Trade Central: Padres Keep Dealing, Acquire Brandon Drury From Reds
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After acquiring Josh Hader, Juan Soto and Josh Bell in the last two days, the Padres could have wrapped up their trade deadline dealings and called it a job well done.
Of course, that wouldn’t have been general manager A.J. Preller’s style.
Minutes after finalizing the deal for Soto and Bell, the Padres acquired infielder Brandon Drury from the Reds for No. 11 prospect Victor Acosta on Tuesday.
With the trade, the Padres have now dealt seven of their top 11 prospects entering the trade deadline.
REDS ACQUIRE
Victor Acosta, SS
Age: 18
Acosta signed with the Padres for $1.8 million out of the Dominican Republic in 2021, the largest bonus the Padres gave out that year. He had a strong debut in the DSL last year but hit just .243/.346/.360 in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League in his stateside debut this year. Acosta is a switch-hitter with plenty of bat speed to catch up to velocity. His lefthanded swing is geared for loft while he’s more of a slasher from the right side. Acosta has some strength for his size, but he’s smaller at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds and doesn’t have much room for growth. His physical limitations make it difficult to project much power long term. Acosta is a plus runner and high-energy player on both sides of the ball. His quickness and plus arm give him a chance to stay at shortstop. Acosta is very young and has a long way to go, but he holds promise as an athletic switch-hitter who can play up the middle.
PADRES ACQUIRE
Brandon Drury, 3B/2B
Age: 29
Drury has largely been a solid but unspectacular journeyman who was on his fifth team in six years with the Reds, but he’s in the midst of his best season in 2022. He hit .274 with 20 home runs, 59 RBIs and an .855 OPS in 92 games with Cincinnati, already setting a career high in homers. Drury is a potent hitter who can hit for average and power, although he doesn’t walk much. He’s primarily a third baseman but has also seen time at second base and the outfield. He gives the Padres another offensive threat to bolster their sagging lineup and provides versatility with his ability to play multiple positions. He will be a free agent after the season.
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