- Improve production at second base (from 0.1 WAR);
- Improve production at shortstop (from -0.7 WAR);
- Improve production in right field (from1.3 WAR);
- Improve production at designated hitter (from 0.6 WAR).
- Find a LH platoon partner for CF Antonio Hernandez (from 1.0 WAR);
How is it going for him, 1/3 of the way through the new season?
- Second base is still a black hole, with negative WAR season-to-date from the same personnel.
- Shortstop should improve dramatically with the trade for Reynaldo Serrano, who is still getting settled in his new home and new position but showed signs of life last week.
- Waiver wire pickup Roosevelt Davis has been lights out in right field. He is on track for 4.8 WAR.
- The new platoon of free agent signee Don Moore and trade acquisition Ziya Türkes should elevate DH production significantly. Last season each recorded an OPS+ of over 130.
- That leaves center field, which just got a huge upgrade with the trade for Ed Rooney of Twin Cities. The 26-year-old Rooney is in his fourth season in the BBA. He is an elite defender who won the Yogi Zimmer Diamond Glove last season. Originally selected in the second round of the 2052 amateur draft by Twin Cities, he recorded 4.8 WAR last season, hitting .280/.328/.386 (97 OPS+). He's a right-handed hitter who will be a full-time starter at the position, consigning Hernandez to the bench.
Ed Rooney
Montreal gave up their top prospect in the deal, sending corner infielder Raul Gallehos to Twin Cities. Montreal selected Gallehos out of high school in the first round of the 2057 amateur draft. He projects with elite power and otherwise solid hitting skills. The 6'5" Gallehos is already an elite defender at first base. Last season at Single-A Dearborn Heights, he hit .265/.315/.481 (114 OPS+). Scouts speak highly of his work ethic and adaptability.
Raul Gallegos
Also going to Twin Cities in the transaction are CF Victor Frazier and LHP Nelson Thompson. The 26-year-old Frazier is a left-handed hitter with elite speed and is a strong defender. The 37-year-old Thompson has been a fixture in the Montreal pitching staff for five seasons. This year he has made 13 appearances, going 1-0 with a 3.54 ERA (120 ERA+).
Between the Serrano and Rooney deals, Montreal has dealt their #2, #3, #6, #7, and #13 prospects, with scouting grades of 80, 65, 55,55, and 50, respectively.
