The Giants have announced a deal to acquire Twins infielder Eduardo Nunez, as LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune first reported (via Twitter). Lefty Adalberto Mejia is headed to Minnesota in return.
Nunez, 29, has revived his career in Minnesota over the last two years. Once a prized Yankees farmhand, he had struggled to gain traction and ended up changing hands in a minor swap in April of 2014. Though he started off slowly in his new home, Nunez came on strong last year and has only improved thus far in 2016 — even earning his first All-Star berth.
A shortstop by trade, Nunez has also seen significant time at third base while also appearing a second and in the outfield. Though he’s not a highly-regarded defender, the versatility should come in handy. He’ll presumably see action around the diamond for the Giants, with much of his early action coming at third base, where Matt Duffy remains an injury question. Second baseman Joe Panik has only just returned from his own DL stint, and while Brandon Crawford is as steady as ever, it doesn’t hurt to have a quality option to support him as well.
The right-handed-hitting Nunez carries neutral career platoon splits, but has been better this year against southpaws. Both Duffy (a righty) and Panik (a lefty) are also neutral in their relatively short careers, but each has seen a downturn against same-handed pitching thus far in 2016. That makes Nunez a more natural platoon mate for Panik, though the Giants’ new addition has spent most of his time on the left side of the infield and is perhaps more likely to take time from Duffy (once the latter returns from the DL). Nunez also provides a right-handed complement to Crawford, though obviously the incumbent figures to remain an everyday fixture at short. San Francisco will also soon welcome back the switch-hitting Ehire Adrianza from a rehab stint, and he too will provide an option up the middle.
Owing to his relatively limited playing time and generally meager career numbers, Nunez is earning just $1.475MM this year. He’s also controllable for another season via arbitration. Though he’ll surely earn a nice raise, Nunez figures to remain quite an affordable piece before qualifying for free agency in 2018.
[Related: Updated Giants and Twins Depth Charts]
Minnesota seems to have made out quite well for its meager investment in Nunez. In addition to receiving quality production from him while he was in town, the club will add a nice piece in the 23-year-old Mejia. After a solid showing at Double-A last year, he pitched well enough there early in 2016 to earn his first promotion to Triple-A. All told, he owns a 2.81 ERA over 105 2/3 innings with 8.6 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 between the two levels.
Long considered a solid prospect, Mejia has moved up the charts as he has ascended the ranks of the Giants’ system and is said to profile as a near-ready number-four starter. He sat at fifth among the team’s pre-MLB assets in Baseball America’s latest farm ranking (also cracking the top-100 list leaguewide) and seventh per MLB.com. Though he doesn’t have huge stuff, the pundits credit him as a sturdy southpaw who limits the home runs and walks and should be able to generate strong results with a quality three-pitch mix.
The Twins will promote top prospect Jorge Polanco to replace Nunez on the active roster, the Star-Tribune’s Phill Miller tweets. Polanco, 23, enjoyed a nice start to his major league career in a brief stint earlier this season after cracking some top-100 prospect rankings over the winter. He has spent most of the year at Triple-A, posting a .271/.331/.455 batting line in 320 plate appearances with nine long balls on his ledger.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Looks like the Giants are really all in on beating the Cubs and continuing the even year tradition! Great move for SF.
Beating the Cubs? You act like the Cubs are the team to beat…. They haven’t proved anything except that they know how to throw a pajama party.
Yeah they are sort of good and favored to win it though
They’re first in the league, what are you talking about
Ya- You’re right…the Cubs didn’t just go to the NLCS last season and don’t currently own the best record in the Major Leagues 100 games into the year….haven’t proven to be a viable threat whatsoever (((eyeroll)))
Seems like a good deal for the Twins. Not a follower of the Giants farm, but isn’t Mejia a high regarded prospect?
he’s always had promise, but comes with a 2014 PED suspension too
Hes not terribly high regarded, but hes a nice get. Nunez also has been playing really well and is versatile.
He’s high regarded relative to the Giants farm system
That’s fair, but so would the Braves #15 prospect. The Giants don’t have much to give up, so they have to give up someone relatively decent.
He’s a decent pitcher. I watched him in A with San Jose. Seems like he’ll be a solid back of the rotation guy, with mid-rotation-ceiling. But I believe he’s Major League quality. As a Giants fan with no connection to the AL, I usually pull for the Twins over most AL teams, this trade will benefit both clubs IMO
He could be still a year or 2 away considering his stats in Sacremento, so it’s a even trade
Where would he play? Third base perhaps?
3rd base for sure until Duffy comes back. I kind like this deal for the Giants; Nunez has speed and can play multiple positions. Duffy is still on the DL, Panik just came off the DL and has struggled when healthy, so this should allow the Giants to bring both along slowly if needed. Nunez can also play OF if they want to play him in LF.
I agree. It’s a great trade for them. It definitely provides them with some valuable versatility. He can fill in for Panik at second as well like you said. I also like that he isn’t just a rental
This is shaping up to be a terrible trade deadline lol.
Last year spoiled us lol
Why do you say that because not even Monday yet and lot still going to move?
Really need a OF or even like Lucroy so Posey can go to 1B and Belt to LF.
The Giants aren’t getting Lucroy
i didnt mean for the giants, i meant for MLB. im a ranger fan btw and Brixton is right, last year did spoil us!
I didnt mean for the Giants, I meant for MLB in general. Im a Ranger fan btw and Brixton is right, last year did spoil us!
Hmm… Does anybody know anything about Mejia? Smells like a Terry Ryan move to me.
Quality B level prospect. LH starter with MOTR upside. PED history though. If you’re don’t buy into Nunez as a .300 hitter (which you shouldn’t), it’s a solid get for a solid get for 1.5 years of a utility man
Anthony is a clone of Ryan. Another terrible trade for the Twins. I hope that he stays interim and never general manager. He should apologize to the Twins fans
They will most certainly hire from outside the organization. Antony will be retained in some capacity but not as GM.
You clearly don’t understand baseball.
Get some B Evans. Way to make us better baby.
Wtf
nice trade for both teams. Mejia is a good arm for MN to add long term
Seems like a very solid return, I’m happy with it. The last lefty starting prospect the Twins got from the Giants turned out pretty well. Nunez is a good pick up for the Giants as well.
Twin fans, what should SF fans expect from Nunez?
Solid player. Came into his own in Minnesota. Became one of the more popular players on the club and a leader in the clubhouse. Can handle multiple positions well. Leads the AL in stolen bases. I for one think the Twins should have kept him long term even before this breakout year.
He’s a utility-type who had a couple good months but has regressed to his previous levels over the last month or so. He has power and speed but doesn’t walk and can’t handle shortstop so his value as a utility guy is limited. His defense all-around isn’t particularly good but he can play multiple positions so there’s some value in that. The Twins got him for nothing after the Yanks soured on him, so it seems like a good deal for both teams.
Mejia isn’t anyhting special but he’s probably better than Ricky Nolasco or Tyler Duffey.
Unsure it was necessary, Ramiro Pena has been doing the sort of thing they will ask Nunez to do very well, bit stunned really, when pitching is a much clearer need, particularly with Cain and Peavy having such woeful years.
Just because they added Nunez doesn’t mean they won’t add pitching too. They’ve been all over the relief market.
I’m fully aware they are looking into relievers/starters, just thought Mejia could have been used to acquire a pitcher rather than Nunez, as there isn’t an overly clear need nor upgrade in the Nunez switch.
There isn’t a need to add Nunez? He adds depth at 3 positions of need, 2B, 3B, and LF. He has 26 stolen bases, best on the team, hitting .300, and was an all-star this year. Not to mention he us under control until after 2017. Right now, he fills and immediate need at 3B until Duffy can come back.
I agree. He could have been used to possibly get an RP or SP (if packaged with another 2-3 prospects given the going rate).
I agree I don’t love this move, and don’t think a guy hitting .300(who will likely regress) is really going to be a ton better than the replacement level guys that have been hitting .270, but it should help the team some. At least we know it won’t hurt. I’m guessing the he Giants realize the market is crazy and RP or SP just won’t happen at a reasonable rate. I’m totally against giving up Beede or Arroyo for a rental, or 1.5 year contract (unless it was a true perennial all star (obviously unlikely))
If Nunez was only an IF I would question it but he can hold down 3B bc Duffy has a nagging injury and likely won’t come back at his prior self (his numbers this season may indicate that). Even if Duffy does come back, he can play LF (which Pagan while hitting well has made some ghastly defensive errors, base running errors, and just plain mistakes that I haven’t seen in years past.)
which part of that can Ramiro Pena not do, ok maybe hes not as good as baserunning, but Mejia is one of the Giants top prospects, and Nunez isn’t even going to be in the strongest team.
Prospects come and go. I agree he’s definitely not a major upgrade, but he has more experience than Pena (even if he did start off hot). I don’t expect Nunez to hit .300 in SF, but if he could continue similar production to that of the replacements they’ve used in the IF, while filling holes/playing utility, or even LF, he would help. However I agree, this guy is not the end all solution. I hope there are some pitching moves, but I would say the Giants 10th best prospect (in a fairly weak system) for 1.5years of an all star (even if he isn’t a perennial all star) isn’t a horrible overpay. The Cubs gave up their #1, so = to arroyo(only the kid the Cubs gave up I beleive is much more highly touted), for 2months of chapman. That would make me more anxious than this move. I don’t love it but it should help some… As long as some other help is on the way
Nunez has 26 steals, the team leader(s) on the Giants, Pagan and Span have 9 each. Nunez has 12 HR’s, tied for the lead with Posey. Nunez is batting .300, which leads the team of qualifying players; Posey was the leader at .285. Nunez also has 47 RBI, tied for 3rd with Posey. Throw in the fact that Nunez can play 2B, SS, 3B, and LF, which is more positions and Pena. What else are you looking for? Do think the Giants are done dealing?
sure hope the Giants are not done dealing! need a starting pitcher, for sure. i get that Nunez can add depth to the Giants roster, but i just think that Mejia could have been used as a piece to get a pitcher to slot in behind Samardzija, Nunez is surely going to be a good super-utility piece.
There are still some pieces that the giants could let go, beede, maybe stratton, susac is still down there- you probably don’t want to touch bickford, Fox, shaw, arroyo maybe Blackburn, but other guys are in play
Bingo
Couldn’t Abad and Santana be added to deal solves also Bullpen and Starter?
Abad is a loogy in a good bullpen and Santana hasn’t been that good with a big contract
I thought they were going to target Abad but I’m glad they didn’t because as a Bay Area native, and Oakland STH, I saw him first hand in Oakland and always felt, even when he was good, that he was not nearly as good as the numbers may imply. I would rather the Giants go after a proven guy, having a down year like H. street or even The white sox closer (or honestly even James Shields in that he knows the division). I personally don’t expect the Giants to go after Abad even tho he may technically be a proven veteran to some. I still view him as slightly risky… Possibly my bias leaking thru tho
I’m guessing Nunez plays 3B and bats 2nd in the lineup.
Crazy right. I think he will be the starting 3B, and get some time at SS to help BC rest. I know it sounds crazy but if the price seems to “drop” on Lucroy, while I value pitching much much more, given its massively overpriced , I would love the Giants to go after Lucroy, try to save Poseys legs (split the time a bit on all the guys, have belt play a little left, posey and lucroy can split 1B and C. Basically they would all play ~70% of what they are/were. Hopefully ensuring they’re rested come playoffs (and potentially WS)). I may sound crazy but I feel it could extend Poseys career, and given the type of competitor they both are, I could see it driving them both into becoming even better Catchers (if that’s possible). However my guess is Giants management would be afraid it would send the wrong message… (Especially after how moody some players got this offseason after some signings (like Span))(eg Pagan).
Giants are not getting Lucroy. The Brewers have no need to drop the price. Lucroy has a very friendly contract and will hold onto him as long as they need to before making a deal for him. Lucroy, Posey, and Belt are everyday players and the Giants do not want to play Belt in LF everyday.
I know they aren’t getting Lucroy. I didn’t say I expect it. It’s not going to happen and someone will pay what the brewers are asking. I only say I would like it if the price drops (unlikely) in a hope it could save some wear and tear on the major pieces. Obviously a major downside is putting a gold glover in Belt who’s worked years at his position and craft and forcing him into LF full time. Obviously wouldn’t happen or not realistic. Just saying it sounds crazy and is and won’t happen but theoretically could be better than one may think off the cusp
I’m surprised by this but also okay with it. First off, I’m biased as a Giants STH, and have been through all the even year WS. I expected them to go after RP, or maybe even a Middle of the rotation SP. I heard the rumors of yunel, Nunez, and some other Infielders but semi dismissed it as due diligence not expecting it would happen. Personally while I didn’t expect them to get Braun, I expected a heavy duty OF bat, with a proven record (and no PED “record” (known)). I’m not against this move, because the Giants get Nunez for a year and a half, which I’m fine with for a AAA guy that may or may not help in the future. I’m simply surprised that was the move. I’m guessing this is either an indictment on where Duffy’s Achilles is, possibly how he started, or maybe they look at Nunez as a decent utility option/Lf. Regardless, I’m okay with the move but only under the assumption some RP or better yet maybe an SP comes in. (However, I’m more than willing to skip on the pitching if it results in a massive massive overpay like it appears it would. If that’s the case, then stay away (and I’ll grumble about not signing Petit or another solid RP this offseason. Hopefully a learning lesson I guess).
I did think they would target Ervin Santana because they could take on the extra contract and imo he seems a solid upgrade in the back end of the rotation but most people in the bay don’t feel ES would be any better than peavy or Cain (shockingly). I personally would take Santana’s contract or Shields reduced contract no problem if they truly want to win now, but they may believe they need a more dominant guy to help in the playoffs (but I would say they need a decent SP to ensure they actually win in the regular season ensuring such a birth is even possible)
I think Santana’s asking price will be rather steep, or the purchasers take on the majority of his contract, he is probably an upgrade over Cain, but there are better rentals out there, i’d like to see the Giants take a run at Hellickson or one of the Rays staff (odorizzi or moore).
It seemed like those guys had a lot of suitors tho and I assumed the price may be too steep. But ya all those guys would likely be better contributors. I am all for avoiding giving up prospects though by someone (not me) taking on extra money (I never pay). I guess that’s easy tho.
I guess to me, taking on a bad contract doesn’t feel steep but it’s not my pocket 🙂
i really believe a 4th starter better performing better than Peavy/Cain is needed if the Giants are to win the world series this year!
Ya I think you’re right. They will not get through the season with peavy and Cain. At least one of those guys will end on the DL or with an era north of 6. I would hope they got a capable rotation arm but it seems the cost has made it impossible (unless they clear the farm). I do worry they (ownership) may be unwilling to not pick up someone (just thinking it would send the wrong message as they always get trade pieces if they have a chance). I just worry about an overpay (which is why I’m okay with them picking up a bad contract instead).
The bullpen is a huge concern but the rotation eats up more innings so that should be a larger focus but I have no clue who they can get at a “reasonable” price they would actually be willing to pay
I doubt the Giants make a deal for a SP unless they get a really good deal. It’s not the Giants MO to dump a SP with World Series history in the middle of the year, other than maybe Timmy. Peavy and Cain are not going anywhere. More likely they make a deal for a RP that can lock down the 7th or 8th inning. With Osich going down, a lefty might be more likely, but who knows.
Don’t really need a fourth starter in the postseason, maybe once or twice, and you can just throw a bullpen game then if you need to. Giants have bigger bullpen needs anyway.
Santana won’t move this year. The asking price is going to be too steep, the Twins have said they won’t pay any of his salary and they want a quality piece back for him. I know GM’s play games and always say they aren’t interested in moving someone that do want to move to build trade value; but this looks like a case where they really would want to keep him. The rest of their rotation is a train wreck and having Santana to pitch deep into the game and give the bullpen a night off once each rotation is very valuable to the Twins, since they have several starters that can get pulled quick or have shown they aren’t capable of making it deep into the game. The explanation that to pick up a pitcher of his type on the free agent market this off season would cost at least as much per year and would require a longer commitment than the two years left on his deal is true as well. With all that, I believe them when they say they aren’t motivated to discount their price to move him.
They explicitly said they were open to covering some of Santana’s salary if the package was right.
This is a typical move the Giants make, one that doesn’t appear to be much of a headline grabber, but this is the type of guy Bochy knows how to use very well, and he could make a big impact this year and next.
Ya I agree with that as well. He’s “veteran” enough to be respected, and he’s an all star so going to a good club should help. I didn’t expect this move but it’s fitting for the club.
This article states Nunez has another year of control via arbitration but the article on mlb.com says he’s a free agent at the end of this year … Does anyone know the truth ?
I remember hearing Dick & Bert say that he has one more year before becoming a FA.
He’s got one more arbitration year according to Cot’s
yeh baseball.reference.com says he has one more season before free agency
MLB.com is wrong. He has one more arbitration year before he’s a free agent.
This dude has gotten progressively worse a the season has gone on. I’ve watched him on a daily basis for the past two months, and haven’t been impressed
Which guy is that? Nunez?
His numbers are all wildly BABIP fueled and he is coming back to earth. The twins did well here to sell him on the smoke and mirrors.
Completely agree
Nunez has been one of few Twins players that have been fun to watch this season. Glad they moved him though. Hope it works out well for both clubs.
Too often the Twins have failed to sell high when it made perfect sense to sell high. Nunez has turned out to be a great pickup but he’s obviously not the type of guy you’re going to (re)build a franchise around. Bummed to see him go but it’s a good move.
Absolutely right. Should have moved Plouffe after last season. Probably would have resulted in a deal similar to this. Now he’s broke down riding the DL with very little value. So it goes.
Nice fetch for the Twins. Really liking Mejia’s control. 2.3 BB/9 is great for a kid his age.
Twins people, do u have any notes on Nunez? I’ve heard some bad things for recently but his numbers look good. Anything you guys can share?
Heard he’s a great clubhouse guy. Plays hard. Won’t get many walks out of him…..he definitely goes up there to swing the bat. Numbers have been on a bit of a slide since ASB but he’s been pretty consistent all year. Can steal a base for you too. Should be a gooder fit in SF.
His numbers were above average early in the season due to an increase in plate discipline, over the the past couple of months, his plate discipline has gone back to his career norms, and his numbers have suffered. Decent player, although I would be surprised if he was still starting for a contender everyday by the all star game next year. Nice player, but I believe he has peaked
That’s not terrible, I guess for 1.5 years (more like 1.33 but whatever) of a decent player it’s worth a prospect. I’m ok with it just hope that get some more as well
Who was that?
I’d take Mejia over both Cain and Peavy right now; so I find this move perplexing. Who cares that he is only a back of the rotation starter, that’s what the Giants need. And the PED offense was for a weight loss supplement.
Nunez has pop, but they are getting Tomlinson back who can gets on base at a better clip, steals bases, and can play multiple positions. Pena is fine as the second backup infield option.
Doesn’t seem to make long-term strategic sense.
Cain and peavy won’t get replaced unfortunately but obviously deserve it if they continue. I personally have a bit more faith in peavy (if he’s only going 5, but not like cains any better after the first couple Innings
In theory- Considering Nunez’s versatility including the OF and the fact that he has been having a more-than-stellar season while still being controllable next year- this move lowers the price for teams in on the Bruce/Reddick conversations. Namely, Reddick.
Cubs are going to make an offer on Reddick and if this price is indicative of the current hitters market I would hope a move of Zagunis and Caratini may be able to get it done. Reddick and Baez creating a super-platoon. Pretty much makes that spot in the order a top-5 bat in MLB
cubschat.com/2016/07/27/why-josh-reddick-to-the-cu…
This should lower the cost of hitters market- I dig it. Hopefully this makes it even more likely that the Cubs land Reddick and create one of the best platoons in history for 2nd half of year..
cubschat.com/2016/07/27/why-josh-reddick-to-the-cu…
Span CF
Nunez 2B/3B
Belt 1B
Posey C
Crawford SS
Pence RF
Panik 2B/Duffy 3B
Pagan LF
Giants look god and with that good rotation and back end of bullpen all they could use is an outfielder such as a josh Reddick.
Come on, Indians make a move already! You missed out on Chapman. You missed out on Upton. And now you missed out on Nunez. Please make a deal so you don’t miss out on Lucroy too!