The Blue Jays have acquired left-hander Génesis Cabrera from the Cardinals, reviews Katie Woo of The Athletic. The Playing cards had designated Cabrera for task earlier this week. In trade, the Playing cards obtained minor league catcher Sammy Hernandez. The Jays might want to open a spot on their 40-man roster to accommodate Cabrera.
Cabrera, 26, as soon as seemed to be establishing himself as an influence aid lefty on the large league stage. Throughout the 2020 and 2021 seasons, he made 90 appearances for the Playing cards with a 3.41 earned run common. He struck out 27.8% of batters confronted and saved the ball on the bottom at a 40.4% clip but in addition allowed walks at a 13.3% price. Regardless of the apparent management points, the punchouts have been sufficient for him to maneuver right into a high-leverage position, recording 28 holds in 2021.
Issues haven’t gone as easily for him since then, nonetheless. His strikeout price dropped to 16.5% final yr, serving to his ERA climb to 4.63. This yr, he’s acquired these strikeouts again, punching out 26.6% of hitters. However it hasn’t led to improved outcomes, as he has a 5.06 ERA on the yr. Residence runs have turn out to be an rising challenge of late, as he allowed eight within the 2019-2021 interval, however then eight extra final yr alone and one other six this yr.
The Cardinals are having a disappointing season and appear to be sure for some promoting between now and the commerce deadline. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak has been forthright concerning the membership turning its attentions in the direction of 2024, with numerous trades attainable within the days to return. Cabrera acquired bounced off the roster forward of time, possible attributable to his struggles but in addition as a result of he apparently expressed some frustration together with his position in St. Louis.
Regardless of his poors outcomes of late, there are some logical causes for the Jays to be keen on taking a shot. Cabrera is averaging 95.8mph on his fastball, a uncommon trait for southpaws. Statcast data has him within the prime 10 in that class amongst left-handers with at the least 500 pitches thrown this yr. It’s additionally attainable he has much more within the tank since he was at 97.6mph again in 2021. He additionally has an choice remaining, which is able to give the Jays the power to ship him in Triple-A in the event that they so need.
He additionally comparatively low-cost, making $950K this season, which is barely above this yr’s $720K minimal wage. He may also be retained for future seasons by way of arbitration, as he started this yr with three years and 11 days of service time. Meaning he’s not slated without cost company till after 2025, and that would even get pushed again by a yr if he spends a while on optionally available task. The Playing cards already optioned him at first of the season, although he was rapidly recalled on April 8 and stayed on the energetic roster till his latest DFA. If the Jays may also help him get again into the shape he confirmed a couple of years in the past or assist him rein in his command, he could possibly be a multi-year asset for them.
The Jays have operated with Tim Mayza as their solely left-handed reliever this yr. He’s having an important season with a 1.10 ERA in 44 appearances, however Cabrera may give them a second choice to name upon. They could make further acquisitions earlier than the commerce deadline however Cabrera’s choice means he generally is a depth piece within the minors, even when he’s squeezed out of the image on the large league stage. The Jays are clear consumers, on condition that their 54-43 report has them tied with the Astros for the second Wild Card spot within the American League. The closest non-playoff staff, the Pink Sox, are three video games again of the Jays and Astros in the meanwhile.
For the Playing cards, that is prone to be the primary of many offers they make within the coming days, given their aforementioned vendor place. Regardless of at present having fun with a six-game win streak, they’re 8.5 video games out of the playoff image within the Nationwide League. They’ve numerous impending free agent pitchers that appear prone to be moved, comparable to Jordan Montgomery, Jack Flaherty, Jordan Hicks and Chris Stratton, in addition to a position-player logjam that would result in a commerce.
For now, they’ll add Hernandez, a 19-year-old catcher. He was chosen by the Jays within the 14th spherical of final yr’s draft and has been enjoying within the decrease ranges of their farm system. He’s hit .213/.287/.367 in 42 video games throughout two completely different ranges this yr. He hasn’t usually been thought-about one of many membership’s prime 30 prospects.
