Yesterday, Orioles GM Mike Elias traded veteran starting pitcher Andrew Cashner to the Boston Red Sox for two 17 year old international signings, outfielder Elio Prado and infielder Noelberth Romero. The Orioles also sent 1.78 million dollars to the Red Sox to complete the deal.
It's tough to project if the two prospects the Orioles received will amount to much. Only time will tell as they were signed as sixteen year olds last year and are still playing in the Dominican Summer League. They are both holding their own against competition that is two years older, however. Prado is batting over .300 and can cover ground in center field with his plus speed. His hitting tools are raw but some scouts are excited about him.
At first glance, I was okay with the trade. Cashner struggled mightily prior to the 2019 first half and even this season's peripheral stats (4.83 xFIP and .256 BABIP) suggest he is due for regression. As a result, I wasn't expecting a big return, especially with the amount of money that remained on the righty's contract along with his 10 million dollar option for 2020. But the fact that Elias sent cash to the Red Sox and couldn't get a slightly better prospect return is a bit of a disappointment. Two Dominican Summer League lottery tickets would have been a good return for moving Cashner's entire contract, but to pay half of his remaining 2019 salary and not get a lottery ticket prospect that is at least somewhat established in short season A-ball or low A is underwhelming. With that said, I am glad Elias went with high risk, high upside prospects rather then settling for a team's failed prospect or spare parts.
Overall Grade: C
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