In MLB, good teams understand the importance of having good relievers. After all, no one wants to see their efforts destroyed by a shaky reliever.
That’s why guys with potential often find themselves working.
For example, the Dodgers just offered a one-year contract to Alex Reyes. the old all star, who is recovering from injury, will earn $1.1 million.
If he performs well, he could make around $10 million.
A good team can never have too many relievers and that’s why the Miami Marlins have just completed a trade to get their hands on the excellent AJ Puk.
In return, the A’s get their hands on outfielder JJ Bleday.
What’s interesting is that the two clubs have made a deal which involves two promising youngsters. Bleday had been the fourth overall pick in 2019. He had made his debut in 2022 in Miami, without much success. He will still have time to get up, that said.
But it was mostly the presence of Jazz Chisholm Jr. in center field that forced Kim Ng to move. And she got her hands on a whole reliever.
Puk, a 16th overall pick in 2016, was in his first full season at Oakland in 2022. And clearly, the reliever dominated.
In 66.1 innings, or 62 outings, the left-hander maintained an ERA of 3.12. He was an important part of a decimated enclosure.
Since he doesn’t have much experience and wasn’t eligible for salary arbitration until 2024, the criticism of the A’s is overwhelming.
Once again, a talented guy has been liquidated. And this time, it is a few years (2027) away from autonomy: there was no rush…
If many people like the transaction for the A’s, let’s say that the criticisms of the Oakland method are strong. On Twitter, it’s not always sweet.
The Marlins also traded a youngster, but it was at a position where there was a surplus and it was to get their hands on a coveted piece that has proven to be capable of dominating in the MLB. Puk also fills a need.
But the A’s, them? It looks more like they are getting their hands on a player who will allow them to trade Ramon Laureano more than anything else. And that’s what’s disturbing.
I understand that Puk is almost 28, but that’s not exactly old for a reliever who has several years left in control. It’s sad what’s happening in Oakland, even though Bleday has the potential to be quite the player.
