Cardinals Acquire Jedd Gyorko from Padres for Jon Jay

With the 74-88 Padres in 2015, the 27-year-old hit. The following year, he struggled to repeat that performance, slashing just.210/.280/.333 with 10 home runs and 51 RBI.

Per the report, “The Cardinals expect to use Gyorko, 26, as a super-utility player, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak told ESPN’s Jim Bowden“.

Last season, Gyorko hit. He hit 16 home runs, and he was successful against lefthanded pitching – a skill the Cardinals are seeking so they can pair with Kolten Wong at second base. Cory Spangenberg surpassed Gyorko on the Padres depth chart at second base, rendering Gyorko an expensive bench player. For his career (364 games) he’s hit 49 homers, which averages out to 22 round trippers over the course of 162 games. 210 in 245 plate appearances.

Gyorko (pronounced JERK-oh) has started 296 games at second base in his career, but this past season he started for San Diego at shortstop. Over his short career Gyorko has been a below average hitter with 94 wRC+, though Steamer projects him to get back near the league average. Gyorko comes with a greater financial commitment, as he’ll still be due $28 million from 2017-2019 after making $4 million next year, per Spotrac.

The same has gone for Gyorko in recent years, having to work at relieving his injuries prior to the season and during it, his defensive play not really taking the brunt of those injuries.

Gyorko is the fourth major player the Padres have traded in the last 30 days, joining Joaquin Benoit, Craig Kimbrel, and Yonder Alonso. There is a $13-million option on his contract for 2020. Jay can also play both corner outfield spots and is a good indication that Wil Myers is now San Diego’s every day 1st baseman.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post confirmed the deal and ESPN’s Keith Law added that the Padres are getting outfielder Jon Jay in return.

He’s owed $6.85 million in 2016 and will then be a free agent.