The MLB trade deadline passed without many blockbuster moves, but there was no shortage of surprising deals. Here are grades for the biggest deals made:
(All statistics and records are through Monday’s games.)
Mariners execute blockbuster deal to acquire OF Randy Arozarena
Full trade: Seattle acquires Arozarena from Tampa Bay for outfielder Aidan Smith, RHP Brody Hopkins and a player to be named.
Mariners grade: A
After blowing a double-digit lead in the American League West standings, the Mariners desperately needed to upgrade a lineup that ranks last in batting average (.218) and 28th in runs (419). Seattle succeeded in doing so — while strengthening its roster — by landing a former postseason hero in Arozarena, who is under team control through 2026.
Although Arozarena is having a down year by his standards, he’s batting .296 with eight home runs and 19 RBI over his 47 games, providing optimism that he can be the difference-maker Seattle needs.
Rays grade: C+
On the surface, Tampa Bay’s return for Arozarena might appear to be underwhelming, but keep in mind that the team typically wins more trades than it loses thanks to its stellar scouting department.
Hopkins and Smith, a pair of 2023 draft picks, have impressed this season and are ranked as Tampa Bay’s 7th- and 13th-best prospects, respectively. Hopkins has a 2.90 ERA in 18 starts this season with 95 strikeouts, whereas Smith is slashing .284/.402/.470 with nine homers, 42 RBI and 28 steals.