Ozuna to the Cardinals

The Marlins made their final trade of a big contract player as they send Marcell Ozuna to the Cardinals for four players:

The deal, first reported by SiriusXM, is pending a physical. In return, the Marlins will receive right-handed pitching prospect Sandy Alcantara, outfielder Magneuris Sierra, right-hander Zac Gallen and lefty Daniel Castano, according to the Miami Herald.

Ozuna was likely going to get a big raise in arbitration this season. The Marlins have cleared enough salary now to keep Christian Yelich.

Did the Marlins get a good haul? Alcantara got a taste of the majors in 2017 at seasonal age 21. He is a high K pitcher, but also walks lots of batters. Sierra went 19 for 60 with his cup of coffee, drawing four walks for a .359 OBP. That was his strength in the minors, as he shows little power. Gallen played 2017 as a 21 year old as well, visiting all three levels of the minors. He post great strikeout and walk numbers. Castano only played in the low minors so far, posting good strikeout and great walk numbers.

So the Marlins get two players who can help fill out the roster in 2018, and two pitchers who might be good someday. The Cardinals get Ozuna coming off a career year with three more prime seasons ahead of him.

from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/2CeHZGA