a thing)
Acquired: RHP Lance McCullers Jr.; LHP Colton Gordon; cash considerations; C Bo Naylor; RHP Codi Heuer; RHP Antonio Senzatela; RHP Dustin May; LHP JoJo Romero
Traded away: OF Jadyn Fielder; RHP Craig Yoho; OF Blake Perkins; LHP Mark Manfredi; SS Juan Martinez; OF Alexander Frias; OF Josiah Ragsdale
My Thoughts: Their farm is stacked and they have the best record in baseball. Their move? Go and get Dustin May. Can’t imagine being a Milwaukee fan.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Grade: B+
Acquired: INF Jacob Gonzalez; LHP Brandon Eisert; RHP Ron Marinaccio; RHP Felix Doroteo; OF Johnathan Rodríguez; RHP Camilo Doval; RHP Luke Weaver; RHP Kirby Yates
Traded away: 2026 Competitive Balance Round A pick; LHP Jaden Woods; international bonus-pool money; RHP José Urquidy; cash considerations; C Omar Alfonzo; OF Luis Cruz; SS Sammy Stafura; RHP Kyle Robinson
My Thoughts: Pittsburgh completely rebuilt their bullpen, and got what seems to be a solid closer in Luke Weaver. Their offense has been one of the best in baseballs and they fixed their biggest weak spot. Now lets see if Paul Skenes can be Paul Skenes again.
St. Louis Cardinals — Grade: B+
Acquired: Cash considerations; RHP Daniel Eagen; INF Ruben Santana; a player to be named later; OF Alexander Frias; OF Josiah Ragsdale; LHP Caleb Ferguson
Traded away: RHP Scott Blewett; OF Lars Nootbaar; RHP Dustin May; LHP JoJo Romero; international bonus-pool money
My Thoughts: St Louis fell below .500 for the first team this season last week. I was shocked they lasted this long. Chaim Bloom, whom I like, knows what he has with this roster. Got rid of some rentals, and hopefully got some pitching depth for next year. Still 2-3 years out in my books.
National League West
Arizona Diamondbacks — Grade: B
Acquired: OF Lars Nootbaar
Traded away: RHP Daniel Eagen; INF Ruben Santana; a player to be named later
Colorado Rockies — Grade: C
Acquired: OF Landyn Vidourek; RHP Nick Frasso; LHP Mark Manfredi; SS Juan Martinez; RHP Mason Adams; SS Carlos Vielma; INF Connor Norby; RHP Aiden May
Traded away: RHP Seth Halvorsen; RHP Antonio Senzatela; OF Brenton Doyle; RHP Victor Vodnik
My Thoughts: Just sell everyone.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Grade: A+
Acquired: RHP Seth Halvorsen; LHP Tarik Skubal; LHP Kris Bubic; C Hunter Feduccia; RHP Jacob Kmatz; C Ben Rortvedt
Traded away: OF Landyn Vidourek; RHP Nick Frasso; OF Zyhir Hope; RHP River Ryan; RHP Brady Smith; RHP Carlos Duran; OF Jack Suwinski; international bonus-pool money; RHP Chayce McDermott
My Thoughts: I suppose you have to give them an A+ being they got the best player available. I by no means think they are ruining baseball, but did they really need Kris Bubic?
San Diego Padres — Grade: A-
Acquired: International bonus-pool money; LHP Robbie Ray; RHP Casey Mize; 3B Gage Workman
Traded away: RHP Ron Marinaccio; RHP Miguel Mendez; IF Joniel Hernandez; LHP Kash Mayfield; LHP Jackson Wolf
My Thoughts: Robbie Ray and Casey Mize were the best two pitchers on the market outside Skubal. San Diego got them both. I have no idea how the Padres field minor league teams, but kudos to Preller for always going balls to the wall.
San Francisco Giants — Grade: B+
Acquired: RHP Anthony Molina; RHP Ramon Marquez; RHP Marty Gair; RHP Miguel Mendez; IF Joniel Hernandez; LHP Henry Lalane; SS Kaeden Kent; IF Marcelo Mayer
Traded away: RHP Tyler Mahle; IF Luis Arraez; RHP Caleb Kilian; LHP Robbie Ray; OF Heliot Ramos; LHP Erik Miller
My Thoughts: If they were able to unload one of their terrible contracts this would be an A.
The Cubs and Brewers play 7 games between Aug 31 and Sept 9. The Cuba will have to win at least 5 of those games to have a shot at the division title. Otherwise, they'll have to settle for a wild card spot.