MLB Trade Rumors Update: Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves Swap Juan Uribe & 4 Pitchers
Almost 50 games into the 2015 Major League Baseball season, the biggest trade has occurred between Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves.
According to multiple league reports, the Braves have agreed to trade Alberto Callaspo, Eric Stults, Ian Thomas and Juan Jaime for Juan Uribe, Chris Withrow in a six player deal that was approved Wednesday night.
Dodgers Get:
Alberto Callaspo, Eric Stults, Ian Thomas and Juan Jaime
Braves Get:
Juan Uribe, Chris Withrow
Uribe is by far the most notable player in this trade. The Dominican infielder has spent the last four and a half seasons with the Dodgers, and he has 179 career home runs. Uribe has also eclipsed 100 hits the last two seasons. But, make no mistake about it, the Braves got Uribe for his defense. Uribe is an elite defensive third baseman who has the third highest fielding percentage by a third baseman in MLB history.
One notable theme here is the Dodgers adding pitching depth. The Dodgers added pitchers in Ian Thomas, Juan Jaime and Eric Stults.
Thomas has only pitched 16 innings in the majors, and it has already been confirmed that he will be pitching in the minors unless he is later called up. Stults previously pitched for the Dodgers from 2006 to 2009, so he's returning to his first MLB team. There is no definitive future plan for Stults at the moment, as he is not an elite dominant pitcher, but he does have 135 games of big league experience. Jaime was also acquired by the Dodgers. A young right handed pitcher out of the Dominican Republic, Jaime only pitched in 13.2 innings for the Braves. He also had Tommy John Surgery in 2010.
The Dodgers also acquired Venezuelan-born infielder Alberto Callaspo. Callaspo actually vetoed the trade on Tuesday, but decided to change his mind just a day later. The 32-year-old has never hit more than 11 home runs in a single season, but he's a solid contact hitter, having eclipsed the 100-hit mark five times.
The Dodgers presently lead the National League West with a 28-18 record over the San Francisco Giants who are 28-20. The Dodgers pitching staff also ranks No. 3 overall in team ERA. So, why would the Dodgers look to add three pitchers in May?
It's a mystery to many fans, but adding depth for a small price never hurts and Clayton Kershaw has been struggling this year. The three time Cy Young winner is just 3-3 this season with a 3.86 ERA. Last season Kershaw posted a 21-3 record with a 1.77 ERA. Most likely Kershaw will bounce out of this slump, but the Dodgers are playing it safe.
The MLB trade deadline is Friday, July 31.