Breaking news on the trade front from Shi Davidi:
#BlueJays trade Steve Pearce and cash considerations to Boston for minor-league infielder Santiago Espinal, #RedSox announce
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) June 29, 2018
Let the sale begin! The Blue Jays have indicated their intention to move their veteran pieces by trading Steve Pearce and cash for an infielder in “A” ball. Slightly more interesting is the fact that the Jays found a trading partner in their own division. Shi Davdi tells us more about the newest Blue Jay:
Santiago Espinal, 23, was a 10th-round pick in 2016. This year, was batting .314 (80-for-255) with 15 doubles, three triples, seven home runs, and 32 RBI in 64 games for High-A Salem
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) June 29, 2018
Espinal looks like a potentially interesting player, although not a top prospect. Pearce is effective as a platoon bat, and injury prone, so any return for him was likely to be limited. Here’s a video of Espinal taking by Adam McInturff.
Video of Santiago Espinal, the prospect headed back to Toronto for Steve Pearce. Athletic player who will stick at SS, has tools to hit but approach and swing-path need to get consistent. Interesting prospect, toolsy. #BlueJays #DirtyWater pic.twitter.com/LzdyEXR0Fa
— Adam McInturff (@2080adam) June 29, 2018
In addition, by shedding some of Pearce’s salary ($1.5M per Ken Rosenthal), the Blue Jays are in a good position to eat money in future deals to increase prospect returns, similar to last year’s deal to acquire Teoscar Hernández.
This is the first trade between the Blue Jays and Red Sox since 2012, when they sent David Carpenter and their Manager, John Farrell, to Boston, getting Mike Aviles (temporarily) in return.
Credit: Lead Photo © Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports