The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired RHP (reliever) Brad Boxberger from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for RHP Curtis Taylor.
The D-Backs need a reliever. They got one in Boxberger, but there is still work to do. Boxberger is often injured, and they\’ll need him to be at his pre-2016 form. They don\’t give up much in Taylor.
Boxberger, 29, had a 3.38 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 40 strikeouts in 29.1 innings in 2017. In his MLB career for the Rays and San Diego Padres, Boxberger has a 3.19 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 44 saves and 297 strikeouts in 231 innings.
For the Rays, they get some value out of Boxberger, who most likely would have been non-tendered. Taylor is a young pitcher, and can be a fringe major leaguer.
Taylor, 21, has never played in the majors. He had a 3.32 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 68 strikeouts in 62.1 innings in 2017 for A ball. In his minor league career, Taylor has a 3.09 ERA, a WHIP of 1.22 and 91 strikeouts in 78.2 innings.
I think the D-Backs win this deal. They get a major leaguer for a minor leaguer. Enough said.
CarterHud 