Cameron Maybin Traded to Tigers for Reliever and Pitching Prospect
The dominoes continue to fall this offseason for the Atlanta Braves, as the club traded center-fielder Cameron Maybin late Friday to the Detroit Tigers for reliever Ian Krol, pitching prospect Gabe Speier, and cash considerations.
It was long speculated that Cameron Maybin would get traded. Last season, the Atlanta Braves opted not to shop the 28-year-old center-fielder and sell high on him at the trade deadline, but as the club continues to shed payroll and stock their minor league system with young pitching, it makes sense.
-= Related: Shelby Miller: Pitcher on the Trading Block? =-
Braves acquire LHPs Ian Krol and Gabe Speier from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for OF Cameron Maybin and cash considerations.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 20, 2015
Cameron Maybin had a career renaissance last season for the Atlanta Braves. In the first half of the season, Cameron Maybin slashed .289/.356/.418 with 8 homers and 44 RBI’s, while also becoming one of the best hitters in the National League with runners in scoring position. Maybin’s bat significantly cooled off in the second half, recording .240/.289/.311 averages with only 2 homers and 15 RBI’s. Maybin lost time in center due to injuries and the addition of Michael Bourn, leading fans to wonder why the Braves did not sell high on him.
More from ATL All Day
- Atlanta Braves: Felix Has Already Shown Enough to Win a Rotation Spot
- Atlanta Braves Implode Late To Phillies, Cole Hamels Remains Sidelined
- Kyle Wright Shines As Folty Struggles In Atlanta Braves Loss To Red Sox
- Atlanta Hawks Sweep Back-to-Back Games Over Weekend
- Atlanta Braves: Grapefruit League Play Check Up
The return for Cameron Maybin from the Detroit Tigers is underwhelming to say the least. Ian Krol is a mediocre southpaw reliever at best, who’s lifetime ERA is 4.91 and lifetime WHIP is 1.58. His best season came in 2013 with the Washington Nationals, where he recorded a 3.95 ERA in 27.1 innings pitched to go along with a 1.32 WHIP. I know that the Atlanta Braves are looking to revamp their bullpen for 2016, but given Krol’s struggles so far during his major league career, I have trouble seeing the fit.
Gabe Speier is not a top prospect, but was drafted by the Red Sox and traded to Tigers after 2013 season. Speier wasn’t in the Tigers top 30 prospects. Last year with the Tigers Class A affiliate West Michigan, the lefty recorded a 2.86 ERA. Speier is still young and is a ways from enter the show, but could show promise as an undervalued prospect and potentially effective reliever at the major league level.
Cameron Maybin became a fan favorite in his only season in a Braves uniform. A North Carolina native, he stated that he enjoyed playing in the south and enjoyed Braves fans. The Tigers drafted Cameron Maybin in 2005, so he has come full circle since he began his career. Fans will miss Cameron Maybin, but it was only a matter of time until he got traded. In the end, this trade was nothing more than a salary dump that yielded another pitching prospect: right in line with John Hart’s and John Coppolella’s vision for the team.
Next: Atlanta Braves: Time to Deal Surplus of Young Pitching
Given the two trades to occur in the past week, and the constant speculation revolving around Shelby Miller, Julio Teheran and Freddie Freeman, who will get traded next? I don’t think we’ll have to wait long to find out. Keep it here for ongoing updates.