Analyzing the Mat Latos trade

On December 17, 2011 the Cincinnati Reds acquired pitcher Mat Latos for a boat load of prospects. The Padres were debating whether they should rebuild or not and they decided to trade their 24 year old ace pitcher for a bunch of prospects who could potentially help the team become competitive again in the future. The main piece that the Reds gave up was first baseman Yonder Alonso, who couldn't find playing time because he was blocked by Joey Votto on the depth chart. Alonso has serious power and he could turn into a nice big league player. The only problem is the Padres play at PETCO Park, where hitters batting averages die and pitchers ERA's go down drastically due to the weird dimensions. Another player the Reds got was Edinson Volquez, who's value was low but he had a nice year where he won 17 games in 2010. Yasmani Grandal, another big prospect included in the trade, is a catcher who is quickly rising through the farm system and appears to be the backstop of the future in San Diego. Brad Boxberger was the last player in the deal and hes a nice player as well. He seems to have a future as a setup man or closer, and he is quickly rising through the farm system as well. Lets see how this trade has affected both teams thus far this season: (all stats are from the 2012 season as of May 17th)


Reds Recieve: Pitcher Mat Latos   2-2 win loss record  4.54 ERA   9.1 H/9

Padres Recieve:  First baseman Yonder Alonso .296 BA, 37 hits, 1 home run
                            Pitcher Edinson Volquez   2-2 win loss record, 2.79 ERA, 8 games started, league leading 24 walks.
                            Catcher Yasmani Grandal (AAA stats) .246 BA,  3 home runs, .992 Fld%
                            Pitcher Brad Boxberger (AAA stats) 4.85 ERA, 14 games, 9 games finished, 10.4 SO/9.

Was he worth all of those prospects?

It may take some time to determine who will win this trade but the Padres definitely have an edge. They have gotten a boat load of prospects and they are all showing some signs of life this season. Alonso is hitting well but he is not hitting that many home runs (Because of PETCO park). Volquez is pitching excellent and his value is high again. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets traded at the deadline because I don't think he is a part of their future. Grandal hasn't gotten off to a great start but he is still young and I'm sure the Padres won't rush him to the big leagues. As for Boxberger, there is no need to rush him to the big leagues either but he may be ready soon. If he can manage to get his ERA down to the mid 3's and low 3's, he could get the call this September and the Padres will be able to see what they have in him. As for the Reds, Latos hasn't gotten off to a great start and has always had some attitude issues. If he could pitch like the pitcher that the Reds saw in him, then the trade would be fair to both sides but at the moment I see the Padres getting the better end of the deal here.