The Minnesota Twins traded Luis Araez (26), who led the American League in batting average last season.
Minnesota announced on the 21st 스포츠토토 (Korean time) that they would trade Araez to the Miami Marlins for right-hander Pablo Lopez (27), infielder Jose Salas (20), and outfielder Byron Churio (18).
Previously, the trade discussions that the local media reported citing sources have become a reality. Araez recorded a batting average of 0.314, an on-base percentage of 0.374, and a slugging percentage of 0.410 in 389 games over four years.
After the 1978 season, Minnesota traded Rod Currie, the batting king at the time, and then traded the No. 1 batting average hitter again.
Araez needs three years to qualify for full free agency. Marlins general manager Kim Ang revealed in an interview with local media that Araez will be the team’s starting second baseman. Existing second baseman Jazz Chisom moves to center fielder.
In exchange for Araez, Minnesota received two future prospects and an immediate starter, Lopez. They can keep Lopez for two years.
Lopez played 180 innings in 32 games last season, the most games and innings since his debut. He was 10-10 with an ERA of 3.75, a WHIP of 1.167, 1.1 home runs per 9 innings, 2.7 walks and 8.7 strikeouts.
Derek Palvey, president of baseball operations for the Twins, said, “It would be great if both Araez and Pablo were on our team, but to get an influential player like Pablo, you have to give up an influential player. I don’t care where the player came from. We need really good starters, really good players,” he said, emphasizing the need for reinforcement of the selection.