Re-Grading the Blue Jays' 2023 trade deadline moves

The Blue Jays trade deadline moves, at the time of acquisitions, seemed pretty underwhelming. Now, with the team sitting at home in early October, it's clear more moves likely should have been made. Lets' grade the moves Ross Atkins and co. did pull off at the deadline.

Blue Jays receive LHP Génesis Cabrera from Cardinals for C Sammy Hernandez

Just a few days after the Cardinals designated Genesis Cabrera for assignment back in July, the Blue Jays swung a deal to bring him in to bolster the bullpen. The Blue Jays gave up catching prospect Sammy Hernandez to bring in the left-handed reliever.

Cabrera looked like a completely different pitcher with Toronto compared to the first few months of the season with St. Louis. Cabrera was reliable and dependable down the stretch for the Blue Jays. The fact that he's a lefty was an added bonus as well because they didn't have to use Tim Mayza as often.

In 29 games out of Toronto's 'pen, Cabrera posted a 2.66 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and held opponents to a 0.97 batting average. He's under team control through 2025.

Grade: B+

Blue Jays receive RHP Jordan Hicks from Cardinals for SP Sem Robberse and SP Adam Kloffenstein

No doubt the biggest of the three deals the Blue Jays pulled off at the deadline was the move to acquire flame-throwing right-hander Jordan Hicks from the Cardinals.

Hicks was the most coveted relief arm available on the market, and the Blue Jays had to send 6-foot-5 right-hander Adam Kloffenstein and No. 7 prospect Sem Robberse St. Louis' way to make the deal happen.

Hicks was acquired in an attempt to bolster Toronto's bullpen even further, and it worked. He gave John Schneider one more lethal arm to be able to call upon from the bullpen. He even closed a game for Toronto this season when Jordan Romano was going through some struggles.

Hicks is a free agent at the conclusion of the World Series, and all signs point to his tenure in Toronto being one-and-done.

Grade: A

Blue Jays receive SS Paul DeJong and cash for RHP Matt Svanson

The Blue Jays dud of the trade deadline was most certainly this deal to acquire Paul DeJong from the Cardinals.

At the time, Bo Bichette was on the injured list, and although his injury wasn't expected to be serious, they needed a replacement at shortstop and DeJong fit the bill.

DeJong was known as a glove-first type of player with limited offensive production. Even with this known, his offensive production with the Jays was still too limited. He was basically a sure out every time he stepped to the plate for Toronto, going 3-44 in his limited stint, which lasted only 13 games before the club designated him for assignment.

Although the club only gave up one prospect to acquire DeJong, it's hard to see this deal as anything other than a failure.

Grade: F