The San Diego Padres' rapid roster overhaul continues, as they have reportedly completed a deal to acquire third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for catcher Ryan Hanigan, who recently came over from the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Padres confirmed the move:
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports initially confirmed an agreement was in place:
It's a deal that shows how far Middlebrooks' stock has dropped over the past couple years.
In 2012, he looked like a rising star at the hot corner for Boston. He posted a .325 on-base percentage with 15 home runs in just 75 games as a rookie. He's been unable to replicate that type of production, however, with his numbers dropping off markedly each of the last two seasons.
Now 26, Middlebrooks will get a fresh start with the Padres and should have a chance to earn regular at-bats. The team hopes he can rediscover that 2012 form as part of its rebuilt lineup.
Hanigan, 34, is a reliable veteran catcher with a .353 OBP in 558 career games. He's been used mostly as a reserve option, playing more than 100 games just once in his career. A strong defender, he could earn a large role at an unsettled position in Boston.
The deal ultimately hinges on Middlebrooks getting back on track. The Padres apparently saw enough positive signs to warrant taking a chance on him.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
- Login to post comments