Baltimore Orioles:

Grade: D+

Trades: Acquired Tyler Burch from the Phillies for Freddie Galvis. Acquired cash considerations from the Rays for Shawn Armstrong.

The Orioles are currently rebuilding and many of the players on their roster aren’t set to hit free agency after this year. As a result, there weren’t many “rental” players they could’ve sold off to contending teams but they did sell Freddy Galvis. Tyler Burch, the prospect acquired for Galvis, is ranked as the 35th best Orioles prospect by Fangraphs and has a 35+ Future Value (FV). In AA and AAA this year, Smith has had great swing and miss stuff as seen by his 39.7 K% (18.1 innings) in AA and 42.9 K% in AAA (11.0 innings) where he’s pitched as a reliever. Since many sellers were able to receive quality returns at the Trade Deadline, I think the Orioles could’ve received a pretty decent package for Trey Mancini (Free Agent after the 2022 season) and relievers Cole Sulser (Free Agent after the 2025 season) and Paul Fry (Free Agent after the 2024 season) but the team opted to hold onto them. Additionally, Shawn Armstrong was sold off to the Rays.

Boston Red Sox:

Grade: C+

Trades: Acquired Kyle Schwarber from the Nationals for Aldo Ramirez. Acquired Austin Davis from the Pirates for Michael Chavis. Acquired Hansel Robles from the Twins for Alex Scherff.

The main addition the Red Sox made over the Trade Deadline was acquiring Kyle Schwarber. At the plate this season, Shwarber has been great slashing .253/.340/.570 with a .382 wOBA, .394 xwOBA, 137 wRC+, and 1.7 fWAR in 72 games. As a team, the Red Sox have a 103 wRC+ which ranks eighth in Major League Baseball. Once Scwarber is healthy and joins the team, he will make their lineup deeper but his fit on the field is a bit questionable. With the Nationals, Schwarber only played left field where he had -3 DRS, -2.4 UZR, and -5 OAA. The Red Sox outfield is already pretty full with Alex Verdugo as the primary left fielder, Jarren Duran and Kiké Hernandez as the primary center fielders, and Hunter Renfroe as the primary right fielder. Additionally, the team’s primary designated hitter is All Star J.D. Martinez. As a result of all these log jams, Kyle Schwarber will try to learn how to play first base. On the season, Red Sox’s first basemen have collectively combined to hit for a 60 wRC+ which ranks last at the position. In addition to Schwarber, the Red Sox acquired relievers Hansel Robles and Austin Davis. On the year, Robles has a 4.91 ERA, 4.82 FIP, 4.75 xFIP, 4.51 SIERA, and -0.3 fWAR across 44.0 innings. Although he’s had a rough year, Robles recently had success in 2018 and 2019 so the Red Sox are hoping he can turn it around for them. As for Davis, his results this year haven’t been too promising (5.59 ERA) but his 4.59 FIP and 4.07 SIERA suggest he’s due for some positive regression. I would’ve liked to see the Red Sox acquire another impactful starter and reliever after seeing what the fellow contenders in their division acquired, but the Red Sox are in a better spot now than they were a week ago and ace Chris Sale is nearing a return to the team.

New York Yankees:

Grade: A

Trades: Acquired Joey Gallo, Joely Rodriguez, and cash considerations from the Rangers for Glenn Otto, Josh Smith, Ezequiel Duran, and Trevor Hauver. Acquired Anthony Rizzo and cash considerations from the Cubs for Alexander Vizcaino and Kevin Alcantara. Acquired Clay Holmes from the Pirates for Hoy Park and Diego Castillo. Acquired Andrew Heaney from the Angels for Janson Junk and Elvis Peguero. Acquired a Player To Be Named Later from the Reds for Luis Cessa and Justin Wilson

Although the Yankees have been the most disappointing team in baseball this season, they are still well within reach of a Wild Card spot and General Manager Brian Cashman has put them in a great spot to find themselves back in the Postseason. The first move Cashman made was acquiring reliever Clay Holmes. Across 43.0 innings pitched this year (including 1.0 with the Yankees), Holmes has a 4.81 ERA, 4.00 FIP, 3.79 xFIP, 3.76 SIERA, and 0.2 fWAR. Although his ERA is high, Holmes’ peripherals show he’s been solid so far this season and is due to have better results going forward. Additionally, Holmes has the second highest ground ball rate among qualified relievers this season (72.4%) behind only Aaron Bummer (73.5%). The biggest move (he’s also a pretty big man) the Yankees made was trading for Joey Gallo along with Joely Rodriguez and cash considerations. Gallo has been one of the best players in all of Major League Baseball this year slashing .220/.377/.484 with a .371 wOBA, .375 xwOBA, 137 wRC+, 2.6 BsR, 14 DRS, 4.4 UZR, 6 OAA, and 3.4 fWAR in 96 games (including one with the Yankees). Additionally, Gallo provides the Yankees with a desperately needed left handed bat which the team had been lacking all season. The Yankees also acquired left handed reliever, Joely Rodriguez. Rodriguez has had a rough year in terms of his results (5.93 ERA) but his 3.71 FIP, 3.26 xFIP, and 3.41 SIERA all suggest Rodriguez is pitching much better than his ERA suggests. In addition to acquiring Joey Gallo’s big left handed bat, the Yankees acquired Anthony Rizzo. In 92 games with the Cubs and one with the Yankees, Rizzo has slashed .252/.350/.457 with a .349 wOBA, .360 xwOBA, and 118 wRC+. Rizzo’s numbers at the plate haven’t been as good as they have been in the past, but he has a .263 BABIP (Batting Average On Balls In Play) which is below his career average (.285) and 2021’s league average up to this point (.291) which suggests he’s getting a bit unlucky. Additionally, the main projection systems on Fangraphs, ZiPS and Steamer, project Rizzo to hit for a 131 and 134 wRC+ respectively over the remaining games he plays this year. Lastly, the Yankees traded Luis Cessa and Justin Wilson to the Reds for a PTBNL. Wilson has been terrible this season, is owed about another million dollars this season, and he has a $2.3 million player option for next season which he is likely to pick up. Since the Yankees have made it a big point to stay under the Luxury Tax threshold and they needed to make room for their later acquisitions, they packaged Cessa, who is having a good season, with Wilson to the Reds for a PTBNL. The Yankees also received cash considerations which will pay the remaining amount of Gallo and Rizzo’s 2021 contracts which made sure the team will stay under the Luxury Tax threshold.

Tampa Bay Rays:

Grade: B

Trades: Acquired Nelson Cruz and Calvin Faucher from the Twins for Joe Ryan and Drew Strotman. Acquired Matt Dyer and Tommy Hunter from the Mets for Rich Hill. Acquired JT Charigos and Austin Shenton from the Mariners for Diego Castillo. Acquired Jordan Luplow and DJ Johnson from the Indians for Peyton Battenfield. Acquired Shawn Armstrong from the Orioles for cash considerations.

To kick off the trade deadline, the Rays traded for Nelson Cruz and Calvin Faucher. Cruz has been one of the best designated hitters in baseball over the last few years and is slashing .286/.364/.531 with a .374 wOBA, .376 xwOBA, 139 wRC+, and 1.8 fWAR in 85 games with the Twins and six with the Rays. Although the price to acquire Cruz was a hefty one, he makes the Rays’ lineup much better which is needed for them in order to have a chance to make the Postseason and potentially win the World Series. In what seems to be a salary dump, the Rays traded Rich Hill to the Mets for Matt Dyer and Tommy Hunter. Dyer is not ranked as one of the Rays’ top 57 prospects by Fangraphs and Hunter, who is set to become a free agent following the season, is currently on the 60 day IL and likely won’t be able to pitch again in 2021. After trading Hill and now likely losing Tyler Glasnow to Tommy John surgery, the Rays rotation consists of Ryan Yarbrough, Shane McClanahan, Michael Wacha, Luis Patiño, and Josh Fleming. The Rays made no further moves at the Trade Deadline to improve their starting rotation. Diego Castillo had been a staple in the Rays bullpen since 2018 but he was traded to the Mariners for JT Charigos and Austin Shenton. Charigos’ numbers have been somewhat similar to Castillo’s this year but what intrigues the Rays is that Charigos is set to hit arbitration for the first time following the 2022 season whereas Castillo is arbitration-eligible following this season. Additionally, the Rays acquired Austin Shenton who now ranks as their 37th best prospect by Fangraphs and has a 35+ FV. The Rays as a team currently rank 24th in Major League Baseball with a 92 team wRC+ against lefties. Jordan Luplow, who the team acquired from the Indians, has a 143 wRC+ vs lefties since making his Major League debut in 2017. Luplow will likely be used as a platoon player/pinch hitter but he will definitely help improve upon one of the Rays’ biggest weaknesses. Along with Luplow, the Rays acquired journeyman reliever DJ Johnson who will provide the Rays with extra pitching depth. The Rays also acquired Shawn Armstrong from the Orioles who will also provide the Rays with extra pitching depth. Armstrong has an 8.55 ERA, 5.86 FIP, 5.20 xFIP, 4.38 SIERA, and -0.1 fWAR in 20.0 innings pitched this year but had a 1.80 ERA, 2.99 FIP, 4.05 xFIP, 3.57 SIERA, and 0.3 fWAR in 15.0 innings pitched last year.

Toronto Blue Jays:

Grade: B

Trades: Acquired Jose Berrios from the Twins for Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson. Acquired Brad Hand from the Nationals for Riley Adams. Acquired Joakim Soria from the Diamondbacks for two Players To Be Named Later.

In a blockbuster trade, the Blue Jays acquired starting pitcher Jose Berrios from the Twins. In 121.1 innings pitched this year, Berrios has a 3.48 ERA, 3.57 FIP, 3.58 xFIP, 3.74 SIERA, and 2.3 fWAR. Following this season, Berrios is arbitration-eligible for the final time in 2022 and then is set to hit free agency following the 2022 offseason. Since Berrios is under cheap control for the rest of this season and next season, the Blue Jays had to trade a hefty package to the Twins. Although Berrios is a great pitcher, the package the Blue Jays traded may have been too hefty of a price; nonetheless, the Blue Jays rotation has drastically improved by adding Berrios. So far this season, the Blue Jays bullpen ranks 14th in ERA (4.03), 17th in FIP (4.24), 15th in xFIP (4.23), 13th in SIERA (3.94), and 24th in fWAR (0.8). In an effort to improve their bullpen, the Blue Jays acquired Brad Hand and Joakim Soria. In 43.2 innings pitched (1.0 with the Blue Jays), Hand has a 3.50 ERA, 4.30 FIP, 4.70 xFIP, 4.19 SIERA, and 0.2 fWAR. In 29.1 innings pitched, Soria has a 4.30 ERA, 3.74 FIP, 4.16 xFIP, 3.60 SIERA, and 0.3 fWAR. Hand and Soria are both likely to pitch in high leverage situations which the team needs to improve upon. On the year, Blue Jays relievers have combined to lose 21 games which is the seventh most in the Major Leagues this year.

Although Guerrero was given a remarkable 80/80 raw power and 65/70 game power on his 2019 prospects report from Fangraphs, he only has a career .174 ISO and has barely launched the ball. In his two Major League seasons, Guerrero has recorded launch angles of 6.7 degrees (2019) and 4.6 degrees (2020). Although he was in the 93rd percentile in average exit velocity and hard hit percentage in 2020, Guerrero’s xwOBA was only in the 55th percentile which I would mainly attribute to his low launch angle. If Guerrero is able to buy into the launch angle revolution and actually lift the ball on average at least 10 degrees, I strongly believe he could be one of the best offensive players in baseball next season and for years to come. Guerrero clearly has the tools to be one of the best power bats in the league — he just needs to launch the ball.

If Guerrero isn’t able to take a step forward at the plate in 2021, I think he would start entering the bust conversation. Due to his limitations in the field and on the bases, most of Guerrero’s production will need to be carried by his offense for him to be successful. No matter which corner infield position Guerrero has played, he’s struggled. In 824.1 innings at third base, Guerrero has an atrocious -9 DRS, -9.4 UZR, -14.6 UZR/150, and -16 OAA. In 299.0 innings at first base, Guerrero hasn’t fared much better as he’s recorded -4 DRS, -1.8 UZR, -13.8 UZR/150, and -2 OAA. On the basepaths, Guerrero has an abysmal -7.5 BsR which is good for third worst in baseball since the start of the 2019 season. If Guerrero’s production isn’t carried his offense, his production will most likely be limited which wouldn’t be ideal for Guerrero’s development and a potential Blue Jays Postseason run.

Before his nightmare 2020 season, Ray was able to pitch to a 3.96 ERA, 3.92 FIP, 3.68 xFIP, and 3.80 SIERA across 762.0 innings in a Diamondbacks uniform from 2015-2019. I’d assume that Ray’s past track record and improved results with the Blue Jays in 2020 convinced the organization enough to take a flyer on him which appears to be a low risk/high reward signing.

If the Blue Jays stand pat in terms of their starting pitchers entering the 2021 season, it appears Ray will join four of Hyun Jin Ryu, Nate Pearson, Tanner Roark, Trent Thornton, or Ross Stripling in the starting rotation. However, if the Blue Jays land another starter or two, there is a small chance Ray could be used out of the bullpen. Given Pearson’s limited track record and the question marks regarding Ray, Roark, Thornton, and Stripling; it is probably likely that the team will pursue some more starting pitchers.

Overall, I’d give the Blue Jays a B+ for the signing of Robbie Ray. If Ray is able to return to his 2015-2019 form, the Blue Jays got an absolute steal. Ray would become the number 2 or 3 starter behind Ryu and a potential starting pitcher addition which would be a huge help for the Blue Jays pitching staff as a whole as well as the team’s success. On the other hand, if Ray isn’t able to recapture his success, the Blue Jays could just let him walk at the seasons’ end. Although I like that the Blue Jays signed Ray to a one year deal, I’m a little surprised they are set to pay him $8 million, especially considering the current state of how the free agent market is expected to look. Nonetheless, this was a great low risk/high reward signing for the Blue Jays.

Tampa Rays showing interest in Christian Vazquez

The Tampa Rays have expressed interest in acquiring catcher Christian Vazquez from the rival Boston Red Sox. Up to this point in the season, the Rays have hardly received any offensive production from catchers Mike Zunino and Michael Perez who have a combined .160/.241/.340 slashline, .254 wOBA, .274 xwOBA, and 60 wRC+. Vazquez would be an immediate upgrade as he currently sports a .260/.294/.423 slashline, .307 wOBA, .263 xwOBA, and 88 wRC+. Vazquez hasn’t been nearly as good in 2020 as he was in 2019 when he had a .276/.320/.477 slahline, .331 wOBA, .317 xwOBA, and 102 wRC+. Vazquez is under contract through the 2021 season with a $7 million team option for the 2022 season.

Blue Jays have inquired on Andrelton Simmons

A couple of weeks ago, the Blue Jays placed rising star and starting shortstop Bo Bichette on the injured list. With the Angels off to a disappointing 2020 season, it’s been rumored that the organization will look to sell before the trade deadline. Last night, the Angels made their first move by shipping Tommy La Stella to Oakland in exchange for former top prospect Franklin Barreto. Simmons’ contract expires at the end of the season so it would make sense for the Angels to at least explore potential trade packages for the shortstop. Simmons has been a below average hitter since the start of the 2019 season with a .263/.308/.358 slashline, .288 wOBA, .274 xwOBA, and 79 wRC+ but he is arguably the best defender in all of baseball. From 2017-2019, Simmons has 75 DRS, a 47.7 UZR, and 42 OAA at the most important defensive position in baseball. If the Blue Jays were to acquire him, Simmons would most likely take over as the everyday shortstop but the Blue Jays’ defensive alignment could be interesting if/when Bichette returns from the injured list; Simmons would probably start at shortstop with Bichette sliding over to second base and Cavan Biggio moving over to the hot corner.

Asking price for Mike Clevinger is “ridiculous”

After he lied to the Indians organization about breaking COVID-19 protocols, Mike Clevinger has been the biggest name known to be discussed in trade talks. Since the start of 2018, Clevinger has pitched 348.2 innings to a 2.92 ERA, 3.29 FIP, 3.64 xFIP, and 3.71 SIERA while striking out 10.38 and walking 2.87 batters per nine innings. Clevinger is widely regarded as one of the best starting pitchers in all of baseball and his team friendly contract through the 2022 season makes him an even more appealing trade target. With or without Clevinger, the Indians have one of if not the best rotations in all of baseball but it should be interesting to see whether or not Clevinger is indeed traded.

Reds are not planning to sell at the trade deadline

Heading into today, the Reds are currently 14-17 and would not be in the playoffs if the season had ended last night. Despite the Reds not in current possession of a playoff spot, they’re only .5 GB of the Cardinals for second place in the NL Central (second place team in each division automatically receives playoff berth) and 1.5 GB of the Phillies/Rockies for the eighth and final National League playoff spot. This upcoming offseason, Trevor Bauer, Wade Miley, Anthony DeSclafani, and Freddy Galvis are all set to be free agents while Nick Castellanos could join them if he declines his player option. If the Reds do change their mind and decide to sell, Trevor Bauer would be one of the hottest names discussed between the Reds and rival teams. In 32.2 innings of work in 2020, Bauer has a 1.65 ERA, 2.76 FIP, 2.90 xFIP, and 2.66 SIERA while striking out 13.50 and walking 2.48 batters per nine innings.

    As a little run back in history, let’s look back at the top five Blue Jays of all time. Hopefully, this will relieve some pain for the fans from the North who had to endure this previous season.

Qualifications

For a player to be considered an all-time Blue Jay, they had to play with the Blue Jays during their prime. Players would’ve had to play multiple seasons with the Jays. Players who are more recognized for playing for a different team will not qualify.

    The top five list will include both pitchers and hitters. So, a stat we’re going to mainly determine the rankings is WAR (wins above replacement). Another category we’ll look at is each player’s achievements.

#5. George Bell

In the nine seasons George played with the Jays, he put together a great resume to be a top all-time player for the organization. He’s at the top of almost every single stat category for the Jays. He ranks fourth on the Jays all-time RBI list , totaling 740. Since he is a part of many of the Jays all-time lists, we classify him as a top Jay.

Bell with his 12 years spent nine years (which was during his prime) with the Jays. With Bells prime being with the Jays, this makes him qualify as an all-time Blue Jay.

His standout perk in his career is his AL MVP in 1987. Bell is one of only two Jays to ever win an MVP, which is why he is the fifth-best all-time Jay.

#4. Jose Bautista

With two Hank Aarons and three Silver sluggers, Jose Bautista has an impressive award resume but doesn’t quite compare to George Bells MVP. Even though Bautista doesn’t quite have the MVP that George has, he is the fourth all-time because of his great statistical side of play.

Bautista earns his spot at four with his great statistics, such as his crazy WAR. Bautista ranks fourth in WAR for the Jays, and has the single-season record with an 8.3 WAR. Bautista has the second-most homers in Jays history with 288.

With Bautista’s amazing statistical side, he is the fourth-best Blue Jay of all time.

#3. Roy Halladay

Roy Halladay spent 12 out of his 16 years in Toronto, and had the single best season as a Jay. In 2003, he set a single-season club record of 22 wins.

Halladay won two awards as a Jay AL Cy Young and TSN AL Pitcher of the Year both in 2003.

On the statistical side, Halladay is 2nd in every category only to another player on our list. Halladay has the second-best WAR in the club’s history, and has the most single-game wins.

On most teams, Halladay would’ve been the best franchise pitcher. But, he falls second only to our next guy…

#2. Dave Stieb

Dave Stieb was drafted and played 15 seasons with the Blue Jays. 

The former Jays pitcher did not have the deserved recognition, only getting the AL Pitcher of the Year once, and the pitching title once. Stieb also came 4th in Cy Young votes in 1982.

Despite the horrible awarded recognition, Stieb is the best pitcher in Jays history. His stats were above all others, being ranked top in practically every Jays pitching stat. He has the an unsurpassable WAR, making it the Jays record.

Dave Stieb is a next level pitcher, and is by far the best pitcher in Jays history. Although he’s the best pitcher, there is still one more guy on this list.

#1. Roberto Alomar

Alomar only played five seasons with the Jays and is the player with the least seasons played on this list. In his five years with the Jays, he made the playoffs three times and led the team to two world series.

Although he only played five seasons with the Jays, he has the most awards from anyone else on this list. He brought the team to the many playoffs, and he won the Jays their two World Series.

Alomar was an elite defender in the league and was a threat at the plate with his .307 batting average, the 2nd best in Blue Jays history.

Alomar is also the only player besides Halladay in the top 5 in the HOF. He brought the franchise their only championships, as well as three playoffs great all-around play. What’s not to love! Alomar is without a doubt the greatest player to play for the Blue Jays.