Giants make their move, get Leake from Reds
The Cincinnati Reds traded right-hander Mike Leake to the San Francisco Giants for minor leaguers Keury Mella and Adam Duvall, CBS Sports MLB Insider Jon Heyman reported early Friday morning. The Reds officially announced the deal shortly thereafter.
Earlier on Thursday, Heyman reported the Reds were interested in moving Leake, who has a 3.56 ERA with 90 strikeouts in 136 2/3 innings this season, and a 3.87 ERA in 163 career starts. He will be a free agent at season’s end. The Blue Jays and Yankees also were said to be pursuing Leake, who is 27 years old.
The Giants figure to be set in the rotation with Madison Bumgarner, Chris Heston and Jake Peavy, though the other spots — belonging to Matt Cain, Tim Hudson and sometimes Ryan Vogelsong — aren’t as steady. He’s going to replace Hudson, at least for now.
The Giants beat out the Yankees and Blue Jays for Mike Leake. (USATSI)
Leake, it has been said by Heyman and others, was keen on possibly being traded to the Giants. Leake is from California, his dad loves Giants great Willie Mays, and his family is acquainted with that of Giants manager Bruce Bochy. Pitching at AT&T Park also would be advantageous for Leake when compared to Great American Ball Park.
Among the return, right-hander Keury Mella, who turns 22 in a few days. In 16 starts for Class A San Jose, he posted a 3.31 ERA with 83 strikeouts and 26 walks in 81 2/3 innings. He’s viewed by some scouts as the Giants best pitching prospect. Also going to the Reds, slugger Adam Duvall, who had 77 plate appearances with the Giants in 2014. This season, Duvall had 26 homers and a .548 slugging percentage for Triple-A Sacramento.
The Reds also are said to be looking at possibly trading closer Aroldis Chapman, along with outfielder Jay Bruce. They’ve already dealt ace right-hander Johnny Cueto to the Royals.
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