The 2025 MLB trade deadline delivered a torrent of action. CBS Sports handed out grades for all 30 teams based on how aggressive they were and how well they addressed their needs. Let’s break down the key moves and grades for the most headline-catching clubs.

Padres: Ballsy Swing at the Deadline

San Diego pulled off some of the boldest moves. They landed flamethrowing reliever Mason Miller and left hander JP Sears at significant prospect cost. CBS gave the trade a “C” grade, praising the daring but questioning the long-term upside given Miller’s injury risk. Critics noted it was a signature Preller maneuver, risky but undeniably exciting.

Yankees: Bullpen Overhaul, Strategically Sound

New York focused heavily on constructing one of baseball’s deepest bullpens. They added David Bednar, Jake Bird, Camilo Doval and filled out the roster with Amed Rosario, Austin Slater and José Caballero (traded mid game against the Rays). Analysts applauded the blueprint, grading the Yankees as winners. Left handed coverage remains the only small loose thread.

Mets: Reinforced Relievers and a CF Fix

The Mets also leaned into bullpen reinforcement, adding closers Ryan Helsley and Tyler Rogers and shoring up center field with Cedric Mullins. Experts see the deadline haul as smart, addressing both pitching and a glaring outfield need even if there are some defensive trade offs.

Phillies: Targeted, Efficient Upgrades

Philadelphia checked off two big boxes: a closer in Jhoan Duran and depth via Harrison Bader. Their deadline moves were methodical, not flashy, but they filled defined needs without surrendering premium assets. Analysts view them as well positioned for a deep playoff run.

Astros: Nostalgic Yet Risky

Houston reunited with Carlos Correa at the deadline, trading for his return plus salary from Minnesota. CBS awarded the deal an “A” for the boldness, though questions remain about Correa’s current form and impact relative to the cost.

Mariners: Offense First, Long Term Held Tight

Seattle grabbed Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez to boost offense without losing major pitching buccaneer assets. Analysts praised the strategy, calling it a clear playoff push while preserving future depth.

Tigers: Activity Does Not Always Move the Needle

Detroit brought in Charlie Morton, Kyle Finnegan, and Paul Sewald. Yet experts marked the moves as underwhelming, arguing that the additions did not really elevate their World Series odds.

Red Sox: Underwhelming, Missed Opportunity

Boston came away with Steven Matz and Dustin May in exchange for top prospects like Blaze Jordan. Many analysts criticized the lack of ambition. When a rumored deal for Minnesota ace Joe Ryan fell through, critics called it a failure of backup planning. In short, despite a strong season, the Red Sox failed to capitalize on their opportunity.

Other Key Takeaways

Oversized bullpen trend: Teams like Yankees and Mets doubled down on relievers, reflecting modern playoff strategies emphasizing bullpen dominance over mid rotation starters.

Trade deadline winners and losers: CBS and other outlets broadly flagged Padres, Yankees, Mets and Phillies among the winners, with teams like Cubs, Red Sox, Tigers and Blue Jays falling short.

Final Grades Snapshot

• Padres: Bold but risky (“C” grade)
• Yankees: Strategic boost to bullpen and roster strength – winners
• Mets: Well executed bullpen and CF fixes – winners
• Phillies: Clean and impactful additions – clear winners
• Astros: Nostalgic big bet – grade: “A” for daring
• Mariners: Boosted offense while preserving farm – winner strategy
• Tigers: Active but not game changing – underwhelming
• Red Sox: Limited, underwhelming, missed bigger targets

What This Means

Contending teams leaned into clear short term fixes, especially relievers, as the playoff environment pivots toward bullpen depth. Meanwhile, teams looking to rebuild or shed salary prioritized acquiring volume of prospects. Where a team landed in that balance defines how analysts graded them.