The Los Angeles Dodgers have added to their already strong outfield depth, swinging a deal with the Cincinnati Reds to acquire Chris Heisey.
ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick first reported the trade, and CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman added details:
The Reds confirmed the deal, according to MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon.
Heisey, who was set to hit free agency if he wasn’t non-tendered before Tuesday night’s deadline, has served mostly as Cincy’s fourth outfielder over the past five seasons. He hit .222/.265/.378 in 2014, spending time at all three outfield positions.
Although he failed to capitalize on several chances to win the starting job in left field, the 29-year-old provided some pop off the bench (50 home runs in 543 career games) and defensive versatility. The righty is a solid backup and pinch hitter.
Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times has more from the Dodgers on what Heisey brings to L.A.:
Still, the move is a bit perplexing for the Dodgers, who already boast a bevy of capable outfielders, including Carl Crawford, Andre Ethier, Yasiel Puig, Scott Van Slyke and burgeoning prospect Joc Pederson.
Several of the above players have been at the center of trade rumors over the past month, and this seems to be an indication that new general manager Farhan Zaidi isn’t done making moves this winter.
For the Reds, the Cincinnati Enquirer‘s C. Trent Rosecrans gave a quick look at Matt Magill and explained the reasoning behind the trade:
Cincy was likely going to lose Heisey for nothing, so this is a low-risk acquisition. Magill had a 5.21 ERA in Triple-A last year and may not develop into anything more, but he’s a potential arm out of the bullpen.
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