Cincinnati Reds FanSided Simulation Trade #3 – Devin Mesoraco

With Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez and center fielder Billy Hamilton traded for prospects, attention turned to Devin Mesoraco at the FanSided Winter Meetings Simulation.

Representing the Cincinnati Reds at the FanSided Wnter Meetings Simulation meant cleaning the roster of people that weren’t part of the long term plans.  Eugenio Suarez blocked the top prospect and Billy Hamilton wasn’t good enough for a smaller market team.  After they left, catcher Devin Mesoraco had to go.

The Houston Astros make the most sense, but in the simulation they weren’t interested.  Having traded Billy Hamilton to them, we already have what we want from their organization too.  A place for Mesoraco to DH and occasionally catch seemed like the best place.

Talks happened with the Colorado Rockies.  That taught us one thing.  Everyone who wanted catching help was interested in Jonathan Lucroy.

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In the simulation there were four teams actively looking for catching and Mesoraco was the third best option out there.  Once Lucroy and Alex Avila signed, Mesoraco became a desirable piece just ahead of Nick Hundley and Chris Iannetta.  Part of the equation was how much money to send along with him vs. what level of prospects to ask for in return.

The Cincinnati Reds traded catcher Devin Mesoraco and $7-million to the Pittsburgh Pirates for outfield prospect Calvin Mithcell and starting pitching prospect Max Kranick.

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Outfielder Calvin Mitchell is the Pittsburgh Pirates’ thirteenth best prospect.  He bats left handed with a good eye.  He is also young, coming from high school via the fiftieth selection of the 2017 draft.

Max Kranick also came out of high school.  The Pirates didn’t select the starting pitching prospect until the eleventh round.  He has only pitched 57 2/3 innings so far in his professional career.

Getting Mitchell in this deal is a coup.  He is the sort of player that the Reds need to stockpile.

It is a sign that the rebuild is ending.  He could be ready about the same time others leave.  Adam Duvall or Scott Schebler could become too expensive for the Reds to retain.

Moving Mesoraco is a huge win.  The Reds cleared up $6-million.  Also, his departure shows Gold Glove winner Tucker Barnhart that the franchise is 100% behind him.  This is a great outcome for the team.

Next: Reds Winter Meetings Simulation Trade #2 - Billy Hamilton

The Reds made their last trade at the FanSided Winter Meetings Simulation.  Then something surprising happened.  A veteran bench player became available.  He was too good to pass up.