The Philadelphia Phillies have traded another one of their veterans and received a prospect in return. The Chicago Cubs have added a veteran outfielder to join their cast of youngsters.
It was reported on Monday that the Phillies and Reds had a trade fall through involving outfielder Marlon Byrd. However, it was noted talks could be revived, and they indeed have. Byrd will now head to Cincinnati in exchange for prospect pitcher Ben Lively, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
The 37-year-old Byrd slashed .264/.312/.445 with 25 home runs and 85 RBIs in 154 games with the Phillies last season. He's owed $8 million in 2015 and has an $8 million vesting option for 2016 that kicks in if he makes 600 plate appearances in 2015 or 1,100 total between 2014 and 2015. He had 637 last year. The Reds will likely use him in left field as Billy Hamilton is in center and Jay Bruce is in right.
Philadelphia will get 22-year-old starter Ben Lively in the swap. The former fourth round pick began his minor league career in 2013 and maintained a 0.88 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in 13 starts between the Rookie League with the Billings Mustangs (12 starts) and Class-A Dayton (1 start). Last season at Advanced Class-A Bakersfield and Double-A Pensacola, Lively logged 26 starts and went 13-7 with a 3.04 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 171 strikeouts in 151 innings.
A prospect such as Lively is exactly what Phillies' general manager Ruben Amaro is looking for to help rebuild an aging Philadelphia roster.
As for other veterans, free agent outfielder Chris Denorfia has signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, according to John Baker and Rosenthal. The 34-year-old will likely serve as a backup or platoon in left field with Chris Coghlan unless the team finds an upgrade before Opening Day.
The nine-year veteran had his worst season with the Padres and Mariners last season after compiling a stat line .230/.284/.318 with three home runs and 21 RBIs in 121 games. He owns a career stat line of .272/.331/.394 with 38 home runs, 178 RBIs and 56 stolen bases in 705 games. He can play all three outfield positions and has good speed.
He'll help provide some veteran insight for the young Chicago roster.
UPDATE: The Phillies also sent $4 million to the Reds in the trade.
