The Royals have traded left-handed starter Mike Minor and cash to the Reds in exchange for left-handed reliever Amir Garrett, per announcements from both teams.
Minor, 34, is headed into the second season of a two-year, $18MM contract originally signed with Kansas City. He’s due $10MM this season, plus a $1MM buyout on a mutual option for the 2023 season. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand tweets that the Royals are covering that $1MM buyout. Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer adds that Kansas City is also covering $500K of Minor’s salary. That leaves the Reds on the hook for about $7.3MM in additional salary commitments, when factoring in the projected $2.2MM (via MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz) that would’ve gone to the arbitration-eligible Garrett.
It’s frankly bizarre to see Cincinnati take on cash to acquire a struggling veteran starter, considering they commenced their offseason by placing a highly productive veteran starter, Wade Miley, on outright waivers — content to just give him away in order to save the same $10MM salary that is owed to Minor. The move to add Minor, who has an ERA north of 5.00 in each of his past two seasons, is a clear downgrade over simply keeping Miley. One can also imagine that if the goal was to add a veteran to the staff after trading Sonny Gray, there were options in free agency at a similar or even lesser price point.
Minor has been a durable source of innings over the past four years, starting at least 28 games in each full season and another 11 during the shortened 2020 campaign. However, he posted a 5.05 ERA in Kansas City through last year’s 158 1/3 innings, punching out 22.3% of his opponents against a strong 6.1% walk rate. Metrics like FIP (4.29) and SIERA (4.20) feel Minor’s strikeout and walk rates ought to have yielded a better ERA, but it’s quite a bet for him to bounce back when factoring in how the change of scenery could adversely impact Minor. As a fly-ball pitcher whose biggest Achilles heel during that time has been a susceptibility to home runs (1.43 HR/9 since 2018), the move to Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park seems like a poor fit (particularly at a time when the National League is adding the designated hitter).
Perhaps the Reds plan to explore additional trade scenarios surrounding Minor. Perhaps they believe pitching coach Derek Johnson, who coached Minor at Vanderbilt more than a decade ago, can help Minor return to form. Whatever the motivation behind the trade, it’s strange to see Cincinnati going out of its way to add salary after so aggressively finding ways to cut payroll over the past 18 months. In a vacuum, the trade for Minor is a sensible enough bet on a rebound for a prominent veteran — but in the context of the Reds’ recent string of transactions, it’s just rather puzzling.
As for the Royals, they’ll add a hard-throwing lefty with big bat-missing ability who has never quite put things together for a prolonged run of success. The 29-year-old Garrett averages 95 mph on his heater and has fanned just under 30% of his opponents dating back to 2018, but he’s also susceptible to walks (12.1%) and home runs (1.36 HR/9). Home runs have been a particular issue for Garrett over the past two seasons, although a move out of Cincinnati and into the spacious Kauffman Stadium could help him cut back on those long balls.
Garrett is controlled through the 2023 season via arbitration, so if the new environs can finally coax some consistency from him, he could be a vital piece of the Royals’ relief corps. Beyond the strikeouts and velocity, Garrett ranks 14th among all qualified relievers with a 15.7% swinging-strike rate since 2019, so the potential for a breakout is there. He’ll join a Kansas City bullpen that is increasingly deep in hard-throwing arms who can miss bats, pairing with righties like Josh Staumont and Scott Barlow as well as southpaw Jake Brentz.
Royals blowing up their rotation was not something I necessarily expected
Saying trading Mike Minor is blowing anything up a major stretch.
That’s gonna be great.
It’s a minor loss
Cool now Garrett can headhunt Baez again.
And fight Rizzo… It’s on.
He fights pretty much everyone. Ask the Pirates.
Good move by the Royals.
Reds saved all their money for this…
Royals said we’ll give you our top Minor and Reds jumped.
Well played! Very puzzling move by the Reds.
Haha
Krall caught in 4K
So they swapped Miley for Minor and Garrett, saving a total of $2m to make both their rotation and bullpen worse?
Even worse. They swapped Miley AND Garrett for Minor. But to say losing Garrett makes their bullpen worse is a stretch. Frankly, he was very bad last year. He seems like one of those relievers that is just so unpredictable. Could have a 1.00 ERA or a 7.00 ERA for the year.
for what he’s getting paid it seems to be a no-brainer.
But specific players aside, I just don’t think ERA is a fair judge of value for a reliever. Too many variables plus sample size issues.
When relievers only pitch 60 innings a year, there will never be a large sample size. And there are too many variables for EVERY predictor. Garrett gave up the lead more often than not when he pitched in 2021. Hard to believe that is not a trend.
I don’t think the Reds can even say they saved Garrrett’s salary. He’s in arbitration. They could have cut him now for minimal cost. And then signed an innings eater free agent for their rotation. This trade would only have made sense if they were getting more cash back.
Even worse they let Mikey go so he can pitch against them a bunch
Royals gonna lead the league in brawls this year
2015 royals vs 2019 reds bench clearing brawl who wins???
Gotta go Reds for the Puig factor. That is a dude that I would not want to be up against.
Christian Colon would have to fight himself since he was on both teams. The Royals Colon was younger, but the Reds Colon has the experience. Tough call Jim.
And let’s not forget the father & 15 year old son White Sox fans who beat up KC 1B coach Tom Gambia nearly 10 years ago!
Can’t wait to see the Baez Garrett brawl go down
I was disappointed that I wasn’t going to see him brawl with the entire Pirates team, but you’ve reminded me about the Baez history. This helps a little.
I will miss Baez in the central. Going to brewers cubs games was great. Lots of energy and the entire park booed him every at bat. Definitely worth the price of admission
Huh. Do the Reds keep Minor for some time into the season (with an eye for the trade deadline, if not sooner), or do they look to flip him immediately?
No good team is going to want Mike Minor so no, I wouldn’t expect them to flip him to anyone anytime soon
Reds gotta make sure to get cash
Donaldson just left the AL Central. That would have been an epic brawl.
For this year, Garrett and Donaldson are both in the American League, so they’ll have at least 6 games to duke it out.
I’m starting to really feel bad for the fans of Cincinnati. This is ridiculous.
Oakland fans be like: “First time?”.
They’re even. Oakland won in 1972 and Cincinnati won in 1990.
Oakland ‘89
@cndb41a
I was clearly talking about head-to-head. Oakland beat San Francisco in 1989.
At least Oakland is getting a decent return.
Garrett isn’t a loss. He’s not a very good pitcher
Reds got SP depth for a dude with 0.0 career bWAR
Reds used all the money they saved on Miley to pay Minor, who is worse.
But were able to shed themselves of Garrett in the process. Addition by subtraction.
They could have just cut Garrett. Paying such a high salary for Minor is a major mistake.
But they picked back up most of the salary they shed by releasing Miley while they got a pitcher who is considerably worse.
Everyone forgets that Miley WAS a “considerably worse” pitcher when they picked him up in the first place. Probably around the same level as Minor now. Maybe Derrick Johnson sees something similar in Minor that he saw in Miley a couple years back. I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt here.
The Mets are asleep right now
On a king sized mattress filled with Cohen money
The most cursed franchise in baseball
Um Cubs say hello.
Either they’re trying to figure out the vaccine bs or they are going all in on Freeman and Hader. Otherwise I do not know what the fuuuuu they are doing
They signed Max Scherzer, Eduardo Escobar, Mark Canha, and Starling Marte as well as traded for Chris Bassitt. Three of those guys were All-Stars last year. Is that not enough for you? I know you guys are a big market and all but sheesh, get some perspective.
@joev93
1986. That’s why they’re angry. I have already predicted Mets over Astros in 2049 though.
The team still has flaws offensively and the rotation is talented but is both old and fragile. They need another OF bat. The Mets are lacking in OF power.
I’ve always liked Amir Garrett and have pined for him to be in the Marlins bullpen for years. Change of scenery should do him well.
Garrett is awful. If a team fixes his delivery and wildness, he could be a very effective arm. Right now, he simply belongs in the WWE
Strange trade between two bad team
Now to find a partner for Carlos Santana and sign greinke
Neil Schon. Maybe Greg Rollie?
Frusciante and a percussionist to be named later
Something tells me this was a request for Amir to stay in the same division as Javy Baez…
( taking out the popcorn )
Would be even better to see him traded to Detroit. Imagine being a fly on the wall in that clubhouse
Lol reds
Mike Minor in Great American Ball Park? That’s gonna hurt, but fans (if there are any) will be catching HR balls in the stands.
Reds FO tipping insanity
This is exactly why I said that Cincinnati and Cleveland should just merge into one franchise and move to Columbus.
It would be a great way to get rid of the stupid Guardians name.
Why? Garrett is the definition of replacement level over his career (0.0 bWAR). Minor is SP depth, left-handed at that.
There has to be more to this story, or to the Miley story. Weird way to spend the money you’ve been trying to save by offloading contracts.
Minor is making same money Miley would have made if the Reds kept him. This trade makes no sense .. i am not an Amir Garrett fan since he seems to be a bit unstable
. I think the Reds were tired of his antics. its going to be a strange year in Redsland
Royals are sending money. Guessing he’s only going to cost the Reds $5M or less
With this trade, the Reds have passed the Rox as the worst run franchise in baseball.
I know, I know.
Pittsburgh and Baltimore are bad, but they at least have had a plan. It may not be a good plan, but its better than what the Reds have done over the last few years.
I was about to ask which is the most mystifying franchise. At least Pit and the O’s are consistent; I have no idea what the Rox and Reds are doing.
Reds need a GM without rectal-cranial inversion. Krall is a kid who got the job due to nepotism and it shows.
He’s not related to anybody in the organization. He’s a stooge to be sure but he’s a self-made stooge.
That would look good on his business card: Self Made Stooge.
They’re going to flip him. Even for a couple of mediocre prospects. They are rebuilding and wanted to rid themselves of the angriest man in baseball. Actually a decent move.
This is pathetic! You can’t believe anything coming out of Bob Castellini or Nick Krall loud mouth liars. MLB needs to start an investigation into Castellini as he trying to tank the team and I wonder if he moving Reds profits to Castellini Produce Company in Wilder Kentucky! Bob show the fans the profit/loss statement of the Reds!
If they keep Minor and have him in the rotation, that would be grounds for investigation. Nobody wants Mike Minor these days……except the Reds? I smell a rat
Why did they waive Miley to trade for Minor making the same salary when they make the same?
Wish I could edit that.
So they could unload Garrett!
Just WHAT in the actual HELL, are these idiots trying to accomplish?!
The Reds front office are like degenerate gamblers; they get off on losing.
Such an odd move. Love MLBTR ripping the reds a new one here lol
All is well in the world now that we have the Garrett-Baez rivalry set for the 2022 season.
Minor super pumped to learn he’s been traded. Until they told him where he’ll be going.
Horrible move by the Reds front office. Why not just keep Miley? Why trade Amir when his value is at its absolute lowest?
A few years ago, the Reds had an amazing farm and were suppossed to be on the rise. The front office completely botched everything and are back to rebuilding. What an absolute joke. I feel bad for Votto.
Castellini to Krall: “Crash the organization.”
Krall: “What? Why?”
Castellini: “Shut up and follow orders or you’ll find yourself on the waiver wire.”
Krall: “Aye, aye, cap’n. Mike Minor incoming.”
Been a Reds fan since 78. You are right. Our front office is ran by a bunch of dingalings. First, it was GM Dick Williams who got the job because his old man was a minority owner, now it’s Nick Krall who is just a butt kissing, butt sniffer, yes man for Castellini. Hey, let’s promote a GM from within since we’ve been so successful. Pathetic what has happened to this once proud franchise.
Trading luggage is all
Minor might actually be decent if kept in relief again. Who knows why they made the trade but I think talent wise the reds win this.
Garrett back in the same division with Javy Baez
Minor has a 4.20 sierra each of the last two seasons and a 4.30 & 4.52 xfip. His peripheral stats indicate that his performance should have been average to + average. I like this trade!!! The only concerning part is his proclevity to giving up the longball. I think this will surprise and be a very good trade for this season and if they want they can keep him in 23′ for 13 million.
Minor prone to giving up longballs in KC is now in the GAB. What could go wrong?
Right?
Linda Kaye Henning is upset that Mike Minor has been traded.
I get the trading Garrett, try to get some value for a controllable player. But acquiring Minor makes ZERO sense. What are the Reds doing?
They need starters, especially if they deal Castillo.
But why spend that much? Surely they can sign someone for less than that.
I fully expect them to try to flip Minor before the trade deadline, but only if he pitches good enough to be flipped.
I don’t remember the last time a Reds move made sense to me. They are in the middle of another rebuild, and they add salary with Minor? And I’m betting that the trade deadline, Garrett has more trade value.
Maybe they can change the team name to the Cincinnati Spiders.
I’m just excited that Javy Baez and Amir Garrett will be in the same division again.
good thing they let Miley walk for nothing to end up with a worse pitcher for pretty much even money.
A trade between two crappy teams
Wait! What?!? The Reds did what?? Not again! We gave away Barnhart for nothing near his true market value, literally gave away Miley for nothing, replaced AS Winker with Jake Fraley (although we did dump Suarez but Moustakas would have been a better dump), and now we ADD salary to secure Minor so he can fight it out with Justin Dunn for the #5 starter or long reliever. Granted, Miley will come nowhere close to replicating last year’s performance but he could have at least been traded for something. Miley was damaged material at the end of last year and in 4 of his last 6 starts failed to go 5 innings but putting him on waivers seems overly negligent. Getting rid of Garrett is a plus because that dude is a gaping head case and he didn’t just give up hits and HRs, he gave them up in crucial spots. Good riddance there. As a longtime Reds fan I think Castellini owes us an explanation or some justification for a totally uneven approach to rebuilding (think tanking).
Excellent trade for KC!
The Reds seem to be completely lost.
Just back to being a AAA team again, Please sell them. Since you don’t want to win
Krall was confused, Bob said trade him for a Minor league player. Royals offered Krall the best Minor they had, and he signed off without asking any questions
The royals won the day
No one ever said the reds were smart, can’t even make good trades. There a joke, there back to being a AAA team. Management is a clown act, and the owner if he had any class would sell them to someone who wants to win. New team hats should say, THE JOKES.
From a Royals fan thank you Reds!!!
In an offseason full of unbelievably bad moves by the Reds, this might be the worst.
The only justification for giving away Sonny Gray and Wade Miley was that Hunter Greene and/or Nick Lodolo were getting called up.
Now, though, they’ve blocked at least one of them with a an old, expensive AAAA starter.
This is a nightmare.