Blue Jays, Pirates swap Snider for Lincoln

Last week, I mentioned that the Blue Jays had a very interesting trade chip in Travis Snider. Late tonight, Toronto cashed in that trade chip, sending Snider to Pittsburgh for Brad Lincoln. 

On the surface, this doesn't seem like very good value for Snider. Lincoln's "just a reliever", but a good one, He's been a crucial part of Pittsburgh's bullpen this season, throwing 59 1/3 innings, striking out 60 and walking 14. For a Blue Jays team that is starved for pitching, Lincoln should slot in nicely for Toronto.

But the cost for Lincoln was high in Snider, The 23-year old has an .856 OPS this year after getting called up earlier this month, but his strike zone discipline remains a question. In 40 plate appearances in the majors this year, Snider has three walks compared to 14 strikeouts. His career major league strikeout rate is north os 27%, but his power is still very real, with a career .181 ISO in the majors. He's too young to give up on, and a fresh start in Pittsburgh should help. The Pirates also get a weight taken off of their shoulders by acquiring a legitimate outfield bat without giving up a top prospect. Now, they can force Alex Presley and Casey McGehee to platoon/bench roles, starting Garrett Jones every day at first and Starling Marte a majority of the time in the outfield along with Snider and Andrew McCutchen.

Both teams did relatively well here, but I have to wonder if the Blue Jays could have done better for Snider.

Photo courtesy of Daylife.com

About Joe Lucia

I hate your favorite team. I also sort of hate most of my favorite teams.

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