Evan Gattis to Astros: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis has been rumored to be on the trade block for some time, and on Wednesday, he was dealt away to the Houston Astros.

Mark Bowman of MLB.com reported the news:

The Braves would later confirm the trade.

There were some concerns about Gattis' physical, but Bowman reports it's not an issue:

Longtime MLB reporter Peter Gammons accentuated some of the qualities that had to make Gattis an attractive novelty for Houston:

Gattis has immense power as a batter, but he lacks patience, doesn't draw many walks and strikes out rather frequently.

Since he's entering just his third season in the majors and can be deployed at many different positions, there is still time for Gattis to round into a far better, more complete player.

The motivation to prove himself ahead of his first big payday should also drive him as he gets acclimated to his new MLB home. An important aspect of the deal is Gattis is still under team control for four more seasons.

A bulging thoracic disk sent Gattis to the disabled list in late June, so his condition will be worth keeping an eye on moving forward. That history suggests the Astros might want to consider deploying Gattis in the outfield if he does wind up taking on fielding duties.

Houston did sacrifice a strong player in Michael Foltynewicz for Gattis, as Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports points out:

If Gattis continues on his promising trajectory of progress and develops a better eye at the plate, this trade could be a steal for the Astros and might result in a long-term affiliation for both parties after 2015.