San Diego Padres acquire Ronald Herrera to complete Kyle Blanks trade

Right-hander Ronald Herrera has been dealt from the Oakland Athletics to the San Diego Padres, according to a release by the A’s. Herrera’s acquisition by San Diego will complete the deal that the two teams made roughly two weeks ago, sending first baseman/outfielder Kyle Blanks to Oakland in return for outfielder Jake Goebbert and a player to be named later.

Herrera was initially signed by the A’s as an international free agent during the 2011 season for a mere $20,000. He’d produced some respectable results over this first two professional seasons before making the jump to Class-A Beloit this season. At just 19 years of age he’s nearly three years younger than most of the rest of the Midwest League, but he’s held his own over nine starts on the season. In 50.2 IP he’s 3-4, with a 3.38 ERA and 1.243 WHIP. Herrera has been plagued by the long ball this season, allowing six home runs which is more than he’d permitted the past two seasons combined.

Ranking as Oakland’s 16th best prospect before the 2014 season, MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo notes that Herrera is highly polished for his age with three plus pitches.

In six games since being acquired by Oakland Blanks has hit .286/.375/.500 with a home run, seeing most of his time at first base. Goebbert has struggled since joining the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate, batting just .167/.280/.357 in 50 plate appearances.