Yesterday, Drew Smyly was traded to the Mariners as the second half of what was essentially a three-team deal between the Rays, the Mariners, and the Braves. The Rays got back Mallex Smith, a speedy outfielder who has a chance to make the team immediately.
#Rays GM Neander said Smith acquired to increase competition among outfielders this spring, 1 way to help team return to being a contender
— Roger Mooney (@RogerMooney50) January 11, 2017
#Rays GM said Smith's speed, base running abilities brings a skillset not found among outfielders not named Kiermaier
— Roger Mooney (@RogerMooney50) January 11, 2017
They also got Ryan Yarbrough, a pitcher who could be in the back of the rotation or in the bullpen soon, and Carlos Vargas, a high-upside 17-year-old. Here’s Jim Callis on the pickup.
It sounds like this trade has been a long time in the making.
#Mariners Jerry Dipoto said he spent the most time this off-season trying to acquire #Rays Smyly- focused on him from the get go
— Steve Kinsella (@Steve_Kinsella1) January 12, 2017
- Our own Joseph Biggs took a close look at Mallex Smith.
- Here’s Steve Kinsella’s take.
- Baseball America discussed the moving pieces of the trade ($). One quote:
Smith is one of the fastest runners in the game, with 88 stolen bases in the minors in 2014, 56 in 2015 and 16 in his 72-game ML debut in 2016. He also uses that speed to play elite defense in center, to the point he has been projected as a potential future Gold Glove winner.
- Henry Druschel, at Beyond the Box Score, likes the trade okay for the Rays if you consider their budgetary constraints, but says that for any other team in their position it seems like a bad move.
- Dave Cameron wrote about the acquisition of Smyly from a Mariners perspective.
- Kate Preusser, of Lookout Landing, likes the trade for the Mariners.
Other Links
- Somewhat lost in the shuffle, the Rays claimed another outfielder off waivers.
The #Rays have also claimed OF Jason Coats off waivers from the #WhiteSox and designated RHP Dylan Floro for assignment.
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) January 11, 2017
- Jason Hanselman has been busy, with articles looking for a platoon mate for Corey Dickerson, and examining the newly acquired Colby Rasmus.
- Quantifying who it’s been frustrating to root for.