More Than A Decade Of Mike Rizzo Trades
Expectations weren’t all that lofty when Mike Rizzo took over D.C. baseball operations back in 2009. It’s safe to say he has exceeded them. His first roster matched the ’08 outfit with a brutal 59-win effort. That ramped to 69-93 and then 80-81 in the ensuing two seasons. The Nats broke out in 2012 and haven’t had a losing campaign since. There has been quite a lot of drama over the years, but the D.C. organization finally broke through a postseason curse with a stunning run to a title in 2019.
Rizzo’s history on the trade market includes some duds, but also quite a few slam dunks. He’s still not under contract beyond the 2020 season, though the expectation remains that he’ll end up working out another extension to remain at the helm.
2009 Season
- Acquired RHP Logan Kensing from the Marlins for RHP Kyle Gunderson
- Acquired 1B/OF Mike Morse from the Mariners for OF Ryan Langerhans
- Acquired LHP Sean Burnett and OF Nyjer Morgan from the Pirates for OF Lastings Milledge and RHP Joel Hanrahan
- Acquired LHP Aaron Johnson from the Marlins for 1B Nick Johnson
- Acquired RHPs Ryan Mattheus and Robinson Fabian from the Rockies for LHP Joe Beimel
- Acquired OFs Daryle Ward and Norris Hopper from the White Sox for cash
- Acquired RHP Luis Garcia and a PTBNL (LHP Victor Garante) from the Dodgers for INF Ronnie Belliard
- Acquired C Jamie Burke from the Mariners for cash
2009-10 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Brian Bruney from the Yankees in exchange for Rule 5 pick Jamie Hoffman
2010 Season
- Acquired C Wilson Ramos and LHP Joe Testa from the Twins for RHP Matt Capps
- Acquired RHPs Tanner Roark & Ryan Tatusko from the Rangers for INF Cristian Guzman
- Acquired SS Brian Bixler from the Pirates for cash
2010-11 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Henry Rodriguez and OF Corey Brown from the Athletics for OF Josh Willingham
- Acquired LHP Tom Gorzelanny from the Cubs for RHP A.J. Morris, LHP Graham Hicks and OF Michael Burgess
- Acquired RHP Adam Olbrychowski from the Yankees for OF Justin Maxwell
- Acquired INF/OF Cutter Dykstra and cash from the Brewers for OF Nyjer Morgan
- Acquired RHP Erik Davis and cash from the Padres in exchange for INF Alberto Gonzalez
2011 Season
- Acquired OF Gregor Blanco from the Royals for cash
- Acquired OF Jonny Gomes and cash from the Reds for OF Bill Rhinehart and LHP Chris Manno
- Acquired SS Zach Walters from the Diamondbacks for RHP Jason Marquis
- Acquired OF Erik Komatsu from the Brewers for INF/OF Jerry Hairston Jr.
2011-12 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Ryan Perry from the Tigers for RHP Collin Balester
- Acquired LHP Gio Gonzalez and RHP Robert Gilliam from the Athletics for RHPs A.J. Cole and Brad Peacock, C Derek Norris and LHP Tommy Milone
2012 Season
- Acquired C Kurt Suzuki and cash from the Athletics for C David Freitas
2012-13 Offseason
- Acquired OF Denard Span from the Twins for RHP Alex Meyer
- Acquired RHPs A.J. Cole and Blake Treinen and LHP Ian Krol from the Athletics in a three-team deal that sent 1B/OF Mike Morse from the Nats to the Mariners and C John Jaso from the Mariners to the Athletics
2013 Season
- Acquired RHP Ian Dickson from the Cubs for RHP Henry Rodriguez
- Acquired OF Scott Hairston from the Cubs for RHP Ivan Pineyro
- Acquired OF David DeJesus from the Cubs for cash
- Acquired LHP Matthew Spann from the Rays for OF David DeJesus
- Acquired RHP Dakota Bacus from the Athletics for C Kurt Suzuki
2013-14 Offseason
- Acquired OF John Wooten from the Athletics for LHP Fernando Abad
- Acquired RHP Doug Fister from the Tigers for LHP Robbie Ray, INF Steve Lombardozzi and LHP Ian Krol
- Acquired LHP Jerry Blevins from the Athletics for OF Billy Burns
- Acquired C Jose Lobaton, LHP Felipe Vazquez and OF Drew Vettleson from the Rays for RHP Nate Karns
- Acquired INF Brandon Laird from the Royals for cash
2014 Season
- Acquired 2B/SS Asdrubal Cabrera from the Indians for SS Zach Walters
- Acquired LHP Matt Thornton from Yankees for cash
2014-15 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Abel De Los Santos and INF Chris Bostick from the Rangers for LHP Ross Detwiler
- Acquired SS Trea Turner (as a PTBNL) and RHP Joe Ross from the Padres in three-team deal that sent OF Steven Souza Jr. and LHP Travis Ott to the Rays
- Acquired INF Yunel Escobar from the Athletics for RHP Tyler Clippard
- Acquired C Dan Butler from the Red Sox for LHP Daniel Rosenbaum
- Acquired OF Matt den Dekker from the Mets for LHP Jerry Blevins
2015 Season
- Acquired OF Darin Mastroianni from the Phillies for cash
- Acquired RHP David Carpenter from the Yankees for INF Tony Renda
- Acquired RHP Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies for RHP Nick Pivetta
2015-16 Offseason
- Acquired RHPs Trevor Gott and Michael Brady from the Angels for INF Yunel Escobar and cash
- Acquired OF Ben Revere from the Blue Jays for RHP Drew Storen
2016 Season
- Acquired LHP Marc Rzepczynski from the Athletics for INF Max Shrock
- Acquired C Taylor Gushue from the Pirates for SS Chris Bostick
- Acquired RHP Mark Melancon from the Pirates for LHPs Felipe Vazquez and Taylor Hearn
2016-17 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Jimmy Cordero from the Phillies for a PTBNL (RHP Mario Sanchez)
- Acquired C Derek Norris from the Padres for RHP Pedro Avila
- Acquired OF Adam Eaton from the White Sox for RHPs Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning
- Acquired RHPs Austin L. Adams and Kyle McGowin from the Angels for 2B/SS Danny Espinosa
- Acquired LHP Enny Romero from the Rays for RHP Jeffrey Rosa
- Acquired OF Ryan Raburn from the White Sox for cash
2017 Season
- Acquired LHP Sean Doolittle and RHP Ryan Madson from the Athletics for RHP Blake Treinen, LHP Jesus Luzardo and 2B Sheldon Neuse
- Acquired INF Howie Kendrick and cash from the Phillies for LHP McKenzie Mills and international bonus pool space
- Acquired RHP Brandon Kintzler from the Twins in exchange for LHP Tyler Watson and $500K of international bonus pool space
2017-18 Offseason
- Acquired INF Matt Reynolds from the Mets for cash
2018 Season
- Acquired RHP Kelvin Herrera from the Royals for 3B Kelvin Gutierrez, OF Blake Perkins and RHP Yohanse Morel
- Acquired RHP Jacob Condra-Bogan from the Royals for OF Brian Goodwin
- Acquired RHP Jhon Romero from the Cubs for RHP Brandon Kintzler
- Acquired INF Andruw Monasterio from the Cubs for 2B Daniel Murphy and cash
- Acquired RHP Andrew Istler from the Dodgers for Ryan Madson
- Acquired C/1B KJ Harrison and INF Gilbert Lara from the Brewers in exchange for LHP Gio Gonzalez and $250K of international bonus pool space
2018-19 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Kyle Barraclough from the Marlins for $1MM of international bonus pool space
- Acquired C Yan Gomes from the Indians for RHP Jefry Rodriguez, OF Daniel Johnson and a PTBNL (INF Andruw Monasterio)
- Acquired RHP Tanner Rainey from the Reds for RHP Tanner Roark
2019 Season
- Acquired LHP Nick Wells from the Mariners for RHP Austin L. Adams
- Acquired RHP Daniel Hudson from the Blue Jays for RHP Kyle Johnston
- Acquired LHP Roenis Elias from the Mariners for LHP Taylor Guilbeau and RHP Elvis Alvarado
- Acquired RHP Hunter Strickland from the Mariners for LHP Aaron Fletcher
2019-20 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Ryne Harper from the Twins in exchange for RHP Hunter McMahon
—
With that exhausting exercise out of the way — it’s time for MLBTR readers to weigh in! What grade does the president of baseball operations of the reigning World Champs get for his trading efforts? (Link to poll for Trade Rumors mobile app users.)
Grade Mike Rizzo's trades as Nationals GM:
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B 50% (1,605)
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A 27% (887)
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C 18% (585)
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D 3% (99)
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F 2% (62)
Total votes: 3,238
Curious to look back on additional GMs and their trade histories?
We’ve already polled on Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen, recently fired Astros president Jeff Luhnow, Brewers president of baseball ops David Stearns, Angels GM Billy Eppler, Rockies GM Jeff Bridich, Tigers GM Al Avila, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins, Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto, Phillies GM Matt Klentak, Padres GM A.J. Preller, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Rays GM Erik Neander, ex-Red Sox front office leader Dave Dombrowski, Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen, Reds GM Dick Williams, Orioles GM Mike Elias, former Diamondbacks GM Dave Stewart, and Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi.
Recapping Farhan Zaidi’s Trades As Giants’ President
Farhan Zaidi was hired as the Giants’ president of baseball operations from the archrival Dodgers in November 2018. The club has largely eschewed headline-grabbing moves since, but the front office has been as active as any on the waiver wire. That emphasis on low-cost additions to the margins of the roster has extended to the trade market. It’s still too early to judge Zaidi’s overall body of work, but some of the lesser-heralded names have produced strong early returns.
Equally as noteworthy as the deals Zaidi has made are the ones he hasn’t. The club didn’t move impending free agents Madison Bumgarner or Will Smith at last summer’s deadline. In Zaidi’s defense, the club sat at 55-53 last July 31, just two games back of the second NL Wild Card (and eventual World Series champion) Nationals. They surely also considered the draft compensation they were in line to receive this winter if each signed elsewhere as qualified free agents (as both ultimately did). Yet the Giants never looked especially likely to make a deep playoff run (Fangraphs gave them just a 5.9% shot of reaching the postseason at the time). There was certainly a case to be made they should’ve acted as a decisive seller. Instead, they pursued something of a middle-ground, trading away a few notable relievers while also making further marginal acquisitions.
With that second-guessing out of the way, we’ll turn to the moves Zaidi’s front office has struck since he took charge in SF (excluding the most minor transactions).
2018-19 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Trevor Gott from Nationals for cash considerations
- Acquired INF/OF Connor Joe from Reds for RHP Jordan Johnson and cash considerations
- Acquired OF Mike Yastrzemski from Orioles for RHP Tyler Herb
- Acquired LHP Williams Jerez from Angels for RHP Chris Stratton
2019 Season
- Acquired RHP Jesus Ozoria from Mariners for C Tom Murphy
- Acquired OF Kevin Pillar from Blue Jays for RHP Derek Law, INF/OF Alen Hanson and RHP Juan De Paula
- Acquired 1B/OF Tyler Austin from Twins for OF Malique Ziegler
- Acquired OF Alex Dickerson from Padres for RHP Franklin Van Gurp
- Acquired RHP Prelander Berroa, OF Jaylin Davis and RHP Kai-Wei Teng from Twins for RHP Sam Dyson
- Acquired IF/OF Mauircio Dubon from Brewers for LHP Drew Pomeranz and RHP Ray Black
- Acquired RHP Tristan Beck and RHP Dan Winkler from Braves for RHP Mark Melancon
- Acquired 2B Scooter Gennett from Reds for cash considerations
- Acquired OF Joe McCarthy from Rays for LHP Jacob Lopez
2019-20 Offseason
- Acquired IF Will Wilson and INF Zack Cozart (released thereafter) from Angels for LHP Garrett Williams
How would you grade Zaidi’s first year-plus on the trade market? (Poll link for app users).
Grade Farhan Zaidi's Trades As Giants' President.
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B 35% (2,220)
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C 33% (2,139)
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D 13% (856)
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A 11% (722)
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F 7% (460)
Total votes: 6,397
Curious to look back on additional GMs and their trade histories?
We’ve already polled on Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen, recently fired Astros president Jeff Luhnow, Brewers president of baseball ops David Stearns, Angels GM Billy Eppler, Rockies GM Jeff Bridich, Tigers GM Al Avila, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins, Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto, Phillies GM Matt Klentak, Padres GM A.J. Preller, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Rays GM Erik Neander, ex-Red Sox front office leader Dave Dombrowski, Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen, Reds GM Dick Williams, Orioles GM Mike Elias and former Diamondbacks GM Dave Stewart.
Revisiting Dave Stewart’s D-backs Trades
Dave Stewart’s transition from agent to Diamondbacks general manager was both brief and frenetic. Not afraid to make moves that bucked industry trends, Stewart’s regime aggressively moved young talent for veterans, seemingly placed a lower value on draft picks than other clubs and made what proved to be a pair of high-profile missteps on the international market as they set out on a clear win-now path.
In 2016, the Diamondbacks marketed an “evolutionary” year for the franchise following an offseason that was headlined by their stunning signing of Zack Greinke to a six-year, $206.5MM deal. That 2016 campaign did prove to be a major turning point for the organization, although surely not in the manner the front office had hoped; Arizona finished out the year with a 69-93 record that led to a swift front office overhaul and the dismissal of manager Chip Hale.
Here’s a look back at the two years of hectic wheeling and dealing under the watch of Stewart, Tony La Russa and De Jon Watson…
2014-15 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Jeremy Hellickson from the Rays in exchange for OF Justin Williams and SS Andrew Velazquez
- Acquired LHP Robbie Ray and 2B/SS Domingo Leyba from the Tigers in a three-team trade that sent SS Didi Gregorius from D-backs to Yankees and RHP Shane Greene from Yankees to Tigers
- Acquired RHPs Zack Godley and Jeferson Mejia from the Cubs in exchange for C Miguel Montero
- Acquired RHPs Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster and INF Raymel Flores from the Red Sox in exchange for LHP Wade Miley
- Acquired RHP Myles Smith from the Red Sox in exchange for RHP Zeke Spruill
- Acquired OFs Josh Elander and Victor Reyes and cash from the Braves in exchange for RHP Trevor Cahill and a Competitive Balance Round B pick (announced as two separate deals on April 2 and April 6, as competitive balance picks couldn’t technically be swapped until after Opening Day)
2015 Season
- Acquired C Welington Castillo, RHP Dominic Leone, OF Gabby Guerrero and INF Jack Reinheimer from the Mariners in exchange for 1B/OF Mark Trumbo and LHP Vidal Nuno
- Acquired SS Phil Gosselin from the Braves in exchange for RHP Touki Toussaint and RHP Bronson Arroyo (the Braves effectively purchased Toussaint by taking on the remainder of the injured Arroyo’s contract)
- Acquired SS Dawel Lugo from the Blue Jays in exchange for INF Cliff Pennington
- Acquired LHP Junior Garcia from the Astros in exchange for LHP Oliver Perez
- Acquired RHPs Matt Koch and Miller Diaz from the Mets in exchange for RHP Addison Reed
2015-16 Offseason
- Acquired C/OF Chris Herrmann from the Twins in exchange for OF Daniel Palka
- Acquired RHP Sam McWilliams from the Phillies in exchange for RHP Jeremy Hellickson
- Acquired RHP Shelby Miller and LHP Gabe Speier from the Braves in exchange for SS Dansby Swanson, OF Ender Inciarte and RHP Aaron Blair
- Acquired SS Jean Segura and RHP Tyler Wagner from the Brewers in exchange for RHP Chase Anderson, 2B Aaron Hill, 2B Isan Diaz and $5.5MM
2016 Season
- Acquired INF Luis Alejandro Basabe and RHP Jose Almonte from the Red Sox in exchange for Brad Ziegler
- Acquired RHP Vicente Campos from the Yankees in exchange for RHP Tyler Clippard
- Acquired OF Jason Heinrich from the Orioles in exchange for OF Michael Bourn
—
How would you grade Stewart’s swaps as general manager in Arizona? (Link to poll for Trade Rumors mobile app users.)
Grade Dave Stewart's trades as D-backs GM:
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D 34% (2,291)
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C 30% (2,026)
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F 23% (1,549)
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B 12% (818)
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A 2% (143)
Total votes: 6,827
Curious to look back on additional GMs and their trade histories?
We’ve already polled on Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen, recently fired Astros president Jeff Luhnow, Brewers president of baseball ops David Stearns, Angels GM Billy Eppler, Rockies GM Jeff Bridich, Tigers GM Al Avila, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins, Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto, Phillies GM Matt Klentak, Padres GM A.J. Preller, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Rays GM Erik Neander, ex-Red Sox front office leader Dave Dombrowski, Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen, Reds GM Dick Williams and Orioles GM Mike Elias.
Mike Elias’ First Year Of Trades
It’s obviously way too soon to judge Orioles GM Mike Elias on his handling of a much-needed Baltimore rebuilding effort. He has only been on the job since November of 2018 and didn’t exactly inherit a slate of players that offered ample opportunity to wheel and deal. Most of the GMs we’ve profiled to date in our GM Trade History series have been on the job at least three times as long as Elias. Still, we can take a look at his initial trade history to glean some initial impressions …
2019-20 Offseason
- Acquired RHPs Isaac Mattson, Zach Peek, Kyle Bradish and Kyle Brnovich from Angels for RHP Dylan Bundy
- Acquired LHP Easton Lucas from Marlins for INF Jonathan Villar
2019 Season
- Acquired OF Elio Prado and INF Noelberth Romero from Red Sox for RHP Andrew Cashner
- Acquired RHP Asher Wojciechowski from Indians for cash
- Acquired OF Keon Broxton from Mets for international bonus availability
- Acquired RHP Tyler Herb from Giants for OF Mike Yastrzemski
2018-19 Offseason
- Acquired OF Dwight Smith Jr. from Blue Jays for international bonus availability
- Acquired RHP Pedro Araujo from Cubs for international bonus availability
- Acquired RHP Xavier Moore from Twins for international bonus availability
- Acquired RHP David Lebron from Rangers for international bonus availability
—
It’s not even quite time for a midterm report card, but we’ll ask anyway: how do you grade Elias’s trades to this early point? (Poll link for app users.)
Grade Mike Elias's trades with Orioles:
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C 40% (1,608)
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B 22% (877)
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D 22% (857)
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F 10% (401)
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A 6% (235)
Total votes: 3,978
Curious to look back on additional GMs and their trade histories? We’ve already polled on Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen, recently fired Astros president Jeff Luhnow, Brewers president of baseball ops David Stearns, Angels GM Billy Eppler, Rockies GM Jeff Bridich, Tigers GM Al Avila, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins, Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto, Phillies GM Matt Klentak, Padres GM A.J. Preller, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Rays GM Erik Neander, ex-Red Sox front office leader Dave Dombrowski, Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen, and Reds GM Dick Williams.
Trade History: Reds’ Dick Williams
Dick Williams has spent more than 15 years in the Reds organization, working in a variety of roles on both the business and baseball ops side of the club prior to being named assistant GM in 2014. A year later, Williams was promoted to general manager as former GM Walt Jocketty ascended to president of baseball operations. At the time of the promotions, though, Jocketty made clear that his days as the club’s top decision-maker were numbered, plainly stating that the much younger Williams was being “groomed” for that post.
[Related: Dick Williams discusses his path to a front office in MLBTR’s College Series]
A year later, in December 2016, that became official when Jocketty moved into an advisory role and formally handed baseball operations autonomy over to Williams, who was named president of baseball operations. Let’s take a look at his track record since that promotion…
2016-17 Offseason
- Acquired RHPs Luis Castillo and Austin Brice and OF Zeek White from the Marlins in exchange for RHP Dan Straily
- Acquired LHP Andrew McKirahan and RHP Carlos Portuondo from the Braves in exchange for 2B Brandon Phillips (Reds paid $13MM of Phillips’ $14MM salary)
2017 Season
- Acquired INF/OF Darnell Sweeney from the Dodgers in exchange for cash
- Acquired 1B Nick Longhi from the Red Sox in exchange for $2.75MM of international bonus pool space
- Acquired OF Scott Van Slyke and C Hendrik Clementina from the Dodgers in exchange for LHP Tony Cingrani
2017-18 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Miguel Medrano from the Rangers in exchange for $350K of international bonus pool space
2018 Season
- Acquired RHP Zach Neal and 1B Ibandel Isabel from the Dodgers in exchange for RHP Ariel Hernandez
- Acquired RHP Matt Harvey from the Mets in exchange for C Devin Mesoraco (Reds paid remainder of Mesoraco’s $13.125MM salary; Mets paid remainder of Harvey’s $5.6MM)
- Acquired C Curt Casali from the Rays in exchange for cash
- Acquired RHP Tommy Bergjans from the Phillies in exchange for cash
- Acquired OF Lorenzo Cedrola from the Red Sox in exchange for $1.5MM of international bonus pool space
- Acquired RHPs Aneurys Zabala and James Marinan from the Dodgers in exchange for RHPs Dylan Floro and Zach Neal and international bonus pool space
- Acquired RHPs Lucas Sims and Matt Wisler and OF Preston Tucker from the Braves in exchange for Adam Duvall
2018-19 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Ryan Lillie from the Marlins in exchange for $750K of international bonus pool space
- Acquired RHP Tanner Roark from the Nationals in exchange for RHP Tanner Rainey
- Acquired LHP Alex Wood, OFs Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig, INF/OF Kyle Farmer and $7MM from the Dodgers in exchange for RHP Homer Bailey, SS Jeter Downs and RHP Josiah Gray
- Acquired RHP Sonny Gray and LHP Reiver Sanmartin from the Yankees in exchange for 2B Shed Long (immediately flipped to Mariners) and Competitive Balance Draft pick (Round A)
- Acquired RHP Jordan Johnson and cash from the Giants in exchange for 1B/3B/OF Connor Joe
2019 Season
- Acquired RHP Diomar Lopez from the Padres in exchange for RHP Matt Wisler
- Acquired INF/OF Rob Refsnyder from the D-backs in exchange for cash
- Acquired RHP Tristan Archer from the Brewers in exchange for cash
- Acquired LHP Tyler Jay from the Twins in exchange for cash
- Acquired RHP Justin Grimm from the Dodgers in exchange for cash
- Acquired RHP Trevor Bauer from the Indians in a three-team deal that sent OF Taylor Trammell to the Padres; Reds also sent OF Yasiel Puig and LHP Scott Moss to the Indians
2019-20 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Jose De Leon from the Rays in exchange for cash
- Acquired cash from the Rays in exchange for OF Brian O’Grady
- Acquired RHP Justin Shafer from the Blue Jays in exchange for cash
—
How do MLBTR readers feel about the work of Williams? (Link to poll for Trade Rumors mobile app users.)
Grade Dick Williams' trades with the Reds:
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B 49% (1,858)
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C 30% (1,140)
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A 12% (470)
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D 7% (286)
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F 2% (70)
Total votes: 3,824
Curious to look back on additional GMs and their trade histories? We’ve already polled on Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen, recently fired Astros president Jeff Luhnow, Brewers president of baseball ops David Stearns, Angels GM Billy Eppler, Rockies GM Jeff Bridich, Tigers GM Al Avila, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins, Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto, Phillies GM Matt Klentak, Padres GM A.J. Preller, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Rays GM Erik Neander, ex-Red Sox front office leader Dave Dombrowski and Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen.
Assessing Brodie Van Wagenen’s Trades
If you’re an MLBTR fan, then you know we’ve recently been asking readers to evaluate the trade histories of various high-ranking executives (or former execs) from around Major League Baseball. We’ve already polled you on Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen, recently fired Astros president Jeff Luhnow, Brewers president of baseball ops David Stearns, Angels GM Billy Eppler, Rockies GM Jeff Bridich, Tigers GM Al Avila, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins, Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto, Phillies GM Matt Klentak, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Rays GM Erik Neander and ex-Red Sox front office leader Dave Dombrowski.
It’s now time to go to New York and check in on the trades that GM Brodie Van Wagenen, a former agent, has swung since the team persuaded him to switch careers after the 2018 season. Considering he has only been on the job for two years, Van Wagenen’s body of work isn’t particularly large, but it’s one that’s sure to elicit some strong opinions (minor deals omitted; full details at transaction link)…
2018-19 Offseason
- Acquired 2B Robinson Cano and RHP Edwin Diaz from Mariners for OFs Jarred Kelenic and Jay Bruce, RHPs Anthony Swarzak and Gerson Bautista, and $20MM
- Acquired OF Keon Broxton from Brewers for RHPs Bobby Wahl and Adam Hill and 2B Felix Valerio
- Acquired INF/OF J.D. Davis and INF Cody Bohanek from Astros for 2B Luis Santana, OF Ross Adolph and C Scott Manea.
- Acquired RHP Walker Lockett and INF Sam Haggerty from Indians for C Kevin Plawecki
2019 Season
- Acquired RHP Wilmer Font from Rays for RHP Neraldo Catalina
- Acquired RHP Marcus Stroman from Blue Jays for LHP Anthony Kay and RHP Simeon Woods Richardson
2019-20 Offseason
- Acquired OF Jake Marisnick from Astros for LHP Blake Taylor and OF Kenedy Corona
(Poll link for app users)
Grade Van Wagenen's trades
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C 35% (2,066)
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D 31% (1,835)
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F 18% (1,058)
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B 14% (833)
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A 2% (100)
Total votes: 5,892
Revisiting Dave Dombrowski’s Red Sox Trades
Dave Dombrowski’s ousting as general manager of the Tigers back in 2015 was a stunner throughout the baseball world. Just days after orchestrating a rare deadline sell-off for the AL Central powerhouse — David Price and Yoenis Cespedes were both shipped out in deals that netted Matthew Boyd and Michael Fulmer, respectively — Dombrowski was cut loose.
Most expected that Dombrowski, one of MLB’s most respected front-office figures, would another job in short order… but probably not as quickly as he ultimately did. Barely two weeks after being dismissed in Detroit, Dombrowski was named president of baseball operations for the Red Sox — a move that prompted general manager Ben Cherington to step down less than two years after his club had won a World Series.
As it turned out, Dombrowski’s tenure in Boston would closely mirror that of Cherington’s; his time in charge was relatively brief, and he was gone not long after winning a World Series. Less than year after capturing a championship in 2018, Dombrowski got the boot.
Let’s take a look back at Dealin’ Dave’s trade history in Boston…
2015 Season
- Acquired LHP Luis Ysla from the Giants in exchange for OF Alejandro De Aza and cash
2015-16 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Craig Kimbrel from the Padres in exchange for SS Javy Guerra, OF Manuel Margot, LHP Logan Allen and 2B Carlos Asuaje
- Acquired RHP Carson Smith and LHP Roenis Elias from the Mariners in exchange for LHP Wade Miley and RHP Jonathan Aro
2016 Season
- Acquired 2B/3B Aaron Hill and cash from the Brewers in exchange for RHP Aaron Wilkerson and INF Wendell Rijo
- Acquired INF/OF Michael Martinez from the Indians in exchange for cash
- Acquired RHP Brad Ziegler from the D-backs in exchange for RHP Jose Almonte and OF Luis Alejandro Basabe
- Acquired LHP Drew Pomeranz from the Padres in exchange for RHP Anderson Espinoza
- Acquired LHP Fernando Abad from the Twins in exchange for RHP Pat Light
2016-17 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Tyler Thornburg from the Brewers in exchange for 3B Travis Shaw, 2B/SS Mauricio Dubon and RHP Josh Pennington
- Acquired LHP Chris Sale from the White Sox in exchange for 2B/3B Yoan Moncada, RHP Michael Kopech, OF Luis Alexander Basabe and RHP Victor Diaz
- Acquired 2B Josh Tobias from the Phillies in exchange for RHP Clay Buchholz
2017 Season
- Acquired INF Eduardo Nunez from the Giants in exchange for RHPs Shaun Anderson and Gregory Santos
- Acquired RHP Addison Reed from the Mets in exchange for RHPs Gerson Bautista, Jamie Callahan and Stephen Nogosek
- Acquired OF Rajai Davis from the Athletics in exchange for OF Rafael Rincones
2017-18 Offseason
- Acquired C Mike Ohlman from the Rangers in exchange for cash
- Acquired OF Ramon Flores from the D-backs in exchange for cash
2018 Season
- Acquired RHP Josh Taylor from the D-backs as PTBNL for SS Deven Marrero
- Acquired RHP Nathan Eovaldi from the Rays in exchange for LHP Jalen Beeks
- Acquired 2B Ian Kinsler from the Angels in exchange for RHP Ty Buttrey and LHP Williams Jerez
2018-19 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Colten Brewer from the Padres in exchange for 2B Esteban Quiroz
2019 Season
- Acquired OF Marcus Wilson from the D-backs in exchange for C/OF Blake Swihart and $500K international bonus slot
- Acquired RHP Andrew Cashner and cash from the Orioles in exchange for OF Elio Prado and INF Noelberth Romero
—
We’ll revisit Dombrowski’s trade histories with other clubs in separate posts, but the question for now: How do MLBTR readers grade Dombrowski’s work as the Red Sox’ baseball ops boss? (Link to poll for Trade Rumors mobile app users.)
Grade Dave Dombrowski's trade history as Red Sox president:
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B 37% (2,957)
-
C 32% (2,577)
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D 13% (1,029)
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A 13% (1,012)
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F 5% (409)
Total votes: 7,984
Interested in how other GMs hold up under this exercise? We’ve covered Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen, recently fired Astros president Jeff Luhnow, Brewers president of baseball ops David Stearns, Angels GM Billy Eppler, Rockies GM Jeff Bridich, Tigers GM Al Avila, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins, Mariners’ GM Jerry Dipoto, Phillies’ GM Matt Klentak, Dodgers’ president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and Rays GM Erik Neander as well.
GM Trade History: Rays’ Erik Neander
The small market Rays have long been proactive on the trade market. That’s been the club’s preferred method of fielding competitive rosters while maintaining one of the league’s lowest payrolls. That can sometimes require moves unpopular with the fan base, although like any team, the Rays have had their fair share of wins (and a few losses).
Since the Rays promoted Erik Neander to GM in 2016, the front office has been active as ever on the trade market. We’ll look back at the GM’s trade history (excluding the most minor swaps) over that time, with a full breakdown of each at the included links. With two of Neander’s former top lieutenants now running AL rivals (Chaim Bloom in Boston and James Click in Houston), it’ll be fascinating to see how the club proceeds once they’re again able to make transactions.
2016-2017 Offseason
- Acquired OF Mallex Smith, LHP Ryan Yarbrough, and INF Carlos Vargas from Mariners for LHP Drew Smyly
- Acquired RHP José De León from Dodgers for INF Logan Forsythe
- Acquired C Jesús Sucre from Mariners in exchange for cash considerations.
2017 Season
- Acquired SS Adeiny Hechavarría from Marlins for RHP Ethan Clark and OF Braxton Lee
- Acquired RHP Chaz Roe from Braves for cash or player to be named later
- Acquired RHP Sergio Romo from Dodgers for cash or a player to be named later
- Acquired LHP Dan Jennings from White Sox for 1B Casey Gillaspie
- Acquired 1B Lucas Duda from Mets for RHP Drew Smith
- Acquired RHP Steve Cishek from Mariners for RHP Erasmo Ramírez
- Acquired RHP Tobias Myers from Orioles for INF Tim Beckham
2017-2018 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Curtis Taylor from Diamondbacks for RHP Brad Boxberger
- Acquired INF Joey Wendle from Athletics for C Jonah Heim
- Acquired INF Christian Arroyo, OF Denard Span, RHP Stephen Woods, and LHP Matt Krook from Giants for 3B Evan Longoria and cash considerations
- Acquired 1B C.J. Cron from Angels for INF Luis Rengifo
- Acquired INF Jermaine Palacios from Twins for RHP Jake Odorizzi
- Acquired LHPs Anthony Banda and Colin Poche from Diamondbacks for Steven Souza Jr., INF Nick Solak from Yankees (Diamondbacks also traded INF Brandon Drury to Yankees for RHP Taylor Widener)
- Acquired RHP Daniel Hudson, INF Tristan Gray, and cash considerations from Pirates for OF Corey Dickerson
2018 Season
- Acquired RHPs Andrew Moore and Tommy Romero from Mariners for OF Denard Span and RHP Alex Colomé
- Acquired 1B Ji-Man Choi from Brewers for INF Brad Miller and cash consideratiosn
- Acquired LHP Jalen Beeks from Red Sox for RHP Nathan Eovaldi
- Acquired C Michael Pérez and RHP Brian Shaffer from Diamondbacks for RHP Matt Andriese
- Acquired cash or a player to be named later from Phillies for C Wilson Ramos
- Acquired RHP Tyler Glasnow, OF Austin Meadows, and RHP Shane Baz from Pirates for RHP Chris Archer
- Acquired OF Tommy Pham and international bonus pool money from Cardinals for OF Justin Williams, LHP Genesis Cabrera, and RHP Roel Ramirez
- Acquired RHP Matt Seelinger from Pirates for SS Adeiny Hechavarría
2018-2019 Offseason
- Acquired C Mike Zunino, OF Guillermo Heredia, and LHP Michael Plassmeyer from the Mariners for OF Mallex Smith and OF Jake Fraley
- Acquired 3B Yandy Díaz and RHP Cole Sulser from Indians in three-team trade sending 1B/OF Jake Bauers to Indians and $5MM to Mariners (Mariners also traded 1B Carlos Santana and $6MM to Indians; Indians traded DH Edwin Encarnación and Competitive Balance draft pick to Mariners)
- Acquired RHP Emilio Pagán and Competitive Balance Round A draft pick from Athletics, RHP Rollie Lacy from Rangers in three-team trade sending LHPs Brock Burke and Kyle Bird and RHP Yoel Espinal to Rangers (Rangers also traded INF Jurickson Profar to Athletics; Athletics traded SS Eli White and international bonus pool money to Rangers)
- Acquired RHP Oliver Drake from the Blue Jays for cash considerations
2019 Season
- Acquired C Travis d’Arnaud from Dodgers for cash considerations
- Acquired RHP Peter Fairbanks from Rangers for INF Nick Solak
- Acquired INF Eric Sogard from Blue Jays for two players to be named later
- Acquired outfielder Ruben Cardenas and $250K of international bonus pool space from Indians for RHP Hunter Wood and IF Christian Arroyo
- Acquired 1B Jesús Aguilar from Brewers for RHP Jake Faria
- Acquired OF Niko Hulsizer from Dodgers for LHP Adam Kolarek
- Acquired RHPs Nick Anderson and Trevor Richards from Marlins for RHP Ryne Stanek and OF Jesus Sanchez
2019-2020 Offseason
- Acquired OF Hunter Renfroe and SS Xavier Edwards from Padres for OF Tommy Pham and INF/RHP Jake Cronenworth
- Acquired 1B/OF José Martínez and OF Randy Arozarena from Cardinals for LHP Matthew Liberatore, C Edgardo Rodriguez, and a Competitive Balance Round B draft pick
- Acquired OF Manuel Margot and C Logan Driscoll from Padres for RHP Emilio Pagán
- Acquired cash considerations from Reds for RHP José De León
- Acquired 1B Brian O’Grady from Reds for cash considerations
How would you grade Neander’s wheeling and dealing as the Rays’ baseball ops head? (Link to poll for mobile app users)
Grade Erik Neander's Rays Trades:
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A 44% (1,829)
-
B 43% (1,783)
-
C 10% (409)
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D 2% (66)
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F 2% (63)
Total votes: 4,150
Interested in how other GMs hold up under this exercise? We’ve covered Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen, recently fired Astros president Jeff Luhnow, Brewers president of baseball ops David Stearns, Angels GM Billy Eppler, Rockies GM Jeff Bridich, Tigers GM Al Avila, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins, Mariners’ GM Jerry Dipoto, Phillies’ GM Matt Klentak, and Dodgers’ GM Andrew Friedman as well.
GM Trade History: Dodgers’ Andrew Friedman
It’s not always fair to judge baseball operations leaders for free agent signings. In many cases, the biggest contracts are negotiated to varying extents by ownership. The same can hold true of major extensions. It’s just tough to know from the outside.
There’s obviously involvement from above in trade scenarios as well. But, when it comes to exchanging rights to some players for others, it stands to reason the role of the general manager is all the more clear.
In any event, for what it’s worth, it seemed an opportune moment to take a look back at the trade track records of some of the general managers around the game. We’ve already covered the Diamondbacks’ Mike Hazen, former Astros GM Jeff Luhnow, the Brewers’ David Stearns, the Angels’ Billy Eppler, the Rockies’ Jeff Bridich, the White Sox’ Rick Hahn, the Tigers’ Al Avila, the Braves’ Alex Anthopoulos, the Padres’ A.J. Preller, the Blue Jays’ Ross Atkins, the Mariners’ Jerry Dipoto and the Phillies’ Matt Klentak. It’s time to head to Los Angeles to check in on the work Andrew Friedman has done since the Dodgers hired the former Tampa Bay GM after the 2014 season. Friedman’s no longer a GM – he has an even more prestigious title as president of baseball operations, and has overseen a perennial powerhouse (albeit one that has fallen short of World Series glory) throughout his reign.
Here’s a rundown of Friedman’s key LA trades, which are in chronological order and exclude minor moves (full details at transaction link):
2014-15 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Joel Peralta and LHP Adam Liberatore from Rays for RHPs Jose Dominguez and Greg Harris
- Acquired RHP Mike Bolsinger from Diamondbacks for cash considerations
- Acquired RHP Juan Nicasio from Rockies for OF Noel Cuevas
- Acquired OF Chris Heisey from Reds for RHP Matt Magill
- Acquired C Yasmani Grandal and RHPs Joe Wieland and Zach Eflin from Padres for OF Matt Kemp and C Tim Federowicz
- Acquired LHP Andrew Heaney, INF Enrique Hernandez, C Austin Barnes and RHP Chris Hatcher from Marlins for INFs Dee Gordon and Miguel Rojas and RHP Dan Haren
- Acquired SS Jimmy Rollins and cash considerations from Phillies for RHP Zach Eflin and LHP Tom Windle
2015 Season
- Acquired RHP Ryan Webb, C Brian Ward and a 2015 Competitive Balance (Round B) draft pick from Orioles for RHP Ben Rowen and C Chris O’Brien
- Acquired INF Alberto Callaspo, RHP Juan Jaime, and LHPs Ian Thomas and Eric Stults from Braves for INF Juan Uribe and RHP Chris Withrow
- Acquired OF Jordan Paroubeck and RHP Caleb Dirks from Braves for international bonus slot worth $249K
- Acquired LHP Grant Dayton from Marlins for LHP Chris Reed
- Acquired LHPs Alex Wood and Luis Avilan, INF Jose Peraza, RHPs Mat Latos, Jim Johnson and Bronson Arroyo, and 1B Michael Morse for OF Hector Olivera, LHP Paco Rodriguez and RHPs Jeff Brigham, Victor Araujo, Kevin Guzman and Zachary Bird in three-team trade
2015-16 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Frankie Montas, INF Micah Johnson and OF Trayce Thompson for INFs Jose Peraza and Brandon Dixon and OF Scott Schebler in three-team trade
2016 Season
- Acquired INF/OF Chris Taylor from Mariners for RHP Zach Lee
- Acquired RHPs Bud Norris and Alec Grosser, OF Dian Toscano and cash considerations from Braves for RHP Caleb Dirks and LHP Phil Pfeifer
- Acquired LHP Rich Hill and OF Josh Reddick from Athletics for RHPs Frankie Montas, Jharel Cotton and Grant Holmes
- Acquired RHP Josh Fields from Astros for 1B/OF Yordan Alvarez
- Acquired C Carlos Ruiz from Phillies for C A.J. Ellis and RHP Tommy Bergjans
2016-17 Offseason
- Acquired 1B Darin Ruf and 2B/OF Darnell Sweeney from Phillies for INF/OF Howie Kendrick
- Acquired 2B Logan Forsythe from Rays for RHP Jose De Leon
2017 Season
- Acquired LHP Tony Cingrani from Reds for OF Scott Van Slyke and C Hendrik Clementina
- Acquired RHP Yu Darvish from Rangers for 2B/OF Willie Calhoun, INF Brendon Davis and RHP A.J. Alexy
- Acquired LHP Tony Watson from Pirates for INF Oneil Cruz and RHP Angel German
- Acquired OF Curtis Granderson from Mets for RHP Jacob Rhame and cash considerations
- Acquired INF/OF Connor Joe from Braves for $500K in international money
2017-18 Offseason
- Acquired OF Matt Kemp from Braves for 1B Adrian Gonzalez, LHP Scott Kazmir, RHP Brandon McCarthy and INF Charlie Culberson
- Acquired LHP Scott Alexander and INF Jake Peter for LHP Luis Avilan, RHP Trevor Oaks and INF Erick Mejia in three-team trade
2018 Season
- Acquired LHP Logan Salow from Athletics for RHP Wilmer Font
- Acquired RHPs Dylan Floro and Zach Neal and international bonus pool space from Reds for RHPs Aneurys Zabala and James Marinan
- Acquired INF Manny Machado from Orioles for OF Yusniel Diaz, RHPs Dean Kremer and Zach Pop, and INFs Breyvic Valera and Rylan Bannon
- Acquired 2B Brian Dozier from Twins for 2B Logan Forsythe, OF Luke Raley and LHP Devin Smeltzer
- Acquired RHP John Axford from Blue Jays for RHP Corey Copping
- Acquired RHP Ryan Madson from Nationals for RHP Andrew Istler
- Acquired 1B/3B David Freese from Pirates for INF Jesus Valdez
2018-19 Offseason
- Acquired RHPs Homer Bailey and Josiah Gray and INF Jeter Downs from Reds for OFs Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp, LHP Alex Wood, C/INF Kyle Farmer and cash
- Acquired C Russell Martin and cash from Blue Jays for SS Ronny Brito and RHP Andrew Sopko
2019 Season
- Acquired RHP Casey Sadler from Rays for RHP Nathan Witt
- Acquired 1B Tyler White from Astros for RHP Andre Scrubb
- Acquired LHP Adam Kolarek from Rays for OF Niko Hulsizer
- Acquired INF Jedd Gyorko from Cardinals for LHP Tony Cingrani and RHP Jeffry Abreu
- Acquired C Jose Lobaton from Mariners for cash considerations
2019-20 Offseason
- Acquired INF Clayton Daniel from Cubs for RHP Casey Sadler
- Acquired RHP Brusdar Graterol, OF Luke Raley and the 67th pick in the draft from Twins for RHP Kenta Maeda, $10MM and C Jair Camargo
- Acquired OF Mookie Betts, LHP David Price and half of Price’s $96MM guarantee from Red Sox for OF Alex Verdugo, INF Jeter Downs and C Connor Wong
- Acquired LHP Tyler Gilbert from Phillies for OF Kyle Garlick
__
Friedman has no doubt acquired plenty of notable names since he arrived in Los Angeles. How do you think he has fared in trades during his time atop the Dodgers’ front office?
(Poll link for app users)
Grade Friedman's LA trades
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B 43% (1,966)
-
A 42% (1,912)
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C 12% (539)
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F 2% (92)
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D 2% (85)
Total votes: 4,594
GM Trade History: Phillies’ Matt Klentak
It’s not always fair to judge baseball operations leaders for free agent signings. In many cases, the biggest contracts are negotiated to varying extents by ownership. The same can hold true of major extensions. It’s just tough to know from the outside.
There’s obviously involvement from above in trade scenarios as well. But, when it comes to exchanging rights to some players for others, it stands to reason the role of the general manager is all the more clear.
In any event, for what it’s worth, it seemed an opportune moment to take a look back at the trade track records of some of the general managers around the game. We’ve already covered the Diamondbacks’ Mike Hazen, former Astros GM Jeff Luhnow, the Brewers’ David Stearns, the Angels’ Billy Eppler, the Rockies’ Jeff Bridich, the White Sox’ Rick Hahn, the Tigers’ Al Avila, the Braves’ Alex Anthopoulos, the Padres’ A.J. Preller, the Blue Jays’ Ross Atkins and the Mariners’ Jerry Dipoto. Let’s now head to Philadelphia to evaluate Matt Klentak, who has worked alongside president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail with the organization since 2015. (Deals are in chronological order and exclude minor moves; full details at transaction link).
2016 Season
- Acquired UTIL Jimmy Paredes from Blue Jays for cash considerations
- Acquired C A.J. Ellis, OF Joey Curletta and RHP Tommy Bergians from Dodgers for C Carlos Ruiz
2016-17 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Pat Neshek from Astros for player to be named later or cash
- Acquired INF/OF Howie Kendrick from Dodgers for 1B Darin Ruf and 2B/OF Darnell Sweeney
- Acquired RHP Clay Buchholz from Red Sox for 2B Josh Tobias
2017 Season
- Acquired INF Jose Gomez and RHPs J.D. Hammer and Alejandro Requena from Rockies for RHP Pat Neshek
- Acquired OF Hyun Soo Kim, LHP Garrett Cleavinger and international bonus pool money from Orioles for RHP Jeremy Hellickson
- Acquired LHP McKenzie Mills for Nationals for INF/OF Howie Kendrick
- Acquired INF Elieser Alvarez from Cardinals for RHP Juan Nicasio
2017-18 Offseason
- Acquired RHP Enyel De Los Santos from Padres for SS Freddy Galvis
2018 Season
- Acquired INF Asdrubal Cabrera from Mets for RHP Franklyn Kilome
- Acquired LHP Aaron Loup from Blue Jays for RHP Jacob Waguespspack
- Acquired C Wilson Ramos from the Rays for cash or a player to be named later
- Acquired 1B Justin Bour from Marlins for LHP McKenzie Mills
- Acquired LHP Luis Avilan from White Sox for RHP Felix Paulino
- Acquired OF Jose Bautista from Mets for cash or a player to be named later
2018-19 Offseason
- Acquired SS Jean Segura, RHP Juan Nicasio and LHP James Pazos from Mariners for 1B Carlos Santana and SS J.P. Crawford
- Acquired LHP Jose Alvarez from Angels for RHP Luis Garcia
- Acquired C J.T. Realmuto from Marlins for RHP Sixto Sanchez, LHP Will Stewart, C Jorge Alfaro and $250K in international slot money
2019 Season
- Acquired INF Hunter Stovall from Rockies for LHP James Pazos
- Acquired OF Jay Bruce and cash considerations from Mariners for INF Jake Scheiner
- Acquired UTIL Brad Miller from Yankees for cash considerations
- Acquired RHP Mike Morin from Twins for cash considerations
- Acquired INF Jose Pirela from Padres for cash considerations
- Acquired OF Corey Dickerson from Pirates for international bonus allotments and a player to be named later
2019-20 Offseason
- None
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What are your thoughts on Klentak’s trades in Philly (Poll link for app users)
Grade Matt Klentak's trades
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C 45% (2,034)
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B 28% (1,283)
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D 17% (757)
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F 7% (313)
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A 3% (142)
Total votes: 4,529