San Diego Padres keep building momentum with Brandon Drury trade
After already pulling a pair of blockbuster deals, the San Diego Padres keep trying to improve the overall roster. That plan for improvement included picking up some versatility by trading with the Cincinnati Reds to acquire Brandon Drury before the MLB trade deadline.
San Diego Padres trade news: Cincinnati Reds send Brandon Drury to San Diego
Within the span of 36 hours, the San Diego Padres boosted their bullpen by trading for All-Star closer Josh Hader and upgraded their lineup with outfielder Juan Soto and first baseman Josh Bell. Now you can add Drury to that list of new players soon to be in the Padres clubhouse. Drury is a 29-year-old who has played five different positions around the diamond already this season (all four infield positions and right field) as well as serving as designated hitter.
With San Diego’s stacked roster, it may be hard for Drury to find a regular position, especially with Fernando Tatis Jr. expected to start a minor league rehabilitation assignment this weekend and likely to assume his role at shortstop upon his return. However, until he returns, Drury can provide a solid stopgap there if needed.
This season, Drury has totaled 2.3 bWAR, second only on the team to starting pitcher Luis Castillo, who was traded late last week to the Seattle Mariners. With Castillo, Drury, and starting pitcher Tyler Mahle all on the move at the MLB trade deadline, the Reds have now traded off their top three performers this season in terms of bWAR.
Drury’s 2.3 bWAR brings his overall career bWAR up to 1.7, showing just how much of a surprise the eight-year MLB veteran has been for the Reds this season. Signed to a one-year, $700,000 deal before the season, Drury has slashed .274/.335/.520 in 385 plate appearances over 92 games in 2022. His 20 home runs and 59 RBI led all Reds batters this season.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, shortstop Victor Acosta, ranked as San Diego’s sixth-highest prospect, will go to the Reds in the exchange. Acosta is currently in the Arizona Complex League.
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We will update this story with more information when it becomes available.