Jonathan Sanchez Traded to Royals for Melky Cabrera: Thoughts and Analysis

Big news out the Giants camp, as the Giants traded Jonathan Sanchez and minor league pitcher Ryan Verdugo to the Royals for Melky Cabrera. Complete details of the trade are not yet available, but the Giants did succeed in fixing a pair of their problems. They unloaded a “Giant” head case in Jonathan Sanchez, as well as acquiring a serviceable centerfielder in return.

The true effects of this trade are far reaching and difficult to accurately predict at this time.

From a financial standpoint, the Giants are in roughly the same place. Sanchez was due around five million after arbitration, and Cabrera will likely earn a bit over four million in 2012. The Giants also found a new centerfielder, likely meaning the end of the road for Andres Torres and Cody Ross. Cabrera is an average centerfielder defensively, but will be a defense upgrade over the converted corner outfielder Ross and offensive upgrade over the 2011 version of Torres.

One issue that arises from the trade is the Giants pitching rotation. Sanchez is very talented, but extremely inconsistent and his departure leaves a whole in the Giants rotation. The fifth spot is now up for grabs with Barry Zito presumably penciled in as of the beginning of spring training. Eric Surkamp made a few starts towards the end of the season, but appeared overmatched at times and probably needs one more year at the minor league level before he is ready for the majors. 

The Giants also sent Ryan Verdugo to the Royals. He was rated the Giants 25th best prospect last year, and while he wasn’t spectacular, it does further deplete the Giants minor league pitching depth.

Cabrera is an interesting player who has had an up-and-down career. He had a great year in 2011, hitting .305 with 18 home runs and 87 RBI. It was by far the best season of his career; however, he is in his final year of arbitration and hopefully will perform well, with a potentially big contract coming up after the 2012 season. Playing in AT&T Park will probably deflate his stats a little, but a .280 average and 15 or so home runs would certainly be a boost to the Giants.

Melky slots well into centerfield and the two spot in the Giants order. Ideally, Cabrera would be able to bat leadoff and had 20 steals in 2011, but his relative power when compared to the rest of the Giants makes him a better candidate for a lower slot in the batting order.

The value of the trade can be debated both ways, but overall, it was probably a pretty even swap. Sanchez had a down year, but is probably more innately talented, while Cabrera had a good year, but isn’t as skilled. The Giants situation compelled them to unload Sanchez, and the Royals probably weren’t going to keep Cabrera past 2012 anyway. If all goes well, both will succeed and receive extensions from their respective clubs next offseason.

As this trade failed to provide any real salary relief, the Giants still don’t appear on the verge of any blockbuster free agent signings. This deal also probably puts them out of the running for Coco Crisp and Grady Sizemore. Perhaps now the Giants can focus their attentions on a quality shortstop like Alex Gonzalez.

Sabean was quick to set the market this offseason, and only time will tell what will be the Giants’ next move.