Tuesday started off with some shocking news in MLB.
The Toronto Blue Jays, looking for bullpen help, dealt one of their most feared hitters, Teoscar Hernandez, to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Erik Swanson and a prospect.
Swanson is under control for three seasons and Hernandez for just one, which is 2023: that makes it a fair deal.
Hernandez was part of the Jays’ formidable offense in the last few years, particularly since the start of the 2020 campaign.
Fans love him, and the team is sad to see him go but all parties understand this is a business, and you have to give away quality players in order to get some in return.
The organization, classy as it is, posted a nice goodbye message for one of their best players in recent history.
“For what you’ve meant to our team and the community, thank you, Teoscar,” the Jays posted, with a cool design.
For what you’ve meant to our team and the community, thank you, Teoscar 👏 pic.twitter.com/bWqzy94Ok9
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) November 16, 2022
Incredible Power Numbers
Hernandez slashed .267/.316/.491 with 25 home runs and 77 RBI in 131 games.
Had he played closer to 162, he probably would have surpassed 30 round-trippers and approached 95 RBI.
He was even better in 2021 (.296/.346/.524, 32 HR, 116 RBI) and 2020 (.289/.340/.579, 16 HR in 50 games), so the Mariners are certainly getting some quality production at the plate as they set their lineup up for contention in the AL West division.
Hernandez can be inconsistent and will fail to make consistent contact from time to time, but there is no question his right-handed bat carries some serious power.
In fact, he is very similar to Mitch Haniger, the guy who he will be (likely) replacing in Seattle.
He is expected to provide power and bring some runs home from the middle of the Mariners lineup.
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