The San Diego Padres announced Tuesday that they traded second baseman Jedd Gyorko and cash considerations to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for outfielder Jon Jay.
It's a transaction that makes sense for both sides in terms of dealing excess assets in exchange for help elsewhere on the roster. The players could ultimately benefit from a change of scenery, as well. ESPN's Jim Bowden noted that Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak told him that Gyorko's "role will be as a super utility player."
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the Cardinals will assume $26 million of the $35 million still owed to Gyorko, while sending Jay, whose salary is $6.225 million, to the Padres.
Gyorko burst onto the scene in 2013 with an impressive rookie campaign that saw him hit 23 home runs in just 125 games. He's tallied just 26 homers in 239 appearances over the past two seasons, however, and his career on-base percentage has dropped to a lackluster .293.
Jay is capable of playing any of the three outfield positions and has been a plus defender throughout his career with four defensive runs saved, per FanGraphs. But his performance at the plate dropped off dramatically last season, as he had a .210 average and a .306 OBP in 79 games.
He dealt with a lingering wrist injury that likely contributed to those poor numbers, though.
Jay will make $6.225 million next season before becoming eligible to become a free agent, according to Spotrac. Gyorko comes with a greater financial commitment, as he'll still be due $28 million from 2017-2019 after making $4 million next year, per Spotrac.
Neither player performed like a high-impact contributor in 2015. That said, they each flashed better form during the earlier stages of their careers. So both teams probably feel like they are buying low and hoping for a rebound.
The Cardinals are taking more of a risk due to the long-term nature of Gyorko's contract, but if he can provide pop comparable to his rookie season as a middle infielder, it can be a solid investment. It starts with becoming more disciplined at the plate.
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