5:28pm: The Royals are covering about half of Duda’s remaining salary, tweets David O’Brien of The Athletic.
4:45pm: The Royals and Braves have both announced the move.
4:19pm: The Royals have traded first baseman Lucas Duda to the Braves in exchange for cash, reports Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com (via Twitter). He reportedly cleared revocable trade waivers earlier this month and recently ranked 17th on MLBTR’s list of the top 20 remaining August trade candidates. The teams have not yet formally announced the move.
Duda, 32, will give the Braves some left-handed punch off the bench over the final five weeks of the regular season and, the team hopes, into the playoffs. While he hasn’t had a strong overall season, hitting just .242/.311/.415 on the year, those pedestrian numbers are in some part due to the fact that the Royals have played him against left-handed pitching far more than his track record against southpaws should dictate. Duda has taken 30 percent of his plate appearances against left-handed opponents in 2018 and, unsurprisingly, struggled at a .180/.255/.258 clip.
However, in 239 plate appearances while holding the platoon advantage, Duda has been a vastly superior hitter. He’s hit righties at a .267/.335/.479 clip, swatting 11 of his 13 homers and 11 of his 12 doubles in those matchups. Atlanta had reportedly already attempted to claim Matt Adams from the Nationals to fill a similar role, but the Cardinals had waiver priority over Atlanta and wound up acquiring him instead.
Duda signed a one-year deal with Kansas City this past offseason and is playing the year on a $3.5MM base salary. He earned a $100K bonus for taking his 300th and 325th plate appearance this season, and he’ll take home an additional $100K for every 25th plate appearance he takes in 2018. Because of those incentives, that base salary has risen to $3.7MM and will soon be bumped to $3.8MM, but with a presumably limited role on the horizon in Atlanta, he’s not likely to unlock much more of that incentives package.
[Related: Updated Kansas City Royals depth chart and Atlanta Braves depth chart]
Atlanta has been a middle-of-the-pack offense against right-handed pitching to this point in the season, hitting .256/.321/.413 — good for a 96 wRC+ that is tied for the 16th-best mark in baseball. Duda will give them some additional thump to use in those matchups in late-game settings and will instantly become the team’s best left-handed option off the bench. Prior to the trade, Rio Ruiz was the team’s lone lefty on the bench.
Luke Voit makes me take this loss better. I really wanted NYY to trade for Duda (finally now that he’s not on Mets)
Man, you have been wanting the Yankees to pick up any bum at 1B. I would rather call up Mike Ford than trade for Lucas Duda. Would probably present the same level of production.
Would you want the Yankees to trade for Jose Bautista next? What about Adam Lind? Should the Yankees take a flyer on Adam Dunn too?
Slow down. You’re the same guy pushing for Bird. If you read my posts, you’d know I’m probably Mike Ford’s biggest supporter here.
Duda’s season OPS of .726 and 13 homers, 48 RBI in 86 games with KC; numbers that much better than Bird’s, at much more difficult stadium
If you Keep drinking the Bird Kool-Aid, you lose the right to call other players “bum” Still waiting for Bird to give us one healthy, effective season.
Duda’s season OPS of .726 and 13 homers, 48 RBI in 86 games with KC; numbers that much better than Bird’s
—————
I’m sorry, are you seriously trying to use Duda’s .726 OPS to convince us that a 33 year old defensive liability is a better option than a 25 year old with good defense, a .736 regular season OPS, and a .921 post season OPS, for the Yankees going forward at first base?
What’s wrong with you? Do you really not understand concepts like “slumping” and “small sample sizes”?
Bird may or may not be the Yankee first baseman of the future. That point is certainly debatable. But the notion that Duda is a better option clearly, absolutely isn’t.
lmao youre the one to talk, you were just gassing up A.J Cole a couple weeks ago
I mean, Duda isnt having that much of a better season than Bird. Dudas .726 OPS isnt that much more impressive than Birds .669 OPS. Difference is, Duda is performing normally and Bird is performing astronomically worse than he should. You have better chances with in house options than you do grabbing Lucas Duda. Thats why I mentioned Mike Ford. So even if you dump Bird from the roster because you have no patience, I would still rather go with Voit/Ford/McBroom than having to give up anything for Duda. Duda is literally below average and the offense is not desperate for a below average hitter.
But I realize that a lot of players have better numbers than Bird this season. A lot of people have better numbers than Donaldson, Schoop, and many others, but it doesnt mean that some bum is a better player than them just because their season numbers are better. Sometimes players dont play to their abilities. Numbers arent everything and you should know that. I mean, did you really think AJ Cole was a premier reliever because he was doing good for a month or so? If for some reason you did then the lesson you should have learned was “numbers arent everything”.
“33 year old defensive liability”
As a Royals fan who watched Duda this year – I was actually pleasantly surprised by his defense. I mean – he’s not going to be on a gold glove short list – but he wasn’t a liability when in there.
Duda is better at first than Bird is. And can hold his own in the COF
“ . . . did you really think AJ Cole was a premier reliever because he was doing good for a month or so? . . . The lesson you should have learned was “numbers aren’t everything.”
Funny, the lesson I would have learned from the example you cite is: beware of small sample size errors. The numbers still work just fine.
First off he is 32 years old, not 33. Know your info. Secondly your saying that Duda is a defensive liability???? That proves right there that you don’t have a clue as to what you are talking about. A .994 fielding % isn’t what I consider a liability. I’ve watched him play all year long and he is great at 1st Base.
I feel like these posters just say stuff because of agenda’s. No facts need to be true since they all are on the internet
+major
Well, that too. Im just saying that even comparing stats over the season cant necessarily dictate who is a better player than the other. For example, Romine statistically is hitting better out Sanchez on the season, but is Romine a better hitter than Sanchez? No. See what I’m getting at?
“Romaine statistically is hitting better out Sanchez on the season, but is Romine a better hitter than Sanchez?”
Saying that career numbers should matter more than most recent numbers isn’t a criticism of the numbers themselves, Begamin. Nor is pointing out that a player was platooned, played his home game at Coors field, was injured, etc, anything which makes the raw numbers more meaningful. You aren’t trying to do away with numbers, just put them in context.
And for JDC:
“A .994 fielding % isn’t what I consider a liability.”
Fielding percentage is a poor way of evaluating fielders. Duda is a good example of this. He catches almost everything hit right at him or near him.
+majorflaw
I dont want to do away with numbers. I am very big on stats and numbers. However, my point is that numbers arent always indicative to a players talent. If i have to put numbers into context, then numbers dont tell the full story. Do you see what I mean?
“If I have to put numbers into context, then numbers don’t tell the full story.”
When would numbers without context tell the “full” story? What numbers don’t require some context?
“Do you see what I mean?”
Not sure that I do. You could tell a story about Romine and Sanchez, highlight their respective talents and struggles. But wouldn’t that story be pretty empty without some statistical backup? Nobody suggested that comparing the two players’ stats for this season tells one all that is needed about both. But that is the place to start.
“When would numbers…context?”
Never, and thats the point im making.
“Wouldnt the story be pretty empty without statistical backup?”
Of course. Again, i dont think that we should do away with numbers or anything. My original argument is that “numbers dont tell the full story” and not “numbers dont tell anything at all”. I like numbers and I do value them in arguments for who is a better player than the other. Its just that numbers alone can only say so much. However, Xabials argument was for why he wanted Duda on the team was that Dudas season numbers are better than Birds. Thats why I said “numbers cant necessarily dictate who is a better player”. Sure they can help you in your analysis, but the point i’ve emphasized since the first post in this thread is that numbers arent everything. I would rather have Bird play than Duda, despite Birds numbers being worse.
Do you understand me now? Im trying to explain my position the best I can but i think im running out of ways to say what Im trying to say
“Bird’s 10 wRC+ for the month is the lowest of 177 qualified hitters in that span…”
“Overall, Bird’s hitting .196/.284/.384 (80 wRC+) this year, and through 640 PA over his three-season major-league career, he’s at .213/.302/.435 for a 97 wRC+. That’s not going to cut it.”
fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&…
fangraphs.com/blogs/things-arent-going-well-for-gr…
Give me Duda’s ceiling (or lack thereof) over Bird’s “upside.”
As a Yankee fan, I hope I have to eat my words
Duda is at his ceiling right now. He is batting his career average, his OBP has dropped after 2015 and hasnt really picked back up. The one thing Duda could realistically improve is his .SLG, but not by a whole lot. I could see him slugging ~.450 by years end.
For the whole “Dudas ceiling over Birds upside” thing, you could, if you want, put any 48 game stretch of Duda this season over Birds 2015 showing and compare the two. I believe Bird can do better than his 2015 showing, but you seem to only want to go off of what has happened when considering realistic possibilities so i just presented his best season for you.
I understand Birds numbers arent pretty, but he hasnt even hit 1500 career PAs… nevertheless 1000. Its way to early to give up on a player that has everything in place but his mental. Patience has been the Yankees best friend. They were patient with Severino, Gregorius, Hicks, Betances, and many others and it has payed off. Its Birds turn now. Its too early to replace him or pull the plug on him. He has too much potential to just give up on him this early. If by 1500 PAs, the numbers are still trending the same, then I would suggest making a change. Until then, i wouldnt let Duda out of all people replace him. Duda isnt Votto or anyone of noteworthy production value. Like I said, I would rather have Ford come up rather than Duda come in
First you quote Bird’s post-season OPS to help your case, then you criticize someone by saying “Do you really not understand concepts like “small sample sizes”?”
FYI Bird’s post-season is a small sample size.
Duda has a -8.3 career defensive WAR. He is a dud in the field and not much of a hitter. It should be no surprise that the Braves really wanted Adams.
“Difference is, Duda is performing normally and Bird is performing astronomically worse than he should.”
Dude has had OPS of .818 or higher in three of his last four years. If you want to say someone is performing astronomically worse, it would be him ,not Bird. Bird also plays at one of the most ridiculous parks in all MLB for LH pull hitters. Quite frankly, the entire field is a much better hitter park than Duda’s three home fields (though Kaufman is in the top half of stadiums in everything other than homers).
Bird at this point is a failed prospect, and this is coming from a Yankees fan. The small sample size he did anything of merit is a ridiculous comp to use…
There is 14 points difference in wRC+. That’s a pretty big difference.
+cereal
Xabial asked Birds upside, so I gave him one. Reading comprehension…
+UGA
Duda is pretty much having a repeat of last year. The one thing that dropped off has been his slugging%. He has been on the decline for the last couple years. Hes getting up there in age and was never really a top flight producer at any point in his career. Realistically, the only thing i really see making a jump is his slugging%, but maybe by .050. I still stand by my statement that he is playing as expected (aside from slightly lower SLG)
Ford? How about McBroom?
Sure. Its a coin flip for me at this point if I had to decide between Ford and McBroom. They have a similar .OPS in AAA. I might lean a bit more toward Ford due to his higher walk rate, but eithers fine
The Yankees aren’t adding hitters. They don’t need them, they have three starters coming back from injury. Two of them (Didi and Sanchez) are days away. The starting lineup, once they’re back, is
Gardner, Stanton, Hicks, Andujar (at DH), Didi, Torres, Walker (at 3B), Sanchez, Voit. Where would any available trade target fit into that? Please keep in mind that Gardner, the supposed weak link in that line up, while not hitting for much power, gets on base, runs the bases flawlessly, and is arguably the best defender on the team. So you’re definitely not getting an upgrade over him, off the wire. If Gardner was on the wire, he’d get claimed by the first contender.
As for Judge, if he’s back for the Red Sox series, that’s all the Yanks need to get their shot at the division. Those are the games that can actually make a difference, and I’m confident that, with a healthy lineup, the Yankees can pummel any team in baseball.
Hopefully not much cash..
Nice pick up for the Braves. Ive grown to kinda like Duda. He’s a much better 1st baseman than i ever thought and i wont be surprised if he gets a couple of big hits for the Braves. I’m glad Moore was able to move him to a team playing important games in Sept.
Agree. Decent pick up, though he will be averaging one at bat per game. Maybe this is Freeman insurance, because I sure hate using a spot for someone who will almost certainly never take the field.
Too bad they only have one DH series left, but are they looking far enough ahead to think about the World Series?
Good move for Braves and Royals.
“Cash considerations” can’t pick up a bat.
I don’t think I am feeling this move. He is notoriously streaky and I don’t know how consistent he could be coming off the bench I would much rather had Granderson and maybe Wilmer Flores
Good move for a PH. Knows the NL East well. Needed an experienced lefty on the bench. Rio Ruiz is not a good hitter.
Isn’t Duvall a righty?
Guess who got traded to the Braves today…
Duda…
Duda…
For the price I am good with the move now
I get this move, but just because we need a left handed bat on the bench doesn’t mean we should go get a bad one lol. If he was doing remotely normal for him I would be happy, but he’s really been very uninspiring this year. I’m not all that uncomfortable using minor leaguers to make a push for the remainder of the season. Most come up and look pretty strong to me
These pick ups are for the final series.
Winner of that finishes 1st. We need that added proven punch.
Lol coming from the guy calling rio Ruiz a better option. Braves fan is too heavy of a Braves fan to comment rationally. Gotta look without bias we picked up a bench bat better then any in house option we have and for nothing dude only needs one clutch hit in the playoffs or end of the season to justify this trade.
I didn’t say rio was a better option lol … some people think if they come in here calling other opinions trash it makes their opinion valid. But u didn’t read my statement correctly and simply assume I was talking about 1 guy. U know what assuming does right?
Braves Post Season, Sing This Song…
Duda.
Duda.
Memo to AA and the Braves, you need right handed power much more.
Dont see a mention of PTBNL anywhere, Steve!
(Hat tip to a Twitter user in your David O’ Brien link, Steve) twitter.com/davidwoodweb/status/103493010132074496…
From Braves official Twitter account:
“#Braves today acquired first baseman Lucas Duda and cash from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Duda will wear No. 20.” twitter.com/Braves/status/1034919207975243776?s=20
Was scared pointing something out (due to users wrath) but it’s not a typo soo… wish me luck Steve old buddy… Keep up the great work! (I’m not looking for mistakes, just got lucky reading that one post in the Twitter feed)
Why would they want or need him?
Great pickup for Atlanta, especially if it only costs them “cash considerations”. Leaving a pitcher’s Park and heading to an offensive Park will only help him. Duda did not get acquired to start (nobody is replacing Freeman), but he is a great lefty bench bat and can fill in when Freddy needs a day off. Zero complaints or concerns over this move; job well done this late in the season!