Tampa Bay Rays actually get something for Adeiny Hechavarria

As it turns out, there is still a market for glove first shortstops, as the Tampa Bay Rays have traded Adeiny Hechavarria to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

With top prospect Willy Adames ready for the majors, it made sense that the Tampa Bay Rays were attempting to move shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria at the trade deadline. Even though he is not going to win a game with the bat, Hechavarria has the type of glove that could make a difference. However, as the Rays were unable to move him at the deadline, he was designated for assignment to make way for Adames.

Instead, the Rays just needed to be patient a bit longer. On Monday, they were able to trade Hechavarria to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor leaguer Matt Seelinger.

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Hechavarria is never going to make anyone forget about the likes of Cal Ripken and Honus Wagner with the bat. This season, he had produced a .258/.289/.332 batting line with ten extra base hits in 237 plate appearances. However, his true value came from his glove, as he had saved four runs at short this season, the fifth highest mark in the American League.

In exchange for the defensive minded shortstop, the Rays added a reliever in Seelinger. A 28th round draft choice in the 2017 Draft, he has performed surprisingly well. He has posted a 3.03 ERA and a 1.255 WHiP, striking out 52 batters and issuing only 11 walks in his 32.2 innings. Over his career, Seelinger has a 2.44 ERA and a 1.069 WHiP, striking out 12.8 batters per nine innings, making him a worthwhile lottery ticket.

For the Pirates, as incredible as it may sound, Hechavarria is an upgrade at short. Jordy Mercer is only marginally better with the bat, having produced a .260/.329/.391 batting line. However, Mercer has been far worse defensively, costing the Pirates five runs at short. Hechavarria is an immediate upgrade defensively, and a relatively comparable hitter. It is an acquisition that makes sense for both sides.

The Tampa Bay Rays were able to move Adeiny Hechavarria for a potentially useful piece. And amazingly, they found a team where he could be an upgrade.