Grading the New York Mets' trade-deadline deals

The New York Mets were among the most active teams at the July 31 MLB trade deadline. Club president David Stearns was motivated to improve his roster as the franchise seeks to build off its 2024 NLCS run. 

The Mets already held one of the best records in the National League, while being locked in a fierce NL East divisional battle with the rival Philadelphia Phillies. New York — one of the biggest trade-deadline winners — was able to bolster its depth chart through four moves. 

Move No. 1: Gregory Soto, RP

The Mets began their deadline run by adding a much-needed lefty specialist in Baltimore Orioles reliever Gregory Soto. Minor league pitchers Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster were sent back to Baltimore in the exchange. 

Soto, a two-time All-Star, held a 3.96 ERA at the time of the trade. He was also limiting left-handed batters to a devastating .131/.260/.262 slash line. 

While it was initially assumed that Soto would take on a more prominent role as a late-inning bullpen option, the following moves ensure he can be properly deployed as a specialist against lefty batters. 

Mets' grade: B+

Move No. 2: Tyler Rogers, RP

The Mets added their second bullpen weapon by trading for longtime San Francisco Giants submariner Tyler Rogers, sending reliever Jose Butto, and minor leaguers Blade Tidwell (SP) and Drew Gilbert (OF) to the Bay Area. Tidwell and Gilbert were New York's No. 10- and No. 12-ranked prospects. 

While the package of prospects sent away frustrated some Mets fans — including some talk of New York getting "fleeced" — it is important to note that both Tidwell and Gilbert seemed to be plateauing in their farm system. Tidwell's likeliest outcome is as a Butto-like middle reliever. While Gilbert boasts an interesting combination of power and defense, he profiles as a fourth outfielder. 

Meanwhile, Rogers has been one of the most consistent bullpen options over the past decade. He holds a sparkling 1.80 ERA and 0.860 WHIP across 50 innings in 2025. He has a 2.79 ERA across his seven-year MLB career. 

Adding Rogers (who is a free agent after this season) came with a high price. However, the Mets add an established workhorse to their revamped bullpen. He would be the perfect replacement for the injured eight-inning option AJ Minter if it weren't for the next trade.

Mets' grade: B+

Move No. 3: Ryan Helsley, RP 

The Mets made their biggest splash of the deadline through the surprise acquisition of two-time All-Star and 2024 MLB saves leader Ryan Helsley. The Cardinals received a prospects package headlined by shortstop Jesus Baez. Right-handed pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt were also sent to St. Louis. 

Like Rogers, Helsley is also a rental who is slated to hit free agency after this season. Unlike Rogers (or anyone else on this list), the 31-year-old Helsley features premier stuff and is one of the most dangerous closers in baseball. 

The Mets already have a three-time All-Star and two-time MLB Reliever of the Year locking down the ninth inning in Edwin Diaz. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza will be able to use the former Cardinals closer as a flexible weapon during New York's highest-leverage moments. 

This also allows players like Reed Garrett, Ryne Stanek and Brooks Raley, who were formerly used in the seventh and eighth innings, to become Swiss Army knives in one of the league's most dangerous bullpens. 

Mets' grade: A

Move No. 4: Cedric Mullins 

The Mets put the cherry on top of their trade deadline by adding 2021 All-Star Cedric Mullins. This adds a dual threat to a position of need in New York's centerfield. 

Mullins is hitting .229 with 15 home runs and 14 stolen bases. While this batting average leaves something to be desired, the incumbent starter, Tyrone Taylor, is hitting just .201 with two homers and 11 steals this season. 

The longtime Oriole gives the Mets a needed boost to the latter half of their lineup. The low price tag of minor league pitchers Raimon Gómez, Chandler Marsh and Anthony Nunez makes this deal well worth it for New York. 

Mets' grade: A

Conclusion

Each of these four moves set the Mets up for a deep playoff run. While they elected not to seriously pursue a starting pitcher, the three relievers will allow the Mets to set their current rotation up for maximum success.

On paper, the Mets' bullpen-heavy pitching profile closely mirrors the Los Angeles Dodgers team that knocked them out of the postseason en route to the 2024 World Series title. 

Add in Mullins' bat, and Stearns and the Mets crushed the trade deadline. 

Overall grade: A