The Oakland Athletics have acquired Tanner Roark from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Jameson Hannah. Roark is 32 years old and will be joining his third major league team.
The #Reds have acquired OF Jameson Hannah from the Athletics in exchange for RHP Tanner Roark and cash considerations. pic.twitter.com/9MA7RQJzah
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 31, 2019
Oakland Athletics Acquire Tanner Roark from Cincinnati Reds
Tanner Roark’s Career
Roark pitched two seasons at the University of Illinois, posting a 12-2 record and a 4.72 ERA. He was drafted in the 25th round of the 2008 draft by the Texas Rangers. Roark was then traded to the Washington Nationals in July of 2010.
Roark steadily moved up the minor league ranks with the Nationals. In 2013 at Triple-A Syracuse, he went 9-3 with a 3.15 ERA. Roark then made his MLB debut in August of that season. He enjoyed a successful six-year career with the Nationals, finishing with a 64-54 record and a 3.59 ERA.
The Nationals traded Roark to the Reds after the 2018 season. He has pitched well in 2019 with a 6-7 record and a 4.24 ERA on a mediocre Reds team. His career record is 70-61 to go along with a 3.66 ERA. The Reds will be paying the bulk of the remaining salary owed to Roark, making this an even better pickup for the Athletics.
Tanner Roark Scouting Report
Roark is a solid but not spectacular starting pitcher. He primarily throws a sinkerball, which means he needs to have a good defense behind him in order to be effective. Roark also throws a slider which he uses mostly against right-handed hitters. Against lefties, he mixes in his curveball and changeup. Roark also throws a four-seam fastball.
Roark is a middle of the rotation pitcher who can give his team innings and keep them in the game. He allows just one HR/9 and less than three BB/9.
Jameson Hannah Scouting Report
Jameson Hannah is a 21-year-old outfielder. He played three seasons at Dallas Baptist University where he batted .341. Hannah did not show much power hitting only 19 home runs, but he drove in 123 runs. He was drafted in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the Athletics. In two minor league seasons with the Athletics Hannah is batting .282 and has hit only three home runs.
Hannah bats from the left side, and his primary position is centerfield. He is highly regarded but needs to improve in several areas.
Hannah has plus speed but isn’t a significant threat to steal bases. One great trait that he possesses is his quick bat. However, it has not lead to Hannah hitting for more contact or power. Defensively, Hannah has a lot of range but a slightly below-average arm.
The Reds are hoping that with more time Hannah will become an everyday player.
