*Photo from Wisconsin Sports Heroics*
Another year, another trade for Hunter Renfroe. The Los Angeles Angels have acquired Renfroe, a right fielder, from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for RHP Janson Junk, RHP Elvis Peguero, and LHP Adam Seminaris, according to both teams.
Looking to address what had become a stagnant lineup by the end of the season, the Angels bought a power bat to compliment Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Anthony Rendon. He also addresses outfield depth, becoming the 5th outfielder on the roster and a clear cut starter alongside Trout.
Angels GM Perry Minasian said of trading for Renfroe that "Obviously, it's a productive player who has done it year in and year out for a while. Not only can he produce on the offensive side, he's a quality defender who can really throw. He's just the total package. We felt like he was a really good fit for us."
The trade marks the Angels as Renfroe's 5th team in as many years. After the 2019 season, the San Diego Padres traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays. During the 2020 offseason, he was non-tendered, leading him to sign with the Boston Red Sox. Before the lockout hit, he was traded to the Brewers, and now he's been dealt to the Angels.
Renfroe had another productive year at the plate in 2022 for the Brewers. He hit for a .255 average, .492 slugging percentage, and .807 OPS, belting 29 home runs and driving in 72 runs over 125 games last season. In each of the last 5 full seasons, Renfroe has met or exceeded the 25 homer mark.
This winter is Renfroe's final season of arbitration eligibility, being scheduled to hit free agency following the end of the season. He's projected to earn $11 million in arbitration as the Angels increase their team payroll to make themselves better this winter.
One piece coming back to the Brewers is Junk, the Angels 16th ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He has parts of two major league seasons under his belt. Over that time, he has a 4.74 ERA, 5.22 FIP, and 1.42 WHIP, striking out 21 hitters in 24 2/3 innings pitched, making 6 starts and one relief appearance.
Brewers GM Matt Arnold said of acquiring Junk that "He’s got a good four-pitch mix and is a solid young starter, we believe, that has a chance to compete for a spot in our rotation potentially. He has moved fast through the minor leagues. We’re excited about what he can bring for innings in 2023."
Another piece coming back is Peguero, who will be a part of the Brewers bullpen whenever he is in the majors. Over parts of two big league seasons, Peguero has a 9.15 ERA, 5.92 FIP, and 1.93 WHIP, striking out 12 hitters while walking 8 in 19 2/3 innings, split between 16 relief appearances.
The final piece going to Milwaukee is Seminaris, who was chosen in the 5th round of the 2020 draft by the Angels. Seminaris pitched for High A Tri City, Double A Rocket City, and Triple A Salt Lake, combining to post a 3.54 ERA and 1.43 WHIP while striking out 97 hitters over 101 2/3 innings, making 21 starts and 3 relief appearances.
Minasian said of trading away some pitching depth that "I think every team needs it and it’s very desirable. It was tough to trade these players. Obviously, Janson and Elvis were two guys we acquired and we really liked and we've seen develop over the last two years. But the opportunity to acquire this type of player who can impact our club on an everyday basis, both offensively and defensively, we felt like it was worth the price."
Trading Renfroe is the first major move of the offseason after Arnold took over as GM following the resignation of David Stearns. The Angels have been busy early on this winter, trading for Renfroe along with Gio Urshela, as well as signing Tyler Anderson to a 3 year deal to address the rotation.
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