Overshadowed some with the Los Angeles Dodgers reaching an agreement to acquire Mookie Betts and David Price from the Boston Red Sox was their reported trade of Kenta Maeda to the Minnesota Twins.
He was who the Twins received in compensation for sending Brusdar Graterol to the Red Sox as part of the three-team trade. Of course, that since has gone by the wayside amid Boston growing concerned over Graterol’s medicals.
They sought an additional prospect in the trade but talks between the three teams reached an impasse. In its place, L.A. began to work on separate deals with the Red Sox and Twins.
That came to fruition with the Dodgers reaching a deal to acquire Betts, Price and cash considerations in exchange for Jeter Downs, Alex Verdugo and potentially another prospect. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are also poised to trade Maeda to the Twins for Graterol, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
Deals coming together. #Dodgers in agreement with #MNTwins, pending medical review – Maeda and cash would go to MIN for Graterol and another prospect. Other elements perhaps. Meanwhile, per @JeffPassan, LAD and #RedSox in agreement on Betts and Price for Verdugo-Jeter Downs-plus.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 9, 2020
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman spoke highly of Maeda at Dodgers FanFest, expressing hope the right-hander would reach his goal of making 30 or more starts this season. That has been a point of contention as Maeda has been moved into the bullpen down the stretch of the season.
Earlier this offseason, Maeda’s agent indicated they were receptive to a trade if it meant joining a team with more of a likelihood to remain a fixture in the rotation. Maeda figures to receive that opportunity with the Twins, who don’t boast as much pitching depth as the Dodgers.
Maeda went 47-35 with a 3.87 ERA, 3.71 FIP and 1.15 WHIP in 137 games (103 starts) over four seasons with L.A.
In Graterol the Dodgers are adding a hard-throwing prospect who may very well factor into their bullpen this season. He was recently ranked the No. 83 overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline.
The 21-year-old made his MLB debut last season, making 10 relief appearances for the Twins and collecting 10 strikeouts over 9.2 innings pitched. Graterol conceivably could develop into a starting pitcher, but may have greater upside as a late-inning reliever.
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