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Brad Hand, Adam Cimber Traded to Indians from Padres for Francisco Mejia
The Cleveland Indians announced Thursday that they acquired All-Star closer Brad Hand and pitcher Adam Cimber from the San Diego Padres in exchange for catcher Francisco Mejia.
Hand has appeared in 41 games this season and boasts a 3.17 FIP. His 13.2 strikeouts per nine innings are on pace to be a career high.
Hand first became a full-time reliever in 2016 after the Padres claimed him off waivers from the Miami Marlins. The left-hander then enjoyed a career year, posting a 2.92 ERA and a 3.07 FIP, and averaging 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings.
Hand was even better in 2017 after replacing Fernando Rodney and Brandon Maurer as San Diego's regular closer. He registered 21 saves and struck out an average of 11.8 batters, while his ERA and FIP improved to 2.16 and 3.03, respectively.
The Padres rewarded Hand with a three-year extension worth $19.7 million. The contract includes a $10 million club option for 2021.
Hand fills a huge need, and Cimber should contribute as well since he has a 3.17 ERA in 41 appearances this season.
The 22-year-old Mejia has appeared in just one MLB game this season, but he is a highly touted prospect due to his hitting ability.
In 79 games at the Triple-A level, Mejia is hitting .279 with seven home runs and 45 RBI this season.
Hand has appeared in 41 games this season and boasts a 3.17 FIP. His 13.2 strikeouts per nine innings are on pace to be a career high.
Hand first became a full-time reliever in 2016 after the Padres claimed him off waivers from the Miami Marlins. The left-hander then enjoyed a career year, posting a 2.92 ERA and a 3.07 FIP, and averaging 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings.
Hand was even better in 2017 after replacing Fernando Rodney and Brandon Maurer as San Diego's regular closer. He registered 21 saves and struck out an average of 11.8 batters, while his ERA and FIP improved to 2.16 and 3.03, respectively.
The Padres rewarded Hand with a three-year extension worth $19.7 million. The contract includes a $10 million club option for 2021.
Hand fills a huge need, and Cimber should contribute as well since he has a 3.17 ERA in 41 appearances this season.
The 22-year-old Mejia has appeared in just one MLB game this season, but he is a highly touted prospect due to his hitting ability.
In 79 games at the Triple-A level, Mejia is hitting .279 with seven home runs and 45 RBI this season.