In another move to clear contracts off the books, the Cincinnati Reds have traded Brandon Drury to the San Diego Padres. In return, the Reds will receive 18-year-old Shortstop Victor Acosta. Both teams have been busy with the trade deadline dwindling. San Diego is gunning for the National League West title by trading for Juan Soto on Tuesday morning. Now, they add another bat to the lineup.
The New York Mets had him last year, which worked out well. Drury hit .274/.307/.476 in a bench role for the Mets. Meanwhile, the Reds to0k a chance on Drury in the offseason. Cincinnati signed him to a one-year, $900k contract. Since then, Drury has become the starting third baseman who’s having a career year. Drury, who should’ve been an All-Star, is hitting .274 with 20 homers and 59 RBI. Previous to 2022, Drury’s career high in home runs was 16, which he did in 2016. Nevertheless, it’s been a surprise to see Drury as the Reds’ best hitter this season.
Victor Acosta was signed out of the International Player Pool in 2021 from the Dominican Republic. Acosta is the No. 6 prospect in the Padres organization. Although he is small, Acosta has five-tool potential. In 88 Rookie Ball games, Acosta has hit .269 with a whopping .401 on-base percentage. He also has stolen 31 bases in that time as well. Acosta will be another welcome addition to the Reds’ stacked farm system, likely tops in baseball.
It’s no secret that the Reds are rebuilding. It’s the definition of taking a chance and making a great investment in an underrated player. The 29-year-old has been great for the Reds and outplays his contract’s worth. It seems likely that the Padres will use Drury in a super-utility role on the team. He can play various positions based on who needs a day off. The regular lineup will likely feature Josh Bell, Jake Cronenworth, Ha-Seong Kim and Manny Machado.
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Brandon Drury, Victor Acosta, Juan Soto, Josh Bell, Jake Cronenworth, Ha-Seong Kim, Manny Machado
