On the coattails of a quiet Winter Meetings, the Giants reportedly traded Matt Moore and his guaranteed $9 million next season, along with some international signing bonus pool money to the Texas Rangers in return for several prospects, pending physical.
Giants announce Matt Moore trade: Moore and international signing bonus pool money to Texas for minor-league pitchers Sam Wolff, Israel Cruz.
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) December 16, 2017
Following several years of low draft selections, Christian Arroyo is the only Giants minor leaguer to break MLB.com’s list of top 100 prospects. Although they see promise in others; such as Tyler Beede, Chris Shaw, Helliot Ramos, and Steven Duggar, the Giants’ lack of depth in their farm system has played a role in their unproductive offseason.
Giants are getting two minor league pitchers and some cash from Rangers in exchange for Moore.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) December 16, 2017
According to Jerry Crasnick, Sam Wolff is one of the pitching prospects involved in this trade. Wolff was a sixth-round selection by the Rangers in 2013 and the 26-year-old left-handed pitcher worked solely from the bullpen last year between the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders and Triple-A Round Rock Express.
He started 10 games in 2016, where he posted a 4-3 record and 4.83 ERA, and appeared in 40 games in relief last season with a 2.93 ERA and 59 strikeouts.
Pitcher Sam Wolff is one of the players going from the #Rangers to the #SFGiants in the Matt Moore trade.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 16, 2017
Yet, a flexor tendon injury he suffered in August will keep Wolff from the mound until the middle of next season.
Sam Wolff was injured in August. Had he been healthy, he would have been called up by #Rangers. Wolff should be ready by July/August.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) October 18, 2017
The second, Israel Cruz, has pitched in the Rangers’ minor league system at the rookie level since 2014. Last year, he made three starts in 12 appearances, finishing with a spiked 5.91 ERA in 32 innings pitched.
The Giants got minor league righties Sam Wolff and Israel Cruz from the Rangers. Traded Matt Moore and international bonus pool money.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) December 16, 2017
After six years with the Tampa Bay Rays — where he was a one-time All-Star during a 17-win season in 2013 — Moore was traded to the Giants in August of 2016. He finished the year in San Francisco with a 6-5 record and 4.08 ERA in 12 starts.
Last season, Moore struggled to a 6-15 record with a bloated 5.52 ERA. Perhaps a return to the American League will turn Moore’s luck around as his trade helps the Giants refuel their depleted farm system, and opens up a portion of their payroll.
Can confirm the Giants have traded Matt Moore to Texas, pending a physical. Clears $9 million off payroll.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) December 16, 2017