Mariners continue making moves acquire Smyly
The Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays have agreed on a trade that gives Seattle more pitching depth. The Mariners acquired starting pitcher Drew Smyly from the Rays in exchange for shortstop Carlos Vargas, outfielder Mallex Smith, and pitcher Ryan Yarbrough. They acquired Mallex Smith earlier in the day in a trade with the Atlanta Braves.
Mallex Smith was once a top prospect in the Braves organization. Played in 72 games in 2016 hitting .238/.316/.365 with 3 home runs and 22 RBI with the Braves. Carlos Vargas is a 17-year-old shortstop that hit .242/.344/.391 with 7 homers and 35 RBI in 62 games in the Dominican Summer League. Ryan Yarbough is a 25-year-old pitcher that had a strong 2016 campaign going 12-4 2.95 ERA in 25 starts in Double-A. Those three players are headed to Tampa Bay in exchange for 27-year-old Drew Smyly.
In 2016 Smyly went 7-12 4.88 ERA in 30 starts with the Rays. It was a rough year for Smyly as he gave up 32 home runs in just 175 innings pitched. A bounce back year is possible for Smyly especially pitching his home games in pitcher friendly Safeco Field. A strong move by the Mariners who continue to add much needed starting pitching depth.
