The MLB teams that will be fighting for a playoff spot needed to part ways with prospects and add solid veterans, and a few clubs made all the right moves.
These teams will all pass with flying colors as trade grades are handed out, but even among the ball clubs who did well for themselves, there are still some that stood out.
The clubs that added productive players to their rosters will see the benefits in September and October, but for now, they will be praised with top marks.
Here are the teams that pulled off the most impressive deals.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Players added: Hanley Ramirez, Shane Victorino, Brandon League
Grade A+
The Dodgers needed to add bats, and they were able to put two big-time hitters in their lineup before the trade deadline.
The team traded with Miami Marlins to get Ramirez on July 26, then pulled off a deadline-day deal with the Philadelphia Phillies for Victorino, who is batting .261 this season. They were also able to add pitching depth by acquiring League from the Seattle Mariners.
Los Angeles will be locked in an air-tight playoff race with their archrival, the San Francisco Giants, and the team did everything possible to give itself the edge for the remainder of the season.
Ned Colletti and the front office made bold moves, and they get the top grade for their trades.
San Francisco Giants
Player(s) added: Hunter Pence, Marco Scutaro
Grade: A
The Giants had their hand forced by the Dodgers. Every game counts now as the two teams battle for NL West supremacy, and the team needed to add players to its lineup in order to keep pace.
The team made its first move by acquiring Scutaro from the Colorado Rockies. He will add depth and provide stability to the infield.
Then the Giants added the big bat they desperately needed in order to match the Dodgers’ moves. The team sent three prospects to the Philadelphia Phillies for Pence, who has 17 home runs this year.
San Francisco needed to make a move before the deadline, and they did exactly that, earning them an impressive grade for their trades.
Texas Rangers
Player(s) added: Ryan Dempster, Geovany Soto
Grade: A-
The Rangers needed to add a starting pitcher, and they picked up one of the best available by trading for Dempster, who has a ridiculous 2.25 ERA in 16 starts.
The team now has a rotation that can dominate a playoff series to go along with their terrifying power at the plate.
While Nolan Ryan and the Rangers’ brass had the Chicago Cubs on the phone, they also acquired catcher Geovany Soto. The 29-year-old is having an off year, but he has still been a talented and productive player throughout his career, and a change of scenery could elevate his play.
Texas certainly has a roster that can get them back to the World Series for the third consecutive season, and they may have picked up just enough talent to finally get a championship.
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