The Los Angeles Dodgers traded for José Lobáton from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations. Lobáton was assigned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, which will help fill a void left by Keibert Ruiz’s injury.
The organization’s top catching prospect suffered a broken finger that is expected to require surgery and sideline him for the remainder of the 2019 season. The Dodgers had previously traded Rocky Gale to the Tampa Bay Rays, and with Will Smith up in the Majors, Austin Barnes was Oklahoma City’s lone viable catcher.
Lobáton made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres during the 2009 season, though only appeared in seven games. He was then with the Tampa Bay Rays from 2011-13, the Washington Nationals from 2014-17, and spent last season with the New York Mets.
Lobáton has hit .215/.293/.319 with 47 doubles, 21 home runs and 107 RBI in 413 games over parts of nine seasons in the Majors. The 34-year-old batted .236/.305/.434 with 18 doubles, 13 home runs and 38 RBI in 75 games for Triple-A Tacoma this season.
Friday’s trade is the second this season between the Dodgers and Mariners. Last month, L.A. sent Daniel Castro to Seattle in exchange for Kristopher Negrón. That trade also stemmed from a lack of depth, as Kiké Hernandez and Chris Taylor remain sidelined by respective injuries.
Negrón has been extremely productive since joining the Dodgers, making starts at second base, third base, shortstop and center field. Negrón additionally is in the midst of a career-best seven-game hitting streak, all of which has come with the Dodgers.
Although MLB eliminated August waiver trades, Friday’s deal is one example of the type of transactions still permitted. Lobáton was not on the Mariners’ 40-man roster, therefore eligible to be traded.
Furthermore, teams can potentially add players who are designated for assignment and placed on waivers, just not via trade.
Players with over five years of MLB experience and clear waivers can control their own destiny by refusing a Minor League outright assignment and instead electing free agency. Should a player be claimed off waivers, the claiming team will be responsible for taking on the remainder of that player’s salary.
Lastly, teams can add to their roster via international or independent league signings.
