- Cesar Heranandez and Middle Prospect To Pirates for Keone Kela
A reliever that the Phillies were heavily linked to during last season’s trade deadline rumors, Kela went from the Texas Rangers to the Pittsburgh Pirates in somewhat of a surprising move. The Pirates appeared to be making a last ditch effort to remain in the playoff hunt, as they also acquired Chris Archer at the deadline. Now, the team seems to be moving in a different direction, and while Kela is only 26-years-old, I wonder if he’s going to be part of the Pirates’ plan moving forward.
Pittsburgh has solidified its closer spot with Felipe Vazquez. He’s saved 64 games over the last three seasons. Kela has also struggled out of the shoot this season, posting an 8.10 ERA to begin the month. So two questions emerge with Kela: 1.) why would the Phillies trade for a pitcher that is struggling? 2.) why is the prospect involved?
Question one’s answer is because he’s 26-years-old and has posted a career ERA of 3.57 with 238 strikeouts in 192 innings pitched. We’ll chalk this early season rough patch up to just that.
Question two’s answer is because he’s 26-years-old and has posted a career ERA of 3.57 with 238 strikeouts in 192 innings pitched. We’ll chalk this early season rough patch up to just that.
Redundant? Probably. But it’s specifically designed to drive the point home that Kela is a young arm who’s had much success in the past. It’ll Hernandez and the middle tier prospect to get this kind of move done. Kela could slide into a role toward the back end of the bullpen as the reliever who can get you a strikeout with the bases loaded and two outs.
