It’s baseball transaction season, which means it’s time to start making MLB trade grades in 2022. Marginal moves at this time of year can swing a season, just as the Atlanta Braves exhibited with their outfield rebuild 12 months ago.
Of course, MLB trade deadline grades are not just about the immediate. We are looking for a more balanced view, an evaluation of the value for the selling team and if this is a trade which can prove to be a difference maker for the buyers.
We are combining all our MLB trade deadline analysis in one place, diving into each and every deal from the middle relievers to All-Star deals.
MLB trade grades 2022
Keep coming back for a full MLB trade deadline recap. This page will be updated with the latest MLB trade grades for 2022.
Andrew Benintendi to Yankees
The first major domino to fall ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline, Andrew Benintendi swaps Kansas City for New York. In return, the Royals receive TJ Sikkema (Yankees’ 19th prospect per MLB Pipeline), Beck Way (21st) and Chandler Champlain.
Benintendi was one of the best hitters available, enjoying something of a bounceback season with the lowly Royals. The Yankees desperately needed an outfield bat with Joey Gallo and Aaron Hicks struggling.
None of the arms acquired in this deal have reached Double-A yet. The Royals are stocking up on depth, and understandably focusing on pitching given their struggles.
This isn’t the blockbuster some Yankees fans were calling for, but it clearly improves New York on both sides of the ball without giving up any premium talent.
- Royals grade: B-
- Yankees grade: B+
Daniel Vogelbach to Mets
Rookie reliever Colin Holderman went the other way in this deal as the Mets landed a much-needed power bat. New York might be one of the best teams in the sport, and a clear World Series contender, but they have lacked pop this season. They are 20th in isolated power.
Daniel Vogelbach struggled in 2021. He bounced back with the Pirates, posting a .769 OPS. With a career .819 OPS against righties, Vogelbach should be a very effective bench/platoon bat for New York.
These are exactly the moves teams like the Pirates should be making. Vogelbach wasn’t worth anything to them, but there’s some upside with Holderman.
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