The Blue Jays have acquired left-hander Génesis Cabrera from the Cardinals, experiences Katie Woo of The Athletic. The Playing cards had designated Cabrera for task earlier this week. In alternate, the Playing cards obtained minor league catcher Sammy Hernandez. The Jays might want to open a spot on their 40-man roster to accommodate Cabrera.
Cabrera, 26, as soon as seemed to be establishing himself as an influence reduction lefty on the large league stage. Throughout the 2020 and 2021 seasons, he made 90 appearances for the Playing cards with a 3.41 earned run common. He struck out 27.8% of batters confronted and stored the ball on the bottom at a 40.4% clip but in addition allowed walks at a 13.3% charge. Regardless of the plain management points, the punchouts had been sufficient for him to maneuver right into a high-leverage function, recording 28 holds in 2021.
Issues haven’t gone as easily for him since then, nevertheless. His strikeout charge dropped to 16.5% final 12 months, serving to his ERA climb to 4.63. This 12 months, he’s received these strikeouts again, punching out 26.6% of hitters. But it surely hasn’t led to improved outcomes, as he has a 5.06 ERA on the 12 months. Residence runs have change into an growing concern of late, as he allowed eight within the 2019-2021 interval, however then eight extra final 12 months alone and one other six this 12 months.
The Cardinals are having a disappointing season and appear to be sure for some promoting between now and the commerce deadline. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak has been forthright concerning the membership turning its attentions in direction of 2024, with numerous trades attainable within the days to come back. Cabrera received bounced off the roster forward of time, probably because of his struggles but in addition as a result of he apparently expressed some frustration together with his function in St. Louis.
Regardless of his poors outcomes of late, there are some logical causes for the Jays to be concerned about taking a shot. Cabrera is averaging 95.8mph on his fastball, a uncommon trait for southpaws. Statcast knowledge has him within the prime 10 in that class amongst left-handers with no less than 500 pitches thrown this 12 months. It’s additionally attainable he has much more within the tank since he was at 97.6mph again in 2021. He additionally has an possibility remaining, which can give the Jays the flexibility to ship him in Triple-A in the event that they so need.
He additionally comparatively low cost, making $950K this season, which is barely above this 12 months’s $720K minimal wage. He may also be retained for future seasons by way of arbitration, as he started this 12 months with three years and 11 days of service time. Meaning he’s not slated without spending a dime company till after 2025, and that might even get pushed again by a 12 months if he spends a while on elective task. The Playing cards already optioned him at the beginning of the season, although he was rapidly recalled on April 8 and stayed on the energetic roster till his latest DFA. If the Jays may also help him get again into the shape he confirmed just a few years in the past or assist him rein in his command, he might be a multi-year asset for them.
The Jays have operated with Tim Mayza as their solely left-handed reliever this 12 months. He’s having an amazing season with a 1.10 ERA in 44 appearances, however Cabrera might give them a second choice to name upon. They may make extra acquisitions earlier than the commerce deadline however Cabrera’s possibility means he could be a depth piece within the minors, even when he’s squeezed out of the image on the large league stage. The Jays are clear patrons, provided that their 54-43 document has them tied with the Astros for the second Wild Card spot within the American League. The closest non-playoff group, the Purple Sox, are three video games again of the Jays and Astros in the intervening time.
For the Playing cards, that is more likely to be the primary of many offers they make within the coming days, given their aforementioned vendor place. Regardless of at present having fun with a six-game win streak, they’re 8.5 video games out of the playoff image within the Nationwide League. They’ve numerous impending free agent pitchers that appear more likely to be moved, resembling Jordan Montgomery, Jack Flaherty, Jordan Hicks and Chris Stratton, in addition to a position-player logjam that might result in a commerce.
For now, they may add Hernandez, a 19-year-old catcher. He was chosen by the Jays within the 14th spherical of final 12 months’s draft and has been taking part in within the decrease ranges of their farm system. He’s hit .213/.287/.367 in 42 video games throughout two completely different ranges this 12 months. He hasn’t usually been thought of one of many membership’s prime 30 prospects.
