MLB Trade Deadline grades: Live analysis and grades for every major 2026 deal

The MLB trade deadline has arrived, and teams are scrambling to make moves in an effort to improve their 2026 seasons. I'm here to grade every major deal as they occur.

First up, the Philadelphia Phillies received 2B Luis Arraez and RHP Caleb Kilian from the San Francisco Giants. The Phillies grade: B. Arraez will bolster Philadelphia's infield, potentially becoming their third-best offensive player. He's become an intriguing player to watch, but they gave up valuable assets for him.

The San Francisco Giants traded a proven pitching prospect in Ramon Marquez to the Phillies. The Giants grade: A-. This was a win-win situation, as Marquez is a top 100 prospect, and the Giants received a player they signed to a one-year prove-it deal.

The Seattle Mariners acquired OF Taylor Ward from the Baltimore Orioles. The Mariners grade: B+. Ward is a solid rental player who has been consistent recently, providing consistent production for a cheap price. However, the challenge now lies in the Mariners winning enough games to secure a Wild Card spot.

The Baltimore Orioles received OF Taylor Ward in return for RHP Alex Hoppe, RHP Harrison Kreiling, and RHP Brock Moore. The Orioles grade: C+. This was a "thank you for your service" trade, as Ward was nearly certain to walk after this season. There was no significant gain for Baltimore.

The Chicago Cubs traded RHP Kevin Gausman to the Toronto Blue Jays for CF Brett Bateman and 2B Ty Southisene. The Cubs grade: A. Gausman is a solid starting pitcher, and this move will be crucial for the Cubs' hopes of winning the NL. The Blue Jays grade: B. They received a valuable starter, but trading for a rental pitcher isn't likely to provide major returns.

The Toronto Blue Jays received RHP Jose Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels. The Blue Jays grade: D-. Soriano's inconsistent start to 2026 led to this trade, but giving away top prospects like Arjun Nimmala for Soriano is a step backward for the Blue Jays. It seems they may have acted too quickly in the starter market.

The Los Angeles Angels acquired SS Arjun Nimmala, OF Eddie Micheletti, and RHP Angel Rivero from the Toronto Blue Jays. The Angels grade: A. Soriano's initial performance was misleading, but Nimmala's strong prospect status will help the Angels reset their timeline. This trade shows good value for the Angels, who are in contention for a wild card spot.

The Tampa Bay Rays traded RHP Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets for CF Aidan Smith, RHP Gary Gill Hill, and 2B Emilien Pitre. The Rays grade: B-. Peralta's season has been disappointing, but the Rays needed rotation help. The Mets received a decent package in return, but the trade feels like a last-ditch effort to salvage their season.

Finally, the New York Yankees acquired 1B Luis García Jr. from the Washington Nationals, along with RHPs Yovanny Cruz, Jake Bird, Jack Cebert, and Ben Grable. The Yankees grade: A-. A healthy Yankees roster doesn't need significant power hitting, but this trade provides necessary improvement for the team. García Jr.'s one-year contract adds a new piece to their young core.