The Idaho Taters held strong in their request for a near activation-ready prospect in their request for George Springer. GM Mike Friedrich got just that on Friday evening as the club announced the trade of Springer to the Asti Grape Stompers in return for outfielder Jo Adell and a 4th Round selection (51st Overall). In addition to Springer, the Grapes will acquire a 9th Round selection (127th Overall).
Springer was a name constantly linked to the Blue Jays in free agency which came to fruition when the outfieder signed a six-year $150 million deal that may keep him in Toronto for the remainder of his MLB career. Both Toronto and the Grapes know what they are getting from him — a high batting average, elite walk rate, 40-homer potential, and a handful of steals. He has hit over 75% of his MLB plate appearances at the leadoff spot, but with other high on-base players like Cavan Biggio on the Blue Jays, Springer’s bat could be more impactful at the two or three hole.
He is fresh off a .265/.359/.540 line with 14 home runs in 2020 and is under the Grapes control through 2022 on a reasonable $34 contract. Springer will join a strong Keeper Roster led by Freddie Freeman, Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler and Ketal Marte as the Grapes look to keep pace with the Cloverdale Clovers at the top of the newly formed East Bay Division.
The Taters had their eyes set on Adell and for good reason. The Angels called up the top prospect on Aug. 3, and at age 21, he was simply overmatched against big-league pitching. He logged 132 PA, technically losing prospect status in the short season, and had a 41.7 K%. Adell managed three barrels on 69 batted balls and ranked dead last in xwOBA. He did have a two-homer game and his max exit velocity of 115.5 mph ranked 14th in the majors, higher than the likes of George Springer, Ronald Acuna and Bryce Harper among many others. Further, Adell's sprint speed ranked in the 98th percentile, so the tools are there for him to develop into the fantasy star many have predicted.
He did not appear particularly close to putting it all together, and there is a good chance Adell ends up needing more time in the minors which works for the Taters timeline. Considered one of the top prospects in the sport a year ago, Adell will have his eyes on reaching Anaheim in 2021 and positioning himself as one of the RDBL's premier activations in 2022.
The Grapes now hold just 3 prospects and will have 14 Reserve Draft selections to make on Draft Day.
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