Indians trade outfielder Moss to Cardinals for pitcher

The news, first reported by St Louis Post-Dispatch sports writer Bernie Miklasz, doesn’t shock many considering the Cards have needed right field strength behind Jason Heyward, which Moss can provide.

Moss, 31, isn’t known for consistent average but does provide the St Louis Cardinals home run pop. His career began in 2007 with Boston, playing in small roles until his trade to Pittsburgh in 2008. The lefty was the Cardinals first round draft pick two years ago. In 17 starts, the 20-year old southpaw was 6-5 with a 2.09 ERA and fanned 79 batters in 94 2/3 innings pitched. Moss is expected to the join the Cardinals for Thursday night’s game against Colorado. The Indians are a disappointing 46-54 and six games back of a wild-card spot.

Moss was acquired early Thursday in a trade with the Cleveland Indians. Although he has hit 15 homers, for whatever reason they never seem to come at the “right” time, and his line of.217/.288/.407 (with a 94 wRC+/0.80 WAR) has been below expectations.

Although Cotillo states that “The possibility of a one-for-one-swap of Moss-for-Kaminsky appears to be in play”, I did express my reservations that the Tribe could acquire Kaminsky in a straight swap for Moss. Was Brandon Moss really the best trade value they could get for Rob Kaminsky?

Moss had been the power bat the Indians were looking for when they acquired him this offseason but has struggled as of late. Per MLB.com, he was the No. 3 prospect in the Cardinals’ system and the No. 88 overall prospect in baseball. According to reports, the Indians are also shopping starting pitchers Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco plus first baseman Carlos Santana.