Houston Astros trade for big bat in Evan Gattis
The Houston Astros have now finally acquired the power bat they have been searching for all offseason. Evan Gattis has been traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Astros in exchange for right-handed pitcher Mike Foltynewicz, infielder Rio Ruiz, and right-handed pitcher Andrew Thurman.
David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution first reported the deal that was completed between the two sides earlier Wednesday. Joel Sherman of the New York Post, meanwhile, was the first to announce the package of prospects going to the Braves. The Astros will also receive right-handed pitcher James Hoyt to complete the transaction. The Braves and new GM John Hart continue to clean the house after trading outfielders Jason Heyward to St. Louis and Justin Upton to San Diego.
Evan Gattis was in Houston on Wednesday to take a physical and his health is an issue. He has had his right knee operated on twice, including last offseason, and there are concerns about his back as well. Either injury threatens to take this trade down, but it appears that the deal will get done in the end.
Gattis hit .263/.317/.493 during the 2014 season, only his second big league campaign. He hit 21 home runs along with 65 RBI during his rookie season in 2013 and followed up with 22 homers with 52 RBI this past year. He will fit into a lineup where pop isn’t a question with Chris Carter and George Springer.
Gattis’ power is scarce in a baseball landscape where pitchers are dominating, but can he say healthy enough to remain productive for the Astros? Before the trade, the Astros had a surplus of catchers: Jason Castro, Carlos Corporan, and Hank Conger. With all of those backstops still on the Houston roster, Gattis is set to patrol left field.
Foltynewicz, a rookie this past season who brings a triple-digit fastball, was projected to enter spring training with a shot at the fifth spot in the Houston Rotation rotation. The 22-year-old right-hander was also looked as a possible closer because of his overpowering stuff.
More from Houston Astros
- Julio Rodriguez doing it all for Mariners, including playing peacemaker against Astros
- MLB Trade Deadline: AL West roundup with Rangers, Angels, Astros wishlist, A’s and Mariners for sale
- Grading Dana Brown and the Houston Astros front office at the season’s midway point
- Houston Astros: Houston, we have a Martin Maldonado problem
- Stock Up, Stock Down: Red Sox, Cardinals, Blue Jays and Astros
Foltynewicz’s first rodeo in the big leagues was temporary and rough. He posted a 5.30 ERA in 18 2/3 innings and struck out 14 while walking seven. We can’t say that Triple-A was much better for him as he managed a 5.08 ERA in 102.2 innings. Foltynewicz was drafted 19th overall in 2010, the same year Gattis was selected by Atlanta, and may return to Triple-A in his first year in his new organization.
Ruiz, 20, was a fourth round pick of the Astros’ in 2012 out of high school and was seen as a potential third baseman for the future in Houston. His absence now leaves Colin Moran, the third base prospect and sixth overall pick in the 2013 draft, as the heavy favorite to take over the hot corner long-term. Ruiz hit .293/.387/.436 at High Class A Lancaster in 2014, slamming 11 home runs in 131 games.
Thurman, 22, was a second-round pick of the Astros in 2013 out of University of California Irvine. The 6’3 righty took a step back in 2014 at Low Class A Quad Cities, posting a 5.38 ERA in 26 games, 20 of them starts. The Braves wanted him nonetheless because he still showed signs of dominating opposing hitters, punching out 107 in 115.1 innings.
Ruiz, Foltynewicz, and Thurman are prospects with potential, but the Houston Astros deemed the opportunity to acquire Evan Gattis to be too good to pass up. Gattis’ injury compounds the risk involved with giving up talented minor leaguers, but Gattis’ bat could make the entire move worthwhile for Jeff Lunhow and the Astros.