Dodgers Get: Tony Watson (5-3, 3.66 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 10 SV, 35/14 K/BB, Age 32)
Pirates Get: Angel German (1-0, 1.91 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 7 SV, 37/14 K/BB at Class A, Age 21)
Oneil Cruz (8 HR, 36 RBI, .240 AVG, 8 SB, 79 wRC+ at Class A, Age 18)
For the second straight season, the Pirates traded a top reliever, and the Dodgers will gladly take Tony Watson. Right now, Luis Avilan is the only left handed reliever in the LA bullpen with Grant Dayton hurt, so Watson fits right in to the plan. Unfortunately, Watson's career is going in the wrong direction, with his ERA jumping from 1.63 in 2014 to 1.91 in 2015, then 3.06 in 2016 and 3.66 in 2017. He's been giving up more hits, walking more, and seeing a drop in his strikeout rate, but he's still an effective reliever with a history of success that will get the job done in Los Angeles. He'll be a free agent after the season, holding a 2.68 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP for his career.
The Pirates got two decent, Class A prospects for two months of Watson, including breakout pitcher Angel Guzman. The 21 year old put it all together at Class A Great Lakes, posting a 1.91 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP over 21 relief appearances, striking out 37 and walking 14 in 33 innings. Standing 6'4", he's projectable and could add velocity when he fills out. He's certainly on the right track. Also going over to Pittsburgh is Oneil Cruz, an 18 year old shortstop who is holding his own in Class A. In 89 games, he's slashing .240/.293/.342 with eight home runs: not great, but credible given his age and the pitcher-friendly nature of the Midwest League. Personally, I'm a fan of Cruz, and I think his upside is higher than people realize. He's still growing into his body, standing 6'6" but listed at a skinny 175 pounds, and he may not be done growing taller. Despite the growth spurt (he was 6'3" when he signed in 2015), he has been able to hit in full season ball against older competition, and he could develop into a star third baseman if everything clicks right. Don't overlook Cruz.
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