Let’s take a closer look at all the trades that happened today, July 25.

Red Sox acquire SP Nathan Eovaldi

 

The Red Sox acquired SP Nathan Eovaldi from the Rays in exchange for prospect LHP Jalen Beeks (BOS 15). Eovaldi, 28, has a 4.26 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 4.28 FIP. Beeks, 25, has a 2.89 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 12.1 K/9 in Triple A. In 6.1 innings in the MLB with Boston, Beeks has a 12.79 ERA.

Red Sox: The Red Sox have the MLB’s 5th best ERA for starting pitchers at 3.66. A lot of that is due to Chris Sale (2.13 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 2.11 FIP). David Price (4.17 ERA) and Rick Porcello (3.93 ERA) have disappointed, while Eduardo Rodriguez has dealt with injuries. Needless to say, they could use some extra depth in the rotation. Don’t be fooled by Eovaldi’s ERA, as he was roughed up in a start vs the Twins. He is only walking batters at a 1.3 BB/9 clip, and he still possesses a hard fastball that he commands well. Boston didn’t give up much to get him, as they could afford to give up Beeks. Grade: A-

Rays: Beeks will most likely end up as a 4th or 5th starter or a reliever. Given how the Rays rely on their bullpen with use of the opener, getting someone in the bullpen who can give you 4-5 innings and is a lefty is a plus. Eovaldi is a free agent at the end of the year, so Beeks is not a bad return by any means. Grade: B+

 

Diamondbacks acquire SP Matt Andriese 

 

The Rays made a second trade today, sending SP Matt Andriese to the Diamondbacks for prospects RHP Richie Schaffer (ARI 23) and C Michael Perez. Andriese, 28, has a 4.07 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 3.71 FIP working out of the rotation and the bullpen. Schaffer, 21, has a 2.70 ERA and impressive 109-21 K-BB ratio in Single A. Perez, 25, is hitting .284/.342.417 in Triple-A.

Diamondbacks: Andriese gives the Diamondbacks some much-needed rotation depth. Their rotation ranks 14th in the MLB with a 4.05 ERA. Outside of all-star Zack Greinke and Patrick Corbin, the rotation has been a disappointment. Robbie Ray (5.37 ERA) and Zack Godley (4.65 ERA) have regressed, and Taijun Walker is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery. That being said, it’s unclear how much of an upgrade Andriese will be over other options. It sucks to give up Schaffer, who is developing very quickly. Grade: B-

Rays: Getting a fast developing prospect in Schaffer for Andriese is a big win for the Rays. He already has 60-grade control and could develop into a middle of the rotation starter quickly with an advanced feel for pitching. Perez isn’t much of a prospect, but it never hurts to have catching depth.

Rockies acquire RP Seungwhan Oh from Blue Jays

 

The Rockies have acquired reliever Seungwhan Oh from the Blue Jays in exchange for first baseman prospects Chad Spanberger (COL 24) and Sean Bouchard. Oh, 36, has a 2.68 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 3.03 FIP. Spanberger, 22, is hitting .315/.363/.579 with 22 home runs in Single A. Bouchard, 22, is hitting .263/.335/.433 with 6 home runs also in Single-A.

Rockies: The Rockies have the second-worst bullpen with a 5.29 ERA. Needless to say, Oh will provide some extra stability. It’s unclear what his role will be, as the Rockies have Wade Davis for the 9th inning, Adam Ottavino for the 8th, and have money invested in Bryan Shaw and Jake McGee to work the 7th. Whatever his role is though, it’s never bad to have extra bullpen depth especially one that has struggled so badly. Giving up Spanberger hurts, as he has above-average power, which could be huge in Coors Field. Grade: B

 

 

Blue Jays: Going for a low floor-high ceiling guy is a good move for the Blue Jays, who have solid depth and talent in their farm system. Rather than acquire a second first baseman in Bouchard, it may have been nice to acquire some extra pitching, but that may be nitpicking too much. Grade: A