Nats deal Cascade grad Souza to Rays

  • Associated Press
  • Friday, December 19, 2014 7:03pm
  • SportsSports

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Rays, Padres and Nationals finalized an 11-player trade Friday that sent 2013 AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from Tampa Bay to San Diego and Cascade High School alum Steven Souza from Washington to the Rays.

The deal was announced two days after the Rays agreed to part with Myers in a move that president of baseball operations Matt Silverman said will make Tampa Bay “more competitive for 2015 and beyond.”

Tampa Bay acquired five players. Catcher Rene Rivera, pitcher Burch Smith and minor league first baseman Jake Bauers come over from the Padres, and outfielder Souza and minor league pitcher Travis Ott from the Nationals.

Myers, catcher Ryan Hanigan and minor league pitchers Jose Castillo and Gerardo Reyes were dealt to San Diego. Washington received minor league pitcher Joe Ross and a player to be named from the Padres.

“Trading Wil Myers was not an easy decision, but we are very excited about the talent coming back our way, and this deal has potential to improve our team on both sides of the ball,” Silverman said.

Myers, then Kansas City’s top prospect, was acquired by Tampa Bay in a trade that sent pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis to the Royals two years ago. He hit .293 with 13 homers and 53 RBI in 88 games on the way to being selecting AL Rookie of the Year, then struggled in 2014 when a broken right wrist limited him to playing 87 games and batting .222 with six homers and 35 RBI.

Silverman said during last week’s winter meetings that he expected Myers to rebound with a big season. On Friday, he rejected the notion the Rays appeared to have given up on the 24-year-old slugger.

“This isn’t about giving up on Wil Myers. This is about a trade to make this team better,” the executive said, adding that Myers’ vast talent enabled the Rays to make a deal that can help the team both offensively and defensively.

To clear room on the 40-man roster for Rivera, Smith and Souza, the Rays designated right-hander Brandon Gomes for assignment.

Souza spent most of last season at Triple-A Syracuse, where he hit .350 with 18 homers, 75 RBI and 26 stolen bases.

The 25-year-old was a September call-up for the Nationals, best known for a sprinting, diving catch in left field for the final out of Jordan Zimmermann’s no-hitter in the NL East champs’ regular-season finale.

Souza did not make the team’s postseason roster, however, he was expected to compete for a spot on the bench behind starters Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth and Denard Span next season.

Silverman said the Rays have not decided where they’ll play Souza, who has experience at all three outfield positions and third base.

“He’s an outfielder with tremendous talent,” Silverman said. “We expect him to be a mainstay in our lineup for years to come.”

Rivera, 31, batted .252 with 11 homers and 44 RBI while making a career-high 85 starts at catcher for the Padres in 2014.

Smith is a 24-year-old right-hander who was 15-11 with a 3.71 ERA in 48 appearances over parts of four minor league seasons. He spent 2014 with Triple-A El Paso, where he made two April starts before missing the remainder of the years with a forearm injury.

Bauers, a 19-year-old prospect, hit .296 with eight homers and 64 RBI in his first full pro season with Class-A Fort Wayne.

Ott, also 19, split time between Class-A Auburn and Hagerstown last season, going 1-4 with a 3.99 ERA over 13 starts.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.