Martin Prado to Yankees: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction
July 31, 2014 · Sean ODonnell · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
The 55-52 New York Yankees just got some major help to close their 5.5-game gap with the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East. Just before Thursday’s trade deadline, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports announced the team’s acquisition of Martin Prado from the Arizona Diamondbacks:
Prado is predominantly a third baseman, but he’s also accustomed to spending time at second base, shortstop, first base and in the outfield, making him the ultimate utility player.
So far this season, Prado is batting .270 with a .317 on-base percentage and .370 slugging percentage. He’s accumulated 109 hits, 17 doubles, four triples, five home runs and 42 RBI in 402 at-bats.
Prado’s new home won’t be without at least one familiar face, as he’s back in the same lineup as former Atlanta Braves teammate Brian McCann. David O’Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution gave his thoughts on the reunion:
So what did the Yankees give up for their new utility player?
The team’s official Twitter account revealed the trade details:
Peter O’Brien is a catching prospect who is known for his big bat. He’s been tearing up the minor leagues with the Trenton Thunder so far this season, leading to some lofty comments from hitting coach Marcus Thames during an interview with Lynn Worthy of PressConnects.com.
Said Thames, “Pete has a tool that you can’t teach, and that’s power. Last year, he hit (22) and that was his first full season. His power is going to play. The thing is going to be consistency.”
While the Yankees may have lost a fine prospect in O’Brien, this is certainly a team in win-now mode—the team is loaded with talent and has extra motivation due to this being the final season of future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter.
The move gives New York the versatility to go on a late-season run and remain a legitimate threat to win the AL East.
Read more New York Yankees news on BleacherReport.com
Yankee Tickets
Shop Yankee
