Marlon Byrd has been traded to the San Francisco Giants for right-handed reliever Stephen Johnson (currently at AA). Byrd cleared waivers, which made him eligible to be traded past the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31st.
Byrd hit .237/.286/.448 with 19 HR, 97 wRC+, 0.2 fWAR for the Reds. He was an average hitter, and a below average defender. The Reds gave up pitcher Ben Lively to the Phillies for Byrd this past offseason. Lively is currently listed as the Phillies #13 prospect on MLB Pipeline.
The Reds will receive reliever Stephen Johnson for Byrd. Johnson has a 3.41 ERA and 3.10 FIP in 44 games at AA in 2015. He has a very impressive 10.55 K/9 and 0.39 HR/9, but struggles walking batters (4.50 BB/9). He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2012 draft by the Giants. He did not make the Giants recent top 30 prospects list on MLB Pipeline. Johnson has reportedly hit 100+ MPH, which is always exciting.
New Reds righty reliever Stephen Johnson has hit 100 mph and has flashed a plus breaking ball, but command/consistency is the key for 24 y/o
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) August 20, 2015
Jocketty said Johnson will go to AA. #Reds see him as reliever. “Big arm.â€Â
— John Fay (@johnfayman) August 20, 2015
This looks like a good trade for the Reds. They weren’t going to get much for Byrd, but trading him was the right thing so they didn’t have to worry about him reaching 550 PA, and then having his option vested for 2016. Walt Jocketty seems to have built a good relationship recently with the Giants, after just trading Mike Leake there nearly three weeks ago.
The Reds called up Ryan LaMarre from AAA to replace Byrd on the roster. LaMarre has hit .257/.307/.400 with 8 HR, and 104 wRC+ in 91 games with the AAA-Louisville Bats this season. He was drafted in the second round by the Reds in 2010. He missed most of 2014 due to an injury.
Jocketty said the #Reds won’t try Suarez in left. “Not right now."
— John Fay (@johnfayman) August 20, 2015
#Reds will bring up Ryan LaMarre to take Byrd’s roster spot. Boesch, Bourgeois will play left.
— John Fay (@johnfayman) August 20, 2015
Bryson Smith promoted to Louisville. Philip Ervin promoted to Pensacola.
— Doug Gray (@dougdirt24) August 20, 2015
one thing about Marlon Byrd, not once did I ever see that guy do anything but bust his tail in a #Reds uniform.
— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) August 20, 2015