I know I’m late on this story, but this week the Nationals Traded Luis Ayala for a player to be named later. According to most news outlets, including this one, when the PTBNL is “named” the Nationals will receive Mets Triple-A infielder Anderson Hernandez.
According to Baseballreference.com, Ayala is 1-8 with a 5.77 ERA after appearing in 62 games so far this year. Ayala is certainly having a down year, but it also doesn’t appear that he will ever be the pitcher he once was, and it makes sense for the Nats to trade him before the season is over.
For Ayala the Nationals will receive an unproven infielder, who will have a change to make the major league squad soon. On Baseballreference.com, they give the 25 year old Hernandez the following line:
R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS SB CS 57 97 21 7 5 36 38 95 .203 .262 .307 .569 11 8
While Hernandez doesn’t sport the best line, he will help to fill a weak spot on the Nationals roster.
Getting something in return for Ayala was probably a good move for the Nationals, but it appears that the trade is essentially a wash for both teams. Neither team is significantly hurt by this trade, but neither really improves their team for the long run.