UPDATE: Both teams have confirmed the trade.
#Nats acquire RHP Trevor Gott & RHP Michael Brady from @Angels for INF Yunel Escobar & cash: https://t.co/5XDhxiSghl pic.twitter.com/TddlACew7L
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) December 10, 2015
#Angels acquire INF Yunel Escobar from the Nationals in exchange for RHP Trevor Gott and RHP Michael Brady. pic.twitter.com/XMoosRpRdV
— Angels (@Angels) December 10, 2015
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Earlier today during the final day of the MLB Winter Meetings, rumors indicated the Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals were discussing a trade that would send infielder Yunel Escobar to the West Coast.
The deal has been confirmed by Gott this evening. Escobar is reportedly headed to Los Angeles in exchange for reliever Trevor Gott and an unnamed minor-leaguer.
I want to thank the @angels for everything the have done for my career. Couldn't ask for a better staff or better teammates!
— Trevor Vaughan Gott (@Trevor_Gott) December 10, 2015
However, I'm excited to say that I am now a part of the @Nationals and can't wait to be a part of such a great organization! #nationals
— Trevor Vaughan Gott (@Trevor_Gott) December 10, 2015
Neither club has yet to confirm, but stay tuned for updates.
FOX Sports' Jon Morosi was the first to report the talks between the two sides, Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com noted Gott was involved in the deal, and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports mentioned a minor-leauger was going to Washington.
The Nationals acquired Escobar last offseason in a trade with the Oakland Athletics. The 33-year-old had a career year in Washington and batted .314/.375/.415 with 75 runs scored, 9 home runs and 56 RBI in 139 games. He also played every game at third base to further prove his versatility after he played shortstop for the previous seven seasons with the Rays, Blue Jays and Braves.
On the other hand, Gott, who has been garnering interest on the trade market from numerous MLB teams, logged a successful rookie campaign with the Angels in 2015. The right-hander went 4-2 with a 3.02 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 27 strikeouts in 48 games (47 2/3 innings).
Gott was acquired by Los Angeles before the trade deadline during the 2014 season in the deal that brought Huston Street to the Angels.
The 23-year-old helps bolster the Nationals bullpen along with right-hander Shawn Kelley, who the Nats reportedly signed to a three-year deal.
Escobar will provide some versatility for the Angels, who are in need of a second and third baseman. It's unknown if they are going to re-sign third baseman David Freese and second baseman Johnny Giavotella may not be part of the club's long-term plans.
The deal seemingly helps both sides as each club filled a need.
