The Miami Marlins acquired Dan Straily from the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, according to a report by MLB.com.
Going back to the Reds will be three minor leaguers, including two of Miami's top prospects. Luis Castillo, Austin Brice and Isaiah White are the three players ticketed for Cincinnati. Castillo and Brice were both considered to be in the upper echelon of a weak Miami system.
Straily bolsters Miami's rotation and likely takes Jeff Locke out of the equation. The veteran had a big year, despite pitching in a hitter friendly ballpark in 2016. Straily does come with question marks however, as he has not shown consistency in his career. The right-hander is already joining his fifth team in six big league seasons.
In 2016, Straily went 14-8 with a 3.76 ERA to go along with 162 strikeouts. The right-hander did have one major flaw in his game, and that was the home run ball. Straily allowed 31 home runs, which tied for the most in the league. The Reds have one of the friendliest ballparks in MLB for hitters, so a switch to pitcher-friendly Marlins Park could change things for Straily. If the veteran can reduce the HR totals, he could be a very valuable asset for Miami.
Brice spent some time with the Marlins last season, but did not impress in his brief work. The 24-year old still could have a bright future however, and has posted solid minor league numbers. With a power arm, Brice has the ability to pile up strikeouts and could have been a useful member of Miami's bullpen in 2017. Brice has also started in the minors, and it remains to be seen how Cincinnati will use him.
Castillo was traded by the Marlins last season for Andrew Cashner and Colin Rea. After Rea suffered a season-ending injury, he was traded back to the San Diego Padres for Castillo. The 24-year old was looked at a potential piece of Miami's roster in 2017, but likely would have opened the year in AAA. With the Reds, it is possible that Castillo makes the Opening Day roster. Castillo has a 2.68 ERA across five minor league seasons, and has also shown consistent command of his pitches.
White is an outfielder, who is considered the weakest part of this trade. The 20-year old is just starting off his professional career however, and could still put things together. In two seasons in Miami's system, White has amassed a .247 batting average.
Local
With spring training only a few weeks away, the Marlins have put together most of their roster. Some spots will still be up for grabs in Jupiter however, and that work will begin on February 14th.
