The Padres started their Thanksgiving feast early. They start the festivities with a trade, partnering with the Brewers.
In a deal first reported by MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi, the Brewers are getting 22-year-old Urias, left-handed starter Eric Lauer and a player to be named later or cash from the Padres for up-and-coming outfielder Trent Grisham and steady starter Zach Davies in a swap of clubs aiming to contend in 2020. The teams have not confirmed.
MLB.com
San Diego then reportedly agreed to a deal with Drew Pomeranz.
If the two deals come to fruition, the Padres receive minor league on-base machine Grisham. He posted a .376 OBP with a .415 slugging percentage in the minors, with great base stealing numbers. He should fit well at the top of the Padres batting order. Davies is a starter in his prime who pitches to contact, with averaging just 6.4 K per nine IP during his career.
Note that since the Padres play in a home park that limit power, both these players should do well. When power is limited, OBP becomes more important, and with a good defense behind Davies, especially on the left side of the infield, putting the ball in play should help. Davies did not see his home run rate increase in 2019, despite the record setting season for homers.
Lauer is just moving into his prime years. Right now, he has no weaknesses in terms of three true outcomes, but no great strengths either. If he can improve any of the three just a bit, he’ll be a useful third starter. There is good upside potential for the Brewers in Lauer.
Urias is even younger, entering his seasonal age 23 season. He was also an on-base machine in the minors, but has not reached that level in the majors yet. Again, the Brewers are getting a great deal of upside potential here, and players that they can control for a number of years.
Pomeranz worked out well as a reliever, as the Brewers transitioned him to that role after acquiring Pomeranz from the Giants. He posted a 15.4 K per 9, being able to throw as hard as he liked for an inning at a time. If the Padres decide to use an opener strategy, Pomeranz would do nicely, since he already knows how to prepare as a starter.
Look like both teams improved themselves today.