When the MLB trade deadline comes, it’s not uncommon for some trades to take place that you wouldn’t normally expect to see.
One that took place last night just so happened to be between the two teams that met in last year’s World Series.
It was essentially a need-for-need swap, but it’s the type of trade that nobody really saw coming.
The Atlanta Braves traded left-hander Will Smith, who is in the final year of his contract to the Houston Astros, giving Houston a much-needed bullpen piece, while they sent starter Jake Odorizzi back to Atlanta.
Jon Morosi had the details of the trade last night on Twitter.
Wow. @MLB-level trade between World Series competitors, less than one year later. Doesn't happen often. @MLBNetwork https://t.co/hFabanmSKP
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 2, 2022
Astros, Braves Make Unusual Swap
This is an unusual trade.
It’s not uncommon for some shocking trades to take place, but you never expect to see one between two contenders, especially when they met in the World Series the previous year.
We always talk about how baseball is a crazy game, and it’s clear that that applies to the trade deadline as well.
But with the struggles of Charlie Morton and Ian Anderson, Odorizzi should fit right in with the Braves.
He’s 4-3 with a 3.75 ERA in 12 starts with Houston this year.
The 33-year-old Smith is having a tough year.
He has posted a 4.38 ERA in 37 innings pitched.
But solid career numbers precede him.
He played a key role in the Braves World Series run a year ago as the team’s closer.
He had fallen into a setup role with the Braves addition of Kenley Jansen.
But this is a nice and balanced trade that helps out both sides as they try to make yet another run at a World Series crown.
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals The Suitors For Willson Contreras