Diamondbacks and Brewers Swap Big-League Talent
In the first major trade in a while in MLB, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers agreed to a trade that sent shortstop Jean Segura, relief pitcher Tyler Wagner to Phoenix in exchange for starting pitcher Chase Anderson, second baseman Aaron Hill and prospect Isan Diaz.
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Whenever major league talent switches sides in a deal like this, it’s interesting to look at the motivations behind the trade and the ramifications resulting from it. In this case, both teams may benefit, but the move fit better into what the D’Backs are trying to do organizationally.
After trading Dansby Swanson this offseason, the team needed a future shortstop. They got that in Segura, even though the righty was incredibly inconsistent a year ago. A change of scenery should do him well, especially in such a solid lineup.
Milwaukee, meanwhile gets two very average major leaguers that may provide a boost in 2016, but not into the future. That’s not necessarily the case with Segura in Arizona. Based on how strong the NL Central is, and with the Brewers not figuring to be contenders, the timing of this deal doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.
However, having depth in MLB is very important and the Brewers improved their pitching depth in this deal. With a couple bounce-back years from other starters in the rotation, the pitching staff could be a strength instead of a weakness, especially with promising pitchers Taylor Jungmann and Jimmy Nelson coming back for their first full major league seasons.
Out of these two teams, the D’Backs are the more likely team to compete this season. After this trade and improving at a key position, they’re now in even better position to reach the postseason in 2016.