The Spuds opened the off-season with an announcement that came as a shock to most of their fans. The two-time Sawyer Silk Award winner and six-time Most Valuable Potato winner, Félix Román, has been traded to Charm City. Despite having four years remaining on his contract, Boise felt it paramount to get the deal done now, while Román was still at peak value.In return, Boise received a handful of players from the Jimmies, at both the major-league and minor-league levels. The most well-known name is veteran Amayas Moelling, a fan favorite from his many years in Chicago, who was included in the trade mostly for cap relief for Charm City. Boise is taking on Moelling’s contract in full, which will be up after the 2050 season (the Spuds hold an option for 2051). While certainly past his prime, he won’t be dead weight — he was dependable enough last year to rack up nearly 200 innings as a starter, and the Spuds expect him to be a big piece of the rotation for the next two years.
The other big return was outfielder Cordell Vaughn, the 62nd-ranked prospect according to BNN. He made his BBA debut last year in late September, and figures to be a major part of the Spuds’ future outfield plans.
Boise also received Israel Camacho, who should replace Román in center field, and two minor leaguers, second baseman Ben Copeland and pitcher John Mellott. Additionally, Boise sent closer Mitch Freemann to Charm City.
Román took out a full-page ad in the Idaho Statesman, thanking the fans for their many years of loyalty. Despite the nice gesture, the team’s overall fan interest will surely take a hit with their cornerstone player no longer around, something a team coming off a 100-loss season can scarcely afford.
Román leaves Boise as the all-time franchise leader in WAR, home runs, and RBI. Freemann leaves as the career leader in holds.
