Trade Reaction: Mat Latos to the Reds

Earlier today, the Padres traded 24 year old starting pitcher, Mat Latos to the Reds for Yonder Alonso, Edison Volquez, Yasmandi Grandal, and Brad Boxberger. The center piece of the package was prospect Yonder Alonso, who has been blocked from starting in Cincinatti for the past 2 years by all star, Joey Votto.

At first glance, I immediately wondered why the Reds gave up so many prospects for a young starting pitcher, albeit with huge potential. The Padres acquire what could be a #3 starter, potential all star first basemen, a solid catcher, and what looks like a promising relief pitcher. The Padres easily acquired a great package for a single player.

The Reds did go out and do what they set out to do this offseason, acquire a good, top of the rotation starting pitcher. I don't think they will regret trading Alonso as much as some might think they will, because he would be spending time wasting away behind Votto, letting his potential wither away on the bench. The Reds had the asset in Alonso and used it to nab a great starter. I don't quite agree with how much the Reds gave up, considering that Alonso(Arguable #1 prospect), Grandal(#4 prospect), and Boxberger(#10 prospect) are among the best prospects in the system. This might be a little heavy for a starter.

I honestly am surprised about what the Padres are doing this offseason. They trade for top line closer(Huston Street), but then the next week trade away their number 1 starter for prospects. I think that the Padres made this trade to acquire the prospects needed to make Rizzo expendable, and to make a series of trades that will bring new, better players to San Diego. Maybe Alonso will be the expendable one, and he might net a starter, a seasoned veteran, or a group of prospects later in this winter.

Overall Verdict: Fair Trade For Now.

Only time will tell what the Padres end up doing, maybe swinging another deal with Alonso or trading away Rizzo. The Reds gave up a huge package for Latos, but they got what they wanted. If Volques rebounds, the Padres have a very good starter to go with these prospects.