The Houston Astros announced on Thursday they have traded infielder Jonathan Villar to the Milwaukee Brewers for minor league pitcher Cy Sneed.
Villar, who appeared primarily at third base and shortstop last season, completed just his third year in the majors in 2015. The 24-year-old batted .284 with two home runs, 11 RBI and seven stolen bases in 53 games.
But with American League rookie of the year Carlos Correa at shortstop and 25 home run hitter Luis Valbuena at third, Houston’s left side of the infield looks set for some time, making Villar a trade option.
According to the Houston Chronicle‘s Jose de Jesus Ortiz, Villar’s time with the Astros just ran out:
Milwaukee, though, was in need of some infield help. With shortstop Jean Segura possibly on the trade block, per NBCSports.com’s Craig Calcaterra, and the Brewers not getting much from the third base position last season—as they started four different players—Villar’s acquisition could turn out to be a crucial get.
The Astros will receive right-hander Cy Sneed, who pitched in two different levels of A-ball and held a 2.58 ERA despite a 6-11 overall record, per MiLB.com.
He’s already trying to acclimate to his new home:
While Villar might be seeing regular playing time next season, possibly starting at third base, Sneed most likely won’t be making the jump to the majors any time soon. But dealing an expendable piece of the infield for a young arm that is still impressionable certainly won’t hurt the Astros.
Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com
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