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MLB Hot Stove: Grading team activity during the Winter Meetings

By Kristen Bentley

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 17: Charlie Morton #50 of the Houston Astros looks on in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox during Game Four of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 17, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 17: Charlie Morton #50 of the Houston Astros looks on in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox during Game Four of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 17, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

The NL Central was one of the most competitive divisions in the 2018 season with the Brewers, Cubs, and Cardinals all vying for the top spot up until the last possible minute.

But, the Winter Meetings were an entirely different story. The Goldschmidt trade seemed to take the thunder out of the Winter Meetings for the teams in NL Central.

Reds

The Reds were relatively active, especially considering that they’ve done so little in past meetings. They made the Tanner-trade with the Nats, netting starting pitcher Tanner Roark. They also claimed Robby Scott off of waivers from the Red Sox. The relief pitcher threw 6.2 innings for the BoSox in 2018 with an ERA of 8.10.

Grade: C-

Cubs

Theo Epstein didn’t do anything. And, he was in the home of both Kris Bryant and his bestie Harper.

Grade: F

Brewers

The Brewers have a few holes to fill, but they were also relatively quiet in Las Vegas. They did make an under-the-radar trade with the Rangers for reliever Alex Claudio in exchange for a competitive balance. Claudio pitched 68.1 innings for the Rangers and had an ERA of 4.48 in 2018. That was his career-high after several seasons with ERAs in the twos. More notably, the Brewers also settled with Jimmy Nelson, avoiding arbitration.

Grade: B-

Cardinals

After the Goldy trade, the Cardinals didn’t have to do anything. But, the picked up Ryan Meisinger off of waivers from the Orioles. The young pitcher had 21 innings in Baltimore and an ERA of 6.43. He’s only 24, so the Cards could do something with him. They also made trade with the Rangers, sending pinch-hitter Patrick Wisdom to Texas for outfielder and lefty-hitter Drew Robinson.

Grade: C

Pirates

This is another team that needs to give something to their fans as they just keep sending good players away.  Neal Huntington signed free-agent pitcher Jordan Lyles who has a career ERA of 5.28 in eight season. They also traded pitcher Ivan Nova to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for a minor leaguer (not one of the ChiSox’s notable ones) and international bonus money.

Grade: D

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