Another young, talented, and controllable starter is on the move. The former UCLA Bruin, Trevor Bauer is going to moving to Southern Ohio and joining the Cincinnati Reds. This column will be breaking down the return for each team, and grading the move for all parties involved. The trade market has started to heat up, and stay tuned for all updates as the news comes through.
The Trade Details
The Reds: Trevor Bauer, Starting Pitcher
The Indians: Yasiel Puig, Outfielder & Franmil Reyes Outfielder & Logan Allen, Starting Pitcher & Victor Nova, Third Baseman & Scott Moss, Starting Pitcher
The Padres: Taylor Trammell, Outfielder
Breakdown, Analysis, and Grades:
Reds: Obviously Cincinnati is looking to follow a similar strategy as the Mets. They are a struggling team outside of contention this year, but want to improve their chances next year. The Reds have some talent on their roster, but in my opinion aren’t in as solid of a position as the Mets. There’s no question they are getting a top level arm who is very innovative in how he approaches his craft. Bauer’s best year was last season where he put up a 2.21 ERA, and so far this year outside of his last start he has been productive. His ERA currently sits at 3.79, but his value is beyond the ERA peripherals. Bauer has elite level stuff, with impressive velocity, as well as a high spin rate which is the current crave in the MLB. He has a ton of variety with his pitches, and has a ridiculous repertoire to combat hitters. The major downside to Bauer is at times he can be a headcase, and is a very outspoken individual. This was evidenced by his recent overreaction chunking a ball over center field after being pulled from a bad start. His temperamental nature could be a problem in the locker room, and possibly an issue in the clubhouse. However, David Bell has gained experience in dealing with egos this year by managing Yasiel Puig. At the end of the day, the Reds are getting a high level arm for at the minimum 1 and a 1/2 years. They could possibly keep him around with a extension as well if the cards are played right. I expect Bauer to lead the charge next year as the Reds will look to compete for a playoff spot.
Grade: C+
Indians: It’s not often that a see a team giving up a top level arm as the winners of a trade. Bauer pretty much sealed his fate after the incident in his most recent start I mentioned earlier. The Indians at this point feel he is just not worth the trouble, and honestly did not want to open their pocket book to keep him long term. The Indians are still a really good team without him, and just activated Danny Salazar from the injured list. Corey Kluber, their ace, will be back in short time as well. Their pitching staff takes a hit, but this a risk they have to take to improve their team overall. In this trade they add to major bats to their lineup especially in terms of power. Yasiel Puig is a bit of a headcase, but is a solid contributor who brings value. He has power to drive the ball out of the park, speed on the base paths, and can drive in runs. He also has experience in hitting in the playoffs. I don’t see him being an every day player for the Indians, but gives Terry Francona options in order to mix things up. Puig is strictly a rental (as he will be a free agent at seasons end) for the Indians so there isn’t much risk. The Indians also added Franmil Reyes who will be under team control for a long time. Five to six years to be exact, and is an impressive young player. Reyes is a massive man at 6’5 and 275 pounds that brings big time pop to the lineup. Reyes does have limitations he is not a great defender, and doesn’t run the bases well. However, the Indians can use him as a designated hitter to go with Jake Bauers. Reyes already has 27 home runs, and will now be hitting in a more hitter friendly park in Progressive Field. Yet another chip for Francona to use how he pleases. The two prospects they added are just a cherry on the top of this deal. Logan Allen is a left handed pitcher who has some potential. His numbers are pretty high at both the Triple-A and major league level, but has chances to improve at only age 22. He is a pitch to contact starter, and does not have elite level stuff to put up huge strikeout numbers. He could have potential in the future as a reliever or back end starter. Victor Nova is a project, and it is too early to breakdown his ceiling. Nova has a quick bat, and is slashing an impressive 330. batting average in rookie level ball. He also has potential with his speed and defensive instincts. The final prospect is Scott Moss, a left handed pitcher with decent upside for the Indians. Moss doesn’t have elite level stuff, but is putting together a fine season at Double-A currently sporting a 3.44 ERA. He doesn’t have a go to pitch, but is capable of being a back end arm of the rotation. If Moss can improve his pitches, and become a more versatile pitcher his ceiling could go through the roof.
Grade: A+
Padres: I truly do not understand what A.J. Preller and the Padres are doing with this trade. Giving up Allen and Nova aren’t exactly a big deal, but trading Franmil Reyes at this stage is a bit preposterous. I know he is not an analytical darling, and cannot affect the games outside of his power. However, finding a bat who can hit shots over the fence at Petco Park is rare. He was also under team control for several years, and was going to be a very cheap asset if he continued to produce down the road. This is a hell of a price to pay for a top prospect that may or may not pay off. They obviously are all in on Taylor Trammell, the 21 year old outfielder and previously top prospect of the Cincinnati Reds. I really like Trammell and understand his upside is worth the risk. However, I don’t feel like this was a necessary move for the Padres who just spent big money on Manny Machado to win now. I feel that A.J. Preller is stuck in a situation where he doesn’t know whether to continue their attempts to win now or rebuild yet again. Trammell on paper has all the makings of a future star in the MLB. He was the All-Star MVP in last years 2018 MLB Future’s Game, and has impressed at every stage of the minor league level. He is a phenomenal, natural athlete with big time upside on his physical gifts alone. He has top level speed, natural defensive instincts, and solid plate discipline. He already understands how to work the count, and is a dangerous threat on the base paths. Scouts believe he can eventually be a threat in terms of power as his hitting ability develops. The big question is how productive can he be at the MLB level with his bat? He is in the midst of a disappointing season at Double-A where his batting average sits at a meager .235. However, the Padres are obviously completely sold on the future potential of Trammell. If he lives up to his potential this could be looked as a steal for the Padres. However, if he fails, the Padres gave up a controllable, powerful bat and some throw in pieces for a bust. Trammell reminds me of Lewis Brinson, who also was a multi-sport athlete who wowed the scouts with physical gifts. However, Brinson’s stock has fallen heavily from where it once was and has been a major disappointment so far. For the Padres sake, I am hoping that Trammell becomes a multiple time all-star, and their future franchise cornerstone.
Grade: C
Final Thoughts:
Padres overpaid, Reds take a chance, and Indians win this trade. The Indians are going to benefit not only right now, but long term with the additions they have made. They have put themselves in a better position to compete not just this year but for the future. The Reds found themselves an ace, and will work to lock him up long term. This was a hefty price to pay for a starter who may leave next free agency, and for a team that isn’t ready to contend. However, this could help put the Reds in a better position to fast track their rebuild going into 2020. The Padres gave up a lot of pieces for one darling prospect with a “projected” big time future. They are risking a lot for a 21 year old outfielder, and can’t afford to miss on this trade. This is what we love about the trade deadline as baseball fans. The trades out of left field with teams taking a chance or bolstering their roster for a playoff push. You gotta love the non-stop action of the last week of July in the MLB.
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