Now that baseball’s July 31 trade deadline has come and gone, it’s time to assess the aftermath. The flurry of activity up until the very end underscores just how many teams still feel they are in the hunt for postseason play, as well as some very shrewd moves (and non-moves) by both contenders and rebuilders.
Note: Teams that made no notable moves did not receive grades.
Los Angeles Angels
Notable additions: RHP Zack Greinke
Notable losses: RHP John Hellweg, RHP Ariel Pena, IF Jean Segura
Analysis: The Angels clearly won the trade deadline with the acquisition of former American League Cy Young Award winner Greinke. Segura was expendable because of the long-term deals shelled out to Howie Kendrick and Erick Aybar. The Angels now have the best top four starters in the American League.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Notable additions: 3B Hanley Ramirez, OF Shane Victorino, LHP Randy Choate, RHP Brandon League
Notable losses: RHPs Ethan Martin, Nathan Eovaldi, Josh Lindblom
Analysis: The acquisition of Ramirez was a steal for the Dodgers, especially considering they will control him for two more years. Ramirez, 28, should benefit from the change of scenery and help protect Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier in the lineup. Victorino gives the Dodgers a table setter and a stolen base threat while improving their defense in left field. League and Choate improve their sixth- and seventh-inning relief corps.