The Oakland Athletics made a five-player trade with the Tampa Bay Rays that netted them All-Star Ben Zobrist and shortstop Yunel Escobar, the teams announced on Saturday. It's a big move, another in a long line from the A's this offseason.
Athletics acquire Ben Zobrist, Yunel Escobar from Rays in 5-player trade
Ben Zobrist is headed to the Oakland A’s in a big trade that will also see Yunel Escobar, John Jaso, Daniel Robertson and Boog Powell switch teams.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The deal was first reported by Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.
In exchange for Zobrist and Escobar, the Rays received catcher John Jason, minor league shortstop Daniel Robertson and minor league outfielder Boog Powell. Robertson was rated the No. 1 prospect in the A's system, per Baseball America.
Oakland is also sending cash in the trade to Tampa Bay, reportedly $1.5 million per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Zobrist is the biggest name in all of this by a wide margin. He’ll play second base with the A’s but will likely move around some, as he’s incredibly versatile. He can play anywhere in the outfield or the infield and is a strong defender in general. Slusser also notes that Zobrist, being a switch-hitter, and Escobar, being a right-handed hitter, will likely give the A’s the option of sending out entirely right- or left-handed lineups as needed.
“It’s an emotional and meaningful day as we bid farewell to Ben Zobrist and thank him for everything he’s meant to the Rays organization,” Rays president of baseball operations Matt Silverman said in a press release. “Any description of his value, talent and character would understate how we feel about Ben, and we consider ourselves fortunate for all our great moments together.”
Zobrist is scheduled to make $7.5 million this season and will be a free agent after the season, while Escobar is signed for the next two seasons (at $5 million and $7 million), with a club option for 2017.
To make room on the 40-man roster, Oakland designated infielder Andy Parrino for assignment.
See More:
