Zack Greinke Trade Brings Back Four Players From Brewers

We now have a better idea of the details of the Zack Greinke trade swung by the Brewers and Royals this weekend. And, sure enough, shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt is part of the deal.

Headed to Milwaukee are Greinke, Betancourt, and $2 million - intended to cover the buyout of Betancourt’s 2012 option. And going to Kansas City are shortstop Alcides Escobar, outfielder Lorenzo Cain, pitcher Jake Odorizzi, and a player to be named later.

Greinke, obviously, was the best remaining pitcher available on the market, and he’ll help form a very strong top three in the Brewers rotation, along with Yovani Gallardo and Shaun Marcum. Betancourt isn’t much of an addition, as he struggles to get on base and doesn’t play great defense, but he’ll fill the hole in the infield in the short-term.

As for the return, Escobar is a 24-year-old one-time top prospect who has thus far struggled to hit in the Major Leagues, with a .298 OBP. However, he can make contact, there’s potential room for growth in his bat, and he plays strong defense. He stands to be the Royals shortstop for the next five years.

Lorenzo Cain is also a 24-year-old, and he spends most of his time playing center field. He has struggled with injuries and has only limited exposure to AAA and the Majors, but he runs well and, like Escobar, he covers a lot of ground in the field while showing signs of development at the plate.

Jake Odorizzi is a 20-year-old righty who was the 32nd overall pick in the 2008 draft. He was arguably the top pitching prospect in the Brewers organization, and although he’s a long ways away, he posted excellent numbers in A-ball last season and stands to make it as a middle-rotation starter or a power reliever.

The player to be named later is the final piece, and could end up being Jeremy Jeffress - another one of the Brewers’ top young pitchers. However, that is currently unknown.

The Royals didn’t bring back any standout studs for Greinke, but they did manage to make at least three additions up the middle as they set themselves up for a run in a few years, once their youth has developed.