The Oakland A’s traded 1B/C Christian Bethancourt to the Rays for two prospects, Cal Stevenson and Christian Fernandez.
The 30 year old Bethancourt returned to the majors this season, after playing in the KBO in 2019. He was last in the majors in 2017 with the Padres. In 56 games with the Athletics, Bethancourt is hitting .249 with a .683 OPS. He also put up a 99 wRC+ and a 46.3% hard hit rate. As a catcher Bethancourt is worth 0 framing runs and has 0 defensive runs saved. At first base Bethancourt has 2 outs above average and -1 DRS.
One of the prospects in return was Cal Stevenson, a former 10th round pick by the Blue Jays. Stevenson an outfielder with plus speed is a hit over power bat, the hit tool is also considered plus. In 57 games at AAA, Stevenson posted a 105 wRC+ and got on base at a .376 clip.
The other prospect headed to the A’s is Christian Fernandez, a RHP out of Venezuela. He posted good numbers in 58 innings pitched at A ball, Fernandez had a 2.79 ERA and a 3.44 xFIP, he also had a ridiculous 13.50 K/9.
The Rays get a bat which produces some high exit velocities while also not being a liability in the field, and the Athletics flip a 30 year old for some prospects that better fit their timeline.