MLB Trades 2017: Assessing Impact of League's Top Moves at the Deadline

The trade deadline is almost always a gamble for teams trying to strengthen themselves for the stretch run.

Coming up with the right move can lead to a postseason appearance and a potential spot in the World Series. However, even if a general manager gets the right results at the deadline, trading young prospects for proven veteran talent can lead to major problems in future years.

With that as the backdrop, here's our assessment of the key moves made at the trade deadline.

Yankees make huge deal and acquire Gray from Oakland

The New York Yankees had been working on a deal to acquire Sonny Gray from the Oakland A's in the days leading up to the trade deadline. With an hour to go before the 4 p.m. ET finish line, the deal was finally completed and the Bronx Bombers acquired the Oakland right-hander.

The Yankees sent three prospects in Jorge Mateo, James Kaprelian and Dustin Fowler for Gray's services, according to the Athletics. Mateo may be the brightest light of the trio, as he has game-breaking speed and a slash line of .258/.318/.438 this season. Mateo has stolen 39 bases in 49 attempts while playing for Tampa and Trenton this year.

Kaprelian and Fowler are both battling injuries, but both are solid prospects, according to Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com when he was interviewed on the MLB Network. Kaprelian throws a fastball in the 93-96 mph range, while Fowler could be a 20-home run, 20-stolen base-type of player once he fully develops his talent.

Gray fits in as the Yankees' No. 2 starter behind Luis Severino, and he has a 3.43 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 97.0 innings this season. The 27-year-old pitcher will be eligible for arbitration in 2018.

Dodgers go all-in and acquire Darvish and Watson

The Los Angeles Dodgers have the best record in baseball (74-31), but they were not content to sit on their lead at the trade deadline.

They acquired starting pitcher Yu Darvish from the Texas Rangers shortly after trading for relief pitcher Tony Watson of the Pittsburgh Pirates, per MLB.com's Ken Gurnick.

The Darvish trade was first reported by Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. The Rangers received prospects Willie Calhoun, A.J. Alexy and Brendon Davis, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.

Darvish has a 4.01 ERA with 148 strikeouts in 137.0 innings along with a 1.168 WHIP. When the 30-year-old is on his game, he has an array of pitches that often baffles hitters.

Watson has a 3.66 ERA and 10 saves. He has struck out 35 batters in 46.2 innings. The 32-year-old is the type of reliever who can come in for an inning and pitch effectively as he helps get the game to closer Kenley Jansen.

Cubs get Wilson, Avila from Tigers

The Chicago Cubs made a move to bolster their bullpen in trading for left-handed pitcher Justin Wilson of the Detroit Tigers and brought in veteran catcher Alex Avila, according to the club. They sent a pair of prospects in third baseman Jeimer Candelario and shortstop Isaac Paredes along with future considerations (cash or a player to be named).

Wilson is a hard-throwing left-hander who is having an excellent season. He is holding batters to a .157 average, and he is quite effective against right-handers because he has a dynamic cutter. Avila is a veteran catcher who has the know-how to calm down pitchers who find themselves in high-pressure situations.

While Willson Contreras is the team's No. 1 catcher, an experienced veteran at that position is an asset for a contending team like the defending World Series champions.

Candelario was going to have a difficult time ever breaking into the Cubs lineup since 2016 Most Valuable Player Kris Bryant mans third base for the Cubs. He has a .266/.361/.507 slash line for Triple-A Iowa and should get a chance to play regularly for the Tigers. Paredes is an 18-year-old prospect with much to prove.

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Red Sox pick up bullpen help in Reed

The Boston Red Sox have seen their bullpen start to slide in recent weeks, and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made a move to improve that unit by trading for Addison Reed of the New York Mets.

The Red Sox sent three minor league pitchers to the Mets in exchange for Reed. Jamie Callahan, Gerson Bautista and Stephen Nogosek were all highly rated within the Red Sox organization, according to a report from Mark Carig of Newsday.

Reed has been a solid pitcher for the Mets this season, as he has delivered a 2.57 ERA along with 19 saves while pitching in 48 games. He has two blown saves in 2017.

Reed gained postseason experience with the Mets in 2015, and he will most likely emerge as the key set-up man for ace closer for Craig Kimbrel.

Nogosek possesses the greatest upside of the three relievers and has 63 strikeouts in 53 innings at the Single-A level, according to David Schoenfield of ESPN.com. Callahan has 56 strikeouts in 42 innings at Triple-A, while Bautista has an explosive fastball but is troubled by control issues.

Blue Jays trade Liriano to Astros

The Toronto Blue Jays traded left-handed starter Francisco Liriano to the Houston Astros in a deal that sends outfielder Nori Aoki and minor league prospect Teoscar Hernandez to the Blue Jays, according to the Canadian Press (h/t CBC Sports).

Liriano has had an inconsistent season to this point, with a 6-5 record and a 5.88 ERA over 18 starts.

The Astros are counting on Liriano will add depth to their pitching staff on a team that has the best record (68-36) in the American League.

Nats get Kintzler from Twins

The Washington Nationals acquired relief pitcher Brandon Kintzler in a deadline-day deal with the Minnesota Twins, according to a tweet first reported by Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post and confirmed by baseball insider Ken Rosenthal.

Kintzler, who turns 33 Tuesday, was an American League All-Star this season. He has a 2.78 ERA and 28 saves and gives the Washington bullpen greater credibility and depth.

Verlander, Britton stay put

While the Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs and Red Sox helped themselves at the deadline, big-name pitchers Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers and Zach Britton of the Baltimore Orioles were not traded.

Verlander and Britton had been mentioned in potential trades, but the Tigers and Orioles were not persuaded to move those players by the deadline.

Trades can still be made in August, provided the players clear waivers, but it was somewhat surprising that those two pitchers were not moved Monday.