Padres News: Friars Acquire Rich Hill, Ji-Man Choi From Pirates in Blockbuster Trade
The San Diego Padres are buying. On deadline day, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Friars were acquiring LHP Rich Hill and first baseman Ji-Man Choi from the Pittsburgh Pirates, adding much-needed depth both to the rotation and first base. Additionally, it silences all the questions about whether or not the team would be buying or selling this deadline.
The Padres sent back three prospects — LHP Jackson Wolf, OF Estuaro Suero and 1B Alfonso Rivas — in the deal.
The Padres find themselves five games out of a playoff spot as of Tuesday morning, and with the struggles the team has gone through, it would have made some sense to sell. However, GM AJ Preller and owner Peter Seidler are all in on winning, and decided to instead buy to help make a push to the postseason.
Hill is in the midst of his 19th season in the league. In 119 innings, he was a 4.76 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. He'll provide a nice veteran presence and inning eater in the rotation, though, and someone with tons of playoff experience (if the Padres can get there).
As for Choi, the Padres needed a left-handed first baseman, and Choi will fill that role.
On the year, Choi has struggled in limited time, hitting just .205 with six home runs and 11 RBIs in 23 games. However, he recently returned from the 60-day IL, and could be a solid addition for the postseason push.
Whether you agree with it or not, the San Diego Padres are buying. With less than five hours to go until the deadline, we'll see if they have another move up their sleeves.
