The Yankees have announced that former fourth overall pick Dillon Tate, a right-handed pitcher, and righty Erik Swanson have each been assigned to Class A Charleston and will join the club after reporting to the Yankees.
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The New York Mets, chasing after a wildcard berth, claimed the biggest power hitter available in Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce, who is leading the National League in RBIs and has belted 25 home runs this season.
The Yankees have traded Beltran, Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller and Ivan Nova while acquiring a haul of highly-touted prospects in return.
The Yankees are also picking up $2.5 million of the $5 million owed to Beltran for the rest of this season.
This year’s biggest buyers were the Texas Rangers, who have the American League’s best record and added two of the top prizes on the trade market. Instead of contending for their accustomed playoff spot and a 29th World Series title, the Yankees will fight to avoid their first losing season since 1992. With just one game in last year’s post-season, you could argue that Beltran’s stats from years ago have limited insight now that he is nearly 40. But in a shocking move, Lucroy vetoed the trade on Sunday, citing that the Indians are one of eight teams on his no-trade list.
A nine-time All-Star after making this years AL roster, Beltran has a.281 career average with 414 home runs.
If you’re reading this, you’re already aware of what the Rangers went out and got at the deadline, and that the time to win is now, and all that good stuff. Venezuelan shortstop Gleyber Torres was obtained from the Chicago Cubs last week in the Chapman deal.
The Beltran trade – along with the ensuing acquisition of Jonathan Lucroy – comes just in time for an under-performing Rangers team riddled with injuries. The Rangers dealt outfielder Lewis Brinson and right-hander Luis Ortiz to the Brewers.
Like many fans and members of the organization, Beltran is surprised that the Yankees were sellers at the trade deadline, but the lack of production on the field has forced the rebuild. He has been with the Brewers for all six of his major league seasons, hitting.284 in 805 games, and his contract includes a $5.25 million team option for 2017. But the starting pitching available this summer was historically bad, in the eyes of a lot of executives, leaving the Rangers a choice: overpay for pitchers better suited for the back end of their rotation, or find other avenues to improve. Texas adds a rejuvenated veteran big-league bat who has had an All-Star season, and NY continues to reload their farm system with some intriguing arms.
“It’s like a shot in the arm”, Lucroy said.
Since his first full season in 2011, Lucroy has been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball and possesses a career 0.284/0.342/0.436 slash line. A relief pitcher is never something to get too excited about due to their limited use. Robinson Chirinos has started 33 games. In 47 games, Jeffress sports a 2.22 ERA with 27 saves in 44-and-two-thirds innings.
Adding Lucroy is an upgrade over the Rangers’ current catching tandem of Robinson Chirinos and Bobby Wilson – one of whom will likely be designated for assignment. Will be interesting to see if they meet in the World Series.
Tate was the top pitcher selected in the 2015 draft.
Wilson batted.250 (32-128) with 3 home runs and 22 RBI in 42 games with the Rangers this season.
RHP Nick Green Seventh-round pick in 2014.
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Swanson struggled with injury issues last season, but landed in low-A Hickory as a 22-year-old with a fastball up to 98, per reports, and an advanced feel for pitching.
