How did Yankees do at 2024 MLB trade deadline? Grading each of Brian Cashman's moves

PHILADELPHIA – A large swath of Yankees Universe might be underwhelmed by the club’s trade deadline day activity, but GM Brian Cashman is at ease with the results.

“I think we have a really good team already,’’ Cashman said Wednesday. “And with the imports, we’ve made it better.’’

Cashman feels the bullpen is improved by the additions of right-handers Mark Leiter Jr., and Enyel De Los Santos, and Saturday’s acquisition of Jazz Chisholm has already paid off.

Beyond that, “We didn’t match up in some cases or were unwilling to pay the price in other cases,’’ Cashman said of a deadline period that was unlike any he’d experienced in 26 years as GM.

Prices seemed “pretty astronomical,’’ said Cashman, who ultimately didn't match up with Detroit on a deal for starter Jack Flaherty. “Seeing some of the swaps, it felt pretty high. Even if a lot more star value wasn’t in play.’’

Generally, Cashman had leverage from owner Hal Steinbrenner to add to the AL’s highest payroll, but with a caveat that it could impact their future free-agent spending.

“We were very open-minded entering this deadline,’’ Cashman said of seeking improvements across the board. “This is what we have to show for it.’’

While no trade can truly be evaluated until well down the road, here’s our instant grades on the Yankees’ four deals since Saturday:

Jazz Chisholm, infielder/outfielder

Trade: Minor league catcher Agustin Ramirez, minor league infielders Jared Serna, Abrahan Ramirez to the Miami Marlins.

Grade: A

Analysis: Chisholm's energy and athleticism has already positively impacted the Yankees, who are 4-0 since his arrival.

The lefty hitter's pair of two-homer games at Philadelphia, and his enthusiasm about being teammates with the likes of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, will ensure a boisterous welcome this weekend at Yankee Stadium.

But it's his willingness to try a new big-league position, third base, that has completely won over his new organization.

“We did a lot of research on him and we’re obviously happy to have him,’’ said Cashman, who wouldn’t confirm (or deny) that ex-Marlins COO Derek Jeter was polled for his opinion.

“He plays the game with joy. We thought he’d fit in really well,’’ said Cashman, but the Yankees weren’t sure if he’d warm to the idea of playing third base until he arrived.

Chisholm, 26, is under team control through 2026, and he could wind up as Gleyber Torres’ second base replacement next year.

“It’s nice to have him under control, but it’s more about how he fits presently,’’ said Cashman.

The Yankees' organizational depth at catcher allowed Agustin Ramirez, a top offensive prospect, to be offered. His power bat is well ahead of his defense, and his future might be at another position.

Serna was having a solid season at Class A Hudson Valley and the younger Ramirez, 19, was batting .348 with a .960 OPS in 49 games at the Florida Complex League.

All three of the former Yankees' prospects were international signees.

Mark Leiter, Jr., reliever

Trade: Minor league pitcher Jack Neely, minor league infielder Ben Cowles to the Chicago Cubs.

Grade: B

Analysis: This grade could go higher or lower, depending on Neely's development and how Leiter Jr., 33, bolsters a bullpen in need of a swing-and-miss element.

A nephew of former Mets and Yankees starter Al Leiter, with obvious New York ties, the right-handed Leiter Jr. comes with a signature splitter and a 34.9 percent strikeout rate - the highest of his career.

Leiter Jr. was limiting lefty hitters to a .200 batting average/.532 OPS this year in Chicago, in line with his stats against righty hitters (.188/.528).

But one MLB scout said the Yanks gave up "a big arm'' in the 6-foot-8 Neely, and pitching coach Matt Blake said the right-hander was "right on the doorstep'' of a big-league promotion.

Cowles showed improvement as a hitter this year at Double-A, according to the scout, who viewed him as a "solid upper organizational guy'' with the potential to become a big-league utility player.

Enyel De Los Santos, reliever

Trade: Minor league outfielder Brandon Lockridge to the San Diego Padres. The Yankees also received minor league right-hander Thomas Balboni Jr.

Grade: C+

Analysis: Again, this could be a higher grade if De Los Santos performs, or lower if he turns into a 2024 version of Dennis Santana.

De Los Santos, 28, has an unremarkable 4.25 ERA in parts of six MLB seasons, but his 28.2 percent strikeout rate and 7.7 percent walk rate this year were attractive enough stats.

What isn't great is the 1.012 OPS lefty hitters have tagged on the right-handed De Los Santos in 2024.

Despite being unable to land a lefty reliever, or a closer such as Carlos Estevez or Tanner Scott, "I think our bullpen's better right now than it was before the deadline, '' said Cashman of his additions.

A former fifth-round pick, the 27-year-old Lockridge provided organizational depth at Triple-A, with a .787 OPS this year in 72 games.

The right-handed Balboni Jr., 24, is a former 15th-round pick with a 4.46 ERA in 30 relief appearances at Class A, but 60 strikeouts vs. 20 walks in 34.1 innings.

Kelly Austin, minor league pitcher

Trade: Left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson to the Houston Astros.

Grade: C

Analysis: What can you really make of this?

By subtracting a largely ineffective reliever, the Yanks are also adding international bonus pool money in the swap.

The right-handed Austin, 23, had a combined 2.21 ERA this year at two Class A affiliates, with 46 strikeouts vs. seven walks in 36.2 relief innings.

But Ferguson winds up on a contending Yankees rival and leaves Tim Hill as their lone lefty. Despite his 5.13 ERA, Ferguson was limiting lefty batters to a .196 average (.639 OPS).

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yankees at 2024 MLB trade deadline: Grading each transaction