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The Washington Nationals couldn’t land pitcher Chris Sale, but the Nats were able to acquire Chicago White Sox’ outfielder Adam Eaton tonight.
The Nationals sent pitchers Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, and Dane Dunning to the White Sox in the 3-for-1 deal that landed the center
Giolito was the Nationals’ top pitching prospect, Lopez was third, and Dunning was sixth on MLB.com’s list of the Top 30 prospects in the organization.
Will admit, a little surprised at the haul sent to Chicago here.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) December 7, 2016
Eaton has tremendously team-friendly deal. Nats now chosen low-cost options to solve C, CF. Should have money to spend now...
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) December 7, 2016
#WhiteSox’s Eaton under club control for five more seasons, through 2021. Likely would play CF for #Nationals, allowing Turner to play SS.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2016
Last season, Eaton had a .284 AVG, 14 home runs, 59 RBI, and 15 stolen bases.
In his five year MLB career, Eaton has a .284 batting average, 35 home runs, 177 RBIs, and 54 stolen bases.
Wow...
— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) December 7, 2016
So the Nats wouldn't trade Giolito to the #Yankees for Miller last year but they dealt him to CWS for Adam Eaton? Makes no sense. #ByeHarper
— Mike Calendrillo (@MACalendrillo) December 7, 2016
I don't really understand how the names discussed to acquire Chris Sale are the same ones traded to acquire Adam Eaton.
— Jared Diamond (@jareddiamond) December 7, 2016
This deal came after the Nationals were interested in trading for Pittsburgh Pirates’ All-Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen.
On #Nationals: Ownership will splurge for a Werth or Scherzer, but overall constraints make contracts like Eaton's that much more attractive
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2016
On other hand, one #Nationals player sent me this text: "WTF?!?!" Team still needs closer. Likely out on big two. Melancon, Davis off board.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2016
Everyone ripping trade,
— Brian Kenny (@MrBrianKenny) December 7, 2016
But....
Adam Eaton is a 6-win player. #wintermeetings
Eaton is known for being a center fielder, but he spent some time playing right field during 2016. Eaton is set to make 18.4 million dollars over the next three seasons so, the Nationals will have money to spend.
Here’s Lucas Giolito’s reaction to being included in the deal:
— Lucas Giolito (@LGio27) December 7, 2016