60.31 Montreal Returns Leonardo to Vancouver

[Bob Breum]

Montreal agreed to a trade with Vancouver today that will return Leonardo Rodríguez to the Mounties in exchange for young outfield prospect Drew Vlakhos.

Leonardo Rodríguez, Montreal's starting first baseman last season, lost his job to Dan Wilkinson this season and was demoted to AAA New Jersey. Last season, Rodríguez hit .249/.339/.526 (126 OPS+) against right-handed pitching, starting 115 games. He hit 31 home runs and drove in 91. He is widely known as just Leonardo to fans in Montreal.


Leonardo Rodríguez
Only 24, he is not yet eligible for arbitration. Rodríguez was originally selected in the fifth round of the 2052 amateur draft by Brooklyn, then traded to Vancouver three months later. In July 2058, Montreal acquired him in trade with New Orleans as a Rule 5 draft pick from Vancouver.


Drew Vlakhos
Vlakhos, 19, was signed by Vancouver out of Greece in January 2058 as an international amateur free agent, receiving an $8,000,000 signing bonus. He has yet to make his professional debut. He is an outfielder with plus range, capable of playing all three positions. Scouts project him with plus-plus gap power, a decent hit tool, and a poor batting eye. He has plus speed and good baserunning instincts.

[BaseClogger]

You must really like Vlakhos because Rodriguez has options.

[Bob Breum]

You must really like Vlakhos because Rodriguez has options.

Leo was a target of opportunity when we were in need of a LH DH. He served us well, but I don't see a future for him in our organization.

"Really like" is a little strong. Certainly, I could've held out for a better prospect in return, but I deemed him "good enough." Generally speaking, 1B/DH types with low contact are a dime a dozen; there is no guarantee that I could do better than Vlakhos. I realize that the trade appears lopsided with Leonardo a 50 and Vlakhos a 35.

[BaseClogger]

I think Rodriguez is a hair better than what is freely available and at 24 maybe some upside. But to your point, I didn’t inquire because I’ve got some internal options. At that price tho I do regret it but that’s the way she goes.