Reds send Hanigan to the Rays in another three team trade

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For a second offseason in a row the Reds are involved in a three team trade. Remember last year the Reds got Sin-Soo Choo in a three team trade with the Indians and Diamondbacks. This week’s news was released that the Reds, D-Backs, and Rays completed a three team trade. The trade was reported by ESPN courtesy of The Associated Press on Tuesday. Ryan Hanigan and Heath Bell were sent to the Rays, Justin Choate and a player to be named was sent to the D-Backs, and David Holmberg was sent to the Reds.

Usually I would say that trading away a guy like Hanigan is a risky move or that there is not a decent backup that can take over the position. However in this instance I do not mind the trade. Hanigan, 33, would have probably competed for the starting catcher role with Devin Mesoraco. Instead Mesoraco will start in front of newly acquired Bryan Pena, both of whom are becoming better defensive catchers.

But to get to the point, Hanigan’s production looked as if his career was declining quickly like some other players his age. For what he is really worth through a trade in my mind would be a thousand times less than a top ten prospect. David Holmberg, a left-handed starter, is that prospect. A control pitcher with a great changeup could be a good middle of the rotation guy for the Reds within the next couple seasons.

Bottom line is that I am not surprised that Hanigan was traded but I am surprised by what the Reds got in return. This has to be considered a steal of a trade if you are the Reds. There is no way Ryan Hanigan is worth $10.75 million a year. While he had some good years at the plate, once lead the majors in runners caught stealing for catchers, and spent his entire baseball career with Cincinnati, I am not sad to see him go. However I wish the best for him in Tampa as do most Reds fans.