The Milwaukee Brewers are getting a new catcher, but giving up one along with a pitching prospect, according to numerous reports.
The Brewers are getting catcher Jett Bandy from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in a trade.
Catcher Martin Maldonado and AAA pitcher Drew Gagnon is going to the Angels in return.
Bandy played 70 games with the Angels last year, with a .234 average, 8 home runs and 25 RBI. He threw out 40 percent of runners trying to steal last year as well.
David Stearns appeared on Sports Central with Greg Matzek following the trade, explaining that this move isn't out of the blue: "We were able to acquire a catcher we've liked quite a bit. We look at him as a very well-rounded catcher."
When asked if this move was the first in which the Brewers gave up more players than they received, Stearns said, "this [trade] speaks to our desire to be able to acquire a catcher like Bandy."
Maldonado played six years in Milwaukee. He averaged .202 last year with 8 home runs and 21 RBI in 76 games.
He spoke after the trade was announced with MLB.com's Adam McCalvy.
Maldonado: "I’m a little bit surprised, but Stearns has been good with me about the whole situation." Said he leaves behind great memories.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) December 13, 2016
