Cleveland Indians finally acquire Chih-Wei Hu from Tampa Bay Rays

After speculation of such a trade was shot down, the Cleveland Indians have acquired Chih-Wei Hu from the Tampa Bay Rays for infielder Gionti Turner.

Over the weekend, there were reports that the Tampa Bay Rays had traded pitcher Chih-Wei Hu to the Cleveland Indians. Hu’s agent had tweeted out the trade, which was quickly shot down by both teams. It was a strange situation to say the least, meaning that Hu’s future with the Rays was in doubt.

As it turns out, his agent was just ahead of the curve with the trade. The Rays sent Hu over to Cleveland in exchange for promising minor league infielder Gionti Turner.

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Hu was, in all likelihood, blocked in Tampa Bay. He had produced solid numbers in his brief time in the majors, with a 3.52 ERA and a 0.826 WHiP over his 23 innings, striking out 21 batters with only seven walks. Hu did struggle a bit during his time in Durham last season, posting a 5-7 record with a 4.66 ERA and a 1.378 WHiP. He did struck out 92 batters in his 102.1 innings, but Hu also allowed 14 homers as well.

In exchange for the intriguing righty, the Rays received a projectable infielder in Turner. He was drafted in the 28th round this past season, and at just 18 years old, is still quite a time away from making an impact on the Rays major league team. However, he produced a respectable .296/.348/.396 batting line, hitting ten doubles and stealing nine bases in his 187 plate appearances. Turner also showed solid versatility, making appearances at second, short, and center last season.

This trade apears to be one where both sides win. The Indians received Hus, a pitcher that has performed well in relief at the major league level. Given the status of their bullpen, and the pitchers they have lost or have entered free agency over the past few years, Hu is a possible option as a setup man in Cleveland.

Meanwhile, for the Rays, this trade opens a spot on the 40 man roster. With the Rule V Draft coming up, Tampa Bay needed to make some room. Trading Hu for a player in Turner that does not need to be protected in the coming draft can either allow them to protect another player, or make a selection themselves.

It took longer than expected after the original announcement, but the Tampa Bay Rays have sent Chih-Wei Hu to the Cleveland Indians.