Marlins send Casey McGehee to Giants for minor-league pitchers
The Miami Marlins dealt third baseman Casey McGehee to the San Francisco Giants for minor-league right-handers Kendry Flores and Luis Castillo on Friday night.
Earlier in the day, the Marlins acquired Martin Prado, a 2010 All-Star, to man the hot corner in a move with the New York Yankees. San Francisco needed a third baseman after Pablo Sandoval signed with the Boston Red Sox.
"Extremely difficult decision because he did mean so much on the field and in the clubhouse, a true pro in every sense in the word," president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. "It was probably one of the toughest phone calls I've ever had to make to let him know he’d been traded.
"In return, we're really excited to bring back Prado and we're excited for what he brings both on the field and in the clubhouse as well."
McGehee received National League Comeback Player of the Year honors from various outlets for his 2014 performance, batting .287 with 29 doubles, one triple, four home runs and 76 RBI in 160 games. In 2013, he flourished in Japan and won a title with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles before signing a free-agent contract last December with the Marlins.
At the time, McGehee was considered a stopgap for prospect and former first-round pick Colin Moran. But at the trade deadline, Miami sent him to the Houston Astros for righty Jarred Cosart. After finishing on the NL All-Star Game final vote ballot for his first-half numbers (.319 average, 53 RBI), McGehee tailed off with a .243 average and just 23 RBI.
The 32-year-old was eligible for arbitration this winter and will become a free agent after the 2015 season. His penchant for timely hitting, particularly batting cleanup behind All-Star slugger Giancarlo Stanton, earned him the moniker #HitsMcGehee from fans.
"It was just letting him know we appreciated everything he did for us," Hill said. "We're trying to build and be successful and he understood what we were trying to do and we just thanked him for what he did for us on and off the field. He thanked us for bringing him back to the big leagues and giving him an opportunity. We wished him the best of luck and he wished us the best of luck and that was it."
Flores went 4-6 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts with High-A San Jose in 2014. The 23-year-old from the Dominican Republic is 31-24 with a 3.47 ERA in 90 games (85 starts) in six minor-league seasons. According to MLB.com's scouting report, he possesses a 90-93 mph fastball that occasionally reaches 95 mph and works well with his changeup. Flores also has a curveball and a cutter. He will be placed on the 40-man roster.
Castillo, who turned 22 last week, posted a 2-2 record and 3.07 ERA with 10 saves in 48 relief outings with Low-A Augusta. In three minor-league seasons, he has gone 3-6 with a 2.67 ERA in 94 appearances with 66 games finished and 32 saves. Castillo has struck out 147 batters in 141 1/3 innings with just 50 walks and seven home runs.
Flores projects to begin his stint with the Marlins organization in Double-A Jacksonville, while Castillo will start off with Single-A Jupiter.
"Both power arms and should fit nicely," Hill said. "We've parted with a lot of inventory over the last few weeks. This was an opportunity to re-stock a bit and get quality pitching prospects we really like."
Hot Stove season has been a busy one for the Marlins, who have executed trades with three organizations: the Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds.
Headlining the transactions have been right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, first baseman Garrett Jones as well as top prospects Andrew Heaney and Anthony DeSclafani. In return, the Marlins have gotten All-Star second baseman Dee Gordon, Prado and righties Mat Latos and David Phelps. Miami also signed free-agent first baseman Michael Morse.
"I think the goal has always been to put together the most complete lineup and team we possibly can," Hill said. "Every move was made with that in mind and giving us the best opportunity to win not just in 2015 but beyond. We're going to try and enjoy the Holidays, but we're still looking for ways to improve the club. If there is something that makes sense to us, we will pursue it."
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
