Report: Astros acquire Evan Gattis from Braves for three prospects
The Houston Astros have acquired catcher Evan Gattis in a trade with the Atlanta Braves, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
In return, the Braves have acquired three prospects, most notably hard-throwing pitcher Mike Foltynewicz, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman.
Gattis batted .263 with 22 home runs and 52 RBIs last season as the Braves' primary catcher. He also had a team-best .493 slugging percentage.
Justin Upton, who had the second-highest slugging percentage on the team last season, was also traded this winter.
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Foltynewicz was ranked as the No. 43 prospect in baseball prior to last season by Baseball Prospectus. He was called up by the Astros on Aug. 1 and made 16 appearances out of the bullpen. He allowed 23 hits and struck out 14 batters in 18.2 innings.
Foltynewicz is a righthanded power pitcher whose fastball is capable of reaching 100 mph. His average fastball velocity was 96.8 mph last season, according to PITCHf/x.
The other two prospects headed to Atlanta are 20-year-old third baseman Rio Ruiz and 23-year-old pitcher Andrew Thurman, Sherman reports. Neither player has major-league experience.
- Dan Gartland
