Matt Moore to Texas

[reillymcshane]

Texas will get left handed starter Matt Moore from SF for minor leaguers Sam Wolff and Israel Cruz plus 750K of international bonus money.

 

Moore was once a highly thought of starter, but he struggled the last few years - even more in 2017 (5.52 ERA in what is generally considered a pitcher friendly environment)

 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/rangers-to-acquire-matt-moore.html

[reillymcshane]

The trade for Moore did not cost much, so it may be more of a salary dump on SF's part. Just a guess - but perhaps they are looking to go with a big splurge and sign JD Martinez.

 

SF was rumored to be trying to unload Hunter Pence (and his $18.5M salary) as well.

[JosephC]

Surprised by this move. When San Francisco picked up the option they made some statements that sounded like they were genuinely committed to him and were pleased to have him back in their rotation. Now they are really thin with starting pitching. Rotation is likely Bumgarner, Cueto, Samardzija, Blach (26 career starts, 4.43 ERA), Stratton (10 career starts, 3.67 ERA) with Tyler Beede and Joan Gregorio as the insurance options. Looks like any Brewer fan that was hoping the team could deal an outfielder for any of these guys can cross that off the list now.

 

I agree that dumping Moore is 100% about making a run at J.D. Martinez. Can't see any other reason why they would make this move.

[MadThinker88]

If not a run at JD, they might also be making a run at Moose to take over 3rd. Only drawback with that plan is JD does not have QO signing penalties (like Moose)..

[LouisEly]

SF had by far the worst production at 3B last year (-3.5 wins above average per B-R). Moose would be a huge upgrade.

 

If Cueto returns to form, a top three of MadBum, Cueto, and Samardzjia is as good as any top three out there, with the possible exception of the Nats. Unlikely, but if they could find a way to sneak into the playoffs, they could ride that shortened rotation a long way.

[liveforoctober]

I know some around here are smitten on getting Samardzjia+ in a potential OF trade ... I'd assume this would make that less likely as they just lost one of their rotation arms.