I don't know why people want to include non-deadline trades in a deadline thread. Priester wasn't anything resembling a deadline deal. Vaughn is deadline-adjacent, I'll give you that. I am disappointed they couldn't get a better infielder to replace Siegler or Monasterio. That seems like it could have been done for an acceptable cost.
The deadline is its own entity. It's the last chance to change your roster, whether you are buying or selling. The pressures are different, the decisions are different. It's a picture of where the franchise's current health is.
I think the health of the franchise is fine. Their approach to the deadline is the equivalent of eating right and exercising. Not sexy, but conducive to long-term health. Contrast that with the Padres fad diet, lap band, and liposuction approach to the deadline. Gets some noticeable results quickly, but who knows if it will last.