D-Backs, Angels, and White Sox Complete Three Team Deal

The Winter Meetings have met their first big deal in the form of a three team deal. The Diamondbacks acquired power hitting Mark Trumbo from the Angels along with 2 prospects, the Angels acquired pitchers Tyler Skaggs and Hector Santiago, and the White Sox acquired outfielder Adam Eaton. The deal seems to work well for all three teams, but I would declare the Angels the winner here.

Picture courtesy of MLB Facebook page

Mark Trumbo has slugged 95 home runs in the first 3 seasons of his career, but holds a .251 batting average, and a .300 on base percentage in his career. The Angels loose a significant source of power, but can afford two already having a stacked lineup. Skaggs is still considered one of the top pitching prospects in the game and is just 22 years old. He has not found success at the MLB level yet with 68 innings pitched and a 5.43 ERA. Santiago is just 25 years old and can be used as a starter or a reliever as he has found success as both. His ERA as a starter is a bit higher than as a reliever but overall he will be a valuable asset to the Angels. Adam Eaton is also considered on of the best young players in the game with just 88 games played at the Major League level. Eaton has a ,254 batting average and a .332 on base percentage over his short career but that is expected in to increase.

Trumbo will have to play the outfield in Arizona which I see as a potential problem. Trumbo is a big guy ans doesn't move well that is why he was playing primarily first base and designated hitter in Los Angeles. Although he did play his share of game at third base and both corner outfield spots I do not consider him anything more than a first baseman, and it is understood that he will not displace current first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. The Angels won the trade as they got rid of a one dimensional player and bolstered they pitching significantly. they have a promising young lefty and a sturdy starter that can fall back as a reliever.