As the trade deadline approaches, “Slam Diego” continues to act as buyers. On Sunday afternoon, it was announced that the Padres have acquired Mitch Moreland from the Boston Red Sox. In return for the veteran first baseman, Boston received prospects Hudson Potts and Jeisson Rosario.
The Padres (20-15) are beefing up in an attempt at their first postseason appearance since 2006. They previously acquired closer Trevor Rosenthal from the Kansas City Royals on Saturday. Outfield prospect Edward Olivares was sent to the Royals, along with a player to be named later, in the deal.
Moreland will likely serve as the DH for San Diego, especially with Tommy Pham out for a considerable amount of time (broken hand). Manager Jayce Tingler said he is hopeful that Pham can return before the end of the regular season. Several players have received at-bats in the DH spot in the interim, including Josh Naylor, Ty France, and Greg Garcia.
Moreland signed with the Red Sox prior to the 2017 season, and was a member of the 2018 World Series-winning team. He was named to the AL All-Star team that year, and hit .294 in the postseason.
A Hot Bat
Moreland is off to perhaps the best start of his career in 2020, as well. Through 22 games, he is batting .328, with 8 home runs and a .746 slugging percentage. His OPS (1.177) is bested by only 2 players in the league (Jesse Winker of the Reds, Luke Voit of the Yankees).
He has played primarily in a platoon at first base this season, with Michael Chavis. Moreland plays primarily against right-handed pitching, with Chavis starting against southpaws. A platoon at DH will allow the Padres to continue giving at-bats to players such as Garcia and France.
The trade also provides San Diego some flexibility for next season. Moreland’s contract contains a team option worth $3 million for 2021, so the Padres will have the ability to decide whether to bring him back or not. Part of this decision may hinge on whether the designated hitter remains in the National League.
Rebuilding the Farm
For the Red Sox, they continue to sell off players in 2020. Last week, Boston dealt relievers Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree to the Philadelphia Phillies. In return, the Phillies sent starter Zach Eflin, and pitching prospect Connor Seabold.
The return for Moreland is quite solid for the Red Sox. According to MLB.com’s prospect rankings, both Potts and Rosario were within San Diego’s top 20 prospects. Potts, a third baseman, ranked #16, while the outfielder Rosario ranked #19.
Many scouts are high on Seabold’s potential as well, and if Boston can find a reclamation project in Eflin, then these trades may turn out very favorable down the line.