The Braves have struck a deal to acquire some international spending capacity from the Reds, both teams announced. In return, Cincinnati will receive minor-league outfielder Randy Ventura.
$1.25MM in pool money is changing hands, per Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer (via Twitter). Under the new bonus system that goes into place this year, there’s a hard cap on spending. The Reds had started with $5.25MM in availability, while Atlanta had $4.75MM. It’s permissible for teams to trade away their entire allocation, though clubs can only boost their original pools by 75%.
This exchange of spending capacity is more about the volume of signings than aiding the pursuit of bigger fish. Both teams are serving bans on doling out bonuses of over $300K after blowing past their allocations in the prior signing period (when that was still permitted, albeit with penalties).
Both clubs have been rather aggressive with their international outlays in recent years — Atlanta, in particular. Indeed, that’s how the Braves landed Ventura, who signed during the 2014-15 period.
Despite a slight build, Ventura has drawn some attention for his tools — especially, his speed. He swiped 55 bags in just 58 games in the Dominican Summer League upon signing and has stolen 29 through 95 games of Low-A ball this year. That said, he has also yet to develop any pop, with his on-base percentage out-pacing his slugging percentage in each of his pro seasons. Through 413 trips to the plate in 2017, Ventura owns a .294/.338/.325 batting line.
Some of these minor leaguers being moved around have The Show default names.
hahah trueee
Lmao
+1
Good deal for both teams. Ventura is in Low-A ball, but gets on base, hits for average and features terrific speed. He won’t hit for much power, but definitely a worthy pickup.
Ventura has to be one of my favorite players. Is going to hit for high average, and good speed, but has very little power. Getting 1.25 million for him is a good trade for the braves.
They traded him for spending room, not $1.25 million. The Reds paid nothing. They simply sent part of the allocated room to spend on international signings is all. So the Braves got virtual room to spend an additional $1.25 of their OWN money. Considering neither team can offer more than $300,000, I don’t see the need for either to be trading FOR more room. The move by the Braves confuses me unless they intend to sign 20 crappy players from the same neighborhood in Cuba or something.
It’s being done by many teams and it makes sense, but try not to confuse getting money v getting room to spend more money in a cap system for intl signings.
As they aren’t able to spend over the $300,000, could it be they are acquiring extra with the idea of trading the spending room to a team without restrictions in a future deal as a sweetener? For example, might they trade a player and “x” amount of spending room to acquire a player from another team? Maybe this would reduce the player capital being used in such a trade? Or is this spending room of the variety that could only be traded once?
But, Ventura is a future HOF player and can do on wrong. What will the Braves do next? Trade Sean Rodriguez for a meh minor leaguer?
Are you sir by any chance on Talking Chop?