Grading the top 5 MLB trade deadline additions of 2022

When the 2022 MLB trade deadline deadline came, many big name players found themselves on the move. Now, nearly two months removed from the deadline, some players are starting to find their role with their new teams while others have disappointed.

While the so-called winners of these deadline trades may not be determined for years to come, newly acquired players have already started to make their impact.

Here are my top five MLB trade deadline acquisitions to this point, and their grades.

5. Juan Soto

Juan Soto was the biggest name to be made available at the deadline. Multiple teams were in the bidding for the generational talent. The Padres ended up landing Soto and Josh Bell in a mega blockbuster deal that included top prospects Mackenzie Gore, Robert Hassell III, C.J. Abrams, James Wood, and Jarlin Susana, as well as veteran Luke Voit being sent to the Nationals.

Soto’s Padres career so far has been lackluster to say the least. He is batting .237 with five home runs and 15 RBI since the trade. While Soto’s lack of production may be a sign of concern, Soto has continued to show his extraordinary ability to see the ball and draw walks.

Creating a unique situation, Soto is under team control for two more seasons. Soto may not be playing up to expectations this season, but it is inevitable that the 23-year-old phenom will continue to improve his game.

Grade: A-

4. Chris Martin

The Los Angeles Dodgers traded Zach McKinstry to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Chris Martin. The trade was one of the least flashy deals at the deadline. McKinstry was the odd man out on the Dodgers bench, only registering one hit in 10 at-bats. Martin was having a rough season with the Cubs, pitching to the tune of a 4.32 ERA. The trade made sense for both teams.

The return has proved to be lopsided as Martin has a 1.64 ERA and 28 strikeouts in just 22 innings of work. Martin has been dominant since putting on the Dodgers blue, showing a resurgence and pitching like a top relief pitcher in baseball.

Grade: A

3. Jordan Montgomery

Jordan Montgomery has been masterful since the trade that sent Harrison Bader to New York to don the pinstripes and Montgomery to St. Louis. Montgomery quickly became a standout after being traded. In his first game as a Cardinal, he went five innings, allowing no runs against his former team. He has also shaped up to be a solid 2-3 starter in the Cards rotation. In 10 games with the Redbirds, Montgomery has went 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA and 56 strikeouts over 57.2 innings. Montgomery remains under team control until through next season, solving one of the Cardinals’ long-standing problems — their starting rotation.

Montgomery has provided the Cardinals with ace-like performances, including a complete game shutout where he only threw 93 pitches.

Grade: A