Phoenix, Arizona — With the 2025 Major League Baseball trade deadline now past, teams have either bolstered their rosters for a playoff push or traded away players to focus on the future. This frenzy of trades has set the stage for an exciting stretch run, but which teams made the right moves as the deadline approached?

The Arizona Diamondbacks, struggling this season and looking to unload impending free agents, managed to trade away third baseman Eugenio Suárez and pitcher Merrill Kelly. Although opinions on the return they received are mixed, losing a player like Zac Gallen without a deal was a missed opportunity for a potential upgrade. For their efforts, they earned a grade of B.

In contrast, the Atlanta Braves struggled to make impactful deals. The team failed to trade notable players like Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias, who hold no-trade rights, and added only minor improvements with the acquisition of Tyler Kinley and Erick Fedde. Their lack of decisive action earned them a disappointing D.

The Chicago Cubs, engaged in a close race for the top spot in the NL Central, were expected to make bigger moves but instead opted for minor improvements. While Willi Castro and Michael Soroka enhance the squad slightly, the Cubs could have benefited from a more substantial addition, leading to a lukewarm C grade.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds made small enhancements by adding Ke’Bryan Hayes and Zack Littell, though they still require a stronger offensive punch for a postseason run. Their grade reflects this mixed approach at C+.

The Colorado Rockies stayed active by trading Ryan McMahon and some relief pitchers, managing reasonable returns while keeping the focus on their younger core. Given their current position in the standings, a B- seems fitting.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite not making any blockbuster trades and taking a more measured approach due to their depth, secured important pieces like Alex Call and made a savvy move by dealing Dustin May for future talent. They received a commendable B+.

The Miami Marlins engaged in typical seller’s behavior with the most notable departure being Jesús Sánchez. Holding onto ace Sandy Alcantara could prove beneficial if he thrives in the remaining months. Their cautious approach netted them a C+.

The Milwaukee Brewers added some depth with the acquisition of bullpen arm Shelby Miller and catcher Danny Jansen, while trading Nestor Cortes, helping their roster improve slightly but without significant impact, warranting a B-.

Further down the standings, the Pittsburgh Pirates missed opportunities to move key players like David Bednar and Ke’Bryan Hayes, leading to a lackluster trade deadline that earned them a D. The team’s direction remains unclear despite some minor transactions.

On the other hand, A.J. Preller of the San Diego Padres sparked excitement with aggressive trades that brought in talent such as Mason Miller and Ryan O’Hearn. They actively pursued upgrades to stay competitive in the playoff race, earning a ringing endorsement with an A+ rating.

In the American League, the Oakland Athletics received a B+ for trading a reliever and starter in pursuit of a high-potential prospect; this could pay off significantly down the line. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles attracted a failing grade, as their recent history of selling without consistent gains raises questions about management’s vision.

The Boston Red Sox struggled significantly, trading for underwhelming players like Dustin May and Steven Matz, which generated disappointment among fans and resulted in a C- grade. The Chicago White Sox faced scrutiny for not capitalizing on the market while still trading a few players, leading to their uninspiring C grade.

In a baffling move, the Cleveland Guardians opted to trade injured players while still within striking distance of a playoff spot, which earned them a failing grade. The Detroit Tigers, acting conservatively, made depth additions that felt insufficient, coming away with a B.

The Houston Astros made a considerable splash by re-acquiring Carlos Correa while adding other key pieces. Their moves were well-calibrated, resulting in an A-. The Kansas City Royals, showing a willingness to compete, netted a C+ for their moderate but thoughtful moves aimed at bolstering the roster amid playoff contention.

The New York Yankees successfully added several players, improving their depth and fortifying the bullpen for the stretch run with a B+ grade. The Seattle Mariners were particularly impressive, acquiring significant talent that enhanced their competitive unit, and earned an A for their proactive strategy.

Overall, this trade deadline showcased a mix of aggressive moves and missed opportunities, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the baseball season. As teams continue to balance immediate wins against long-term strategy, the results will unfold in the coming weeks.