The Angels have agreed to a swap with the Astros to acquire backstop Max Stassi, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post (via Twitter). Stassi, 28, was pushed out of the picture in Houston when the club acquired backstop Martin Maldonado.
Outfielders Rainier Rivas and Raider Uceta are going to Houston in return, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand (via Twitter).
With Maldonado rejoining the fray in Houston, the 28-year-old Stassi was evidently made expendable. He’d already been struggling to justify his spot on the active roster, with an abysmal .446 OPS in 98 plate appearances for this year’s Astros. That said, Stassi has made his living not as a formidable offensive player, but for his value behind the plate. Per Statcast, he’s posted top-of-the-line framing numbers behind the plate, one of the most sought-after skills in a catcher. DRS credits him as saving 9 runs last season and 2 runs this year. For his career, he’s caught 24% of would-be base-stealers—not a great mark, but passable considering his framing skills.
In Anaheim, he’ll replace Dustin Garneau, who was designated for assignment earlier Wednesday. The Angels’ everyday catcher, Jonathan Lucroy, is slated to make his return from the injured list. Kevan Smith, who has enjoyed a solid offensive season by backup catcher standards, is also on the active roster, though he lags behind Stassi as a defensive catcher. Both Smith and Stassi are out of options, so it appears that the Halos will move forward with three catchers on the 25-man roster, at least for the time being.
In Rivas and Uceta, the Astros will in turn receive two teenage outfielders from the depths of the Los Angeles minor-league ranks. MLB Pipeline doesn’t view either as one of the Halos’ top 30 prospects, though at just 18 years old, these are far from finished products. Both Rivas and Uceta are playing in the Arizona League with the Angels’ rookie-ball affiliate. Uceta has posted a .278/.341/.373 batting line in 138 plate appearances at the level, while Rivas has batted .400/.512/.543 in 86 PA.
Well .they’ve got 1 minute
If only we hadn’t taken time to tell people we’re working on it….
Yes! It would be great to have Stassi here. He’s my favorite on the Astros and hopefully now the Angels
Stassi is your favorite (former) Astro? I think the Angels are going to trade a vending machine for him.
“hahaha trading inanimate object for player I don’t like hahaha”
MLB: “You better finish this phone call like in ten seconds.”
Lol
Well that makes sense. Lucroy isn’t exactly the greatest
Haha well then you will just love Stassi.
Does it? LOL!
too late
Seriously – this is the deal they make at the deadline.
A box of circus peanuts and some crackers jacks? that sounds fair.
Astros will take it!
Strong move Angels, always looking like that winning organization.
The piece!
dumb
THE Max Stassi? Did we need another sub .200 hitting catcher? I’m sure he’s a pitch framing wiz! I am just baffled by management. So many midrange pitchers moving teams today for next to nothing and the Angels bring in a 4th catcher. I get not giving up the farm for a rental but this just sends a throwing in the towel vibe to the locker rooom
I agree! It’s basically a useless and stupid trade!
Billy eppler I’m totally disappointed not buying or selling at the trading deadline staying put neutral not buyers or sellers how disappointing to see eppler with his hands folded should of traded Jonathan Lucroy we didn’t need another below hitting catcher Angels should have tried to pick up Sanchez from the Blue Jays
Trout will be in the playoffs this year. However, it will be watching the game from the luxury box at Dodger stadium.
“at” the playoffs is what you mean.
Mike Trout would never step foot in Dodger Stadium since the Dodger fans boo Mike Trout every time he comes up to home plate that made me lose respect for Dodger fans
The Angels make useless trades! They are better off trading the coach!
if Arte Moreno was smart he would get rid of Billy eppler
Why?
Josh Fields for Yordan Alvarez 2.0
You give Max Stassi some regular playing time for the next two years and if he can bat around 240 with that defense and the way he handles pitchers. He will be more valuable then Grandal trust me
Def not a headline grabber, but Stassi played HS ball at Yuba City, CA (NoCal), so perhaps a return closer to home will help. He was once a highly touted prospect, but injuries took its toll. Basically hes someone to put behind the plate for 2020 when Luctoy leaves.
Another huge win for Jeff Luhnow and the Astros.
2 minor leaguers for a subpar backup catcher that you were going to have to release.
Its national Jeff Luhnow day!!
^ LOL. Dude took a flyer on two 18 year olds. Eppler turned two lowly-touted teenagers into a serviceable catcher at the MLB level. Any way you slice it, it’s probably a non-factor move for both orgs.
A move in the catching department had to be made!… Our catchers are some of the worst defensively baseball… We lead the league in wild pitches..We give up 90 feet like it’s nothing… All that does is take us out of double plays and put runners in scoring position