Analyzing the Indians-Reds-Diamondbacks Trade

Sin-Soo Choo is moving across the state of  Ohio to join the Cincinnati Reds due to a trade completed on Tuesday. (Peter G. Aiken)

The Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks all decided that change would be necessary to bring about higher levels of success in both the long and short term. On Tuesday, they agreed to trade some integral parts in order to help facilitate this change. As with any trade, there are winners and losers to be determined. My blog post looks at the three teams and what they received it return.

In my opinion, the Indians are the clear winners in this trade. They did up their best hitter in Sin-Soo Choo, but he is scheduled to be a free agent in 2013. They also gave up lefty reliever Tony Sipp and an aging first base prospect in Lars Anderson. In return, the Indians are getting a top prospect in starting pitcher Trevor Bauer, veteran outfielder Drew Stubbs and relief pitchers Bryan Shaw and Matt Albers.

Choo was expected to leave to join a contender next offseason. Rather than get nothing for him, the Indians found a deal where they could still net a large return while giving up only one year of Choo's contract. Bauer is still very young and has all of the potential in the world. Stubbs will fill in nicely in the Indians lineup.

The Reds did well with this trade too. They acquired Choo for at least this coming season. He will be a force in his new lineup and always finds a way to have a very high on-base percentage. I like the addition of Choo into the lineup offensively. The only concerns I have are about the down grade defensively and the ability to sign Choo long term. Both issues will affect just how good this trade ends up being for the Reds.

The Diamondbacks did not fare nearly as well as its two counterparts. I know that Bauer did not always listen to those in authority over him and had a bit of strange personality, but they gave up on him way too soon. After all, he reached the majors at age 21 and was the third overall pick in the 2011 draft. I would have preferred they be more patient with him.

The package of prospects the Diamondbacks got in return for Bauer is disappointing as well. They must have huge expectations for shortstop prospect Didi Gregorius. Shortstop was a major need for this team, but Gregorius must show he can hit at a major league level before he can be an everyday player in the big leagues. The Diamondbacks will also hope to revive the career of another disappointing prospect in embattled first baseman Lars Anderson.

The full effect of this trade will still need a lot of time to be played out completely. I really like what Choo can add to the Reds offense this coming season. I also really like the potential Bauer has with the Indians if he is given time to develop fully. The Diamondbacks seem to have their work cut out for them. Gregorius and Anderson will have to produce in big ways to make up for the loss of Bauer.