Why trading Urias and signing Pomeranz were the right moves

The San Diego Padres have acquired Trent Grisham, and Zach Davies for Luis Urias and Eric Lauer while also signing Drew Pomeranz, so here’s why they made the right moves.

San Diego Padres GM A.J. Preller knows his job is on the line, so he had to make moves this winter to improve the club. And boy did he do that on Wednesday.

So here’s a quick rundown to why dealing Luis Urias and signing Drew Pomeranz were the right moves.

1. They get a Trent Grisham to play in the outfield

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Some Padres fans might not know who Trent Grisham is or they remember him for making the error in right field on the Juan Soto go-ahead hit in the NL Wild Card Game.

But he fills their needs, which is a left-handed hitting outfielder who also has some pop.

Grisham hit 32 home runs last season in the minor leagues and the majors combined. What makes the Grisham acquisition better is when you realize that all Padres left-handed hitters hit just 40 home runs combined last season.

2. Luis Urias’ time ran out in San Diego

Luis Urias was a great prospect and has the ability to still be a great player with the Milwaukee Brewers, but he just hadn’t performed up the level that he was expected to, and it was clear that Urias was one of the problems in that lineup so it was time for him to go.

But who’s the replacement?

Ian Kinsler right now might be the starter at second base, but watch out for second baseman Esteban Quiroz, who is 27 years old and performed well for Team Mexico at the WBC Premier 12.

3. Drew Pomeranz makes the bullpen a whole lot better

Drew Pomeranz was an All-Star starter for the San Diego Padres in 2016 before the traded him, but he will be back with the Padres in the bullpen.

Pomeranz was traded to Milwaukee at last year’s deadline by the Giants and he was Craig Counsell‘s most reliable arm down the stretch.

Kirby Yates is going to be the closer next year after leading the league in saves in 2019, and with Pomeranz in front of him, I think the bullpen will mirror something to the effect of the 2016 Cleveland Indians. Yates would be the Cody Allen and Pomeranz will be like Andrew Miller because he can pitch in the biggest situations.

Don’t forget that Larry Rothschild will be getting Joso Castillo back from injury in 2020, which will add to the bullpen’s depth. Zach Davies, who the Padres traded for along with Grisham, could also be in the mix in the bullpen if the Padres can pick up a starter.