Grading all 7 Mets trade deadline deals they made

The MLB trade deadline is over and the dust is beginning to settle. The New York Mets got better, but how much better did they become?

They got an early start on additions early in the month and got busier in the final days.

Grading these trades includes the usual criteria. What the Mets gave up. What they got back. What they could have done instead. Etcetera. Did they pass or fail the first trade deadline with David Stearns in charge?

Mets trade for Phil Maton – A+

How can we not love this trade? The Mets used their ultimate superpower, cash, to obtain Phil Maton well before the trade deadline chaos began. He was pitching to a 4.58 ERA with the Tampa Bay Rays prior to the deal. Since coming to the Mets, things have gotten much better. He has been excellent for the Mets with a 1.50 ERA thus far.

The deal took place on July 9 and thank goodness it did. All Maton needed was a stronger stretch with the Rays to become a far more valuable asset. They got a ton for Jason Adam. They easily could’ve added one very good prospect for Maton if all they did was wait a little longer.

Not discussed much with this trade is the $7.75 million team option on Maton next season. It already feels necessary for the Mets to pick it up. He’ll be just 32 next year so this isn’t an aging veteran ready to crater. Maton might not have the most excellent track record. However, he has been better in recent seasons and the Mets made a fantastic call to swap him for cash.