According to Robert Murray, the Cincinnati Reds have traded for Jeff Hoffman and Case Williams from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for Robert Stephenson and Jameson Hannah. This seems to be a change of scenery trade for both sides. Hoffman, a former top-50 prospect, pitched to a 6.40 ERA with the Rockies in 230.2 innings across five seasons and Stephenson struggled in the 2020 season, after a promising 2019 campaign. Williams was a fourth-round pick in this past year’s draft and Hannah is considered a top-20 prospect in the Reds’ farm system. With the Winter meetings approaching, it seems as though the Reds freed up salary for the pivotal free agency period ahead.
Sources: Reds acquiring Jeff Hoffman and Case Williams from the Rockies for Robert Stephenson and Jameson Hannah.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) November 25, 2020
From the Colorado Rockies Perspective
In 2016, Jeff Hoffman was the 35th best prospect across the majors according to MLB.com. Hoffman has yet to translate this ranking to good production at the MLB level. This past season, the 27-year old right-hander pitched in 16 games out of the bullpen, with a 9.28 ERA and a 1.922 WHIP. Case Williams was taken in the fourth round of the 2020 draft, from Douglas County High School. He has a fastball that reached 96 miles per hour.
The Reds hope that they can turn Hoffman, a disappointing prospect, and a lottery ticket, Williams, to a dependable bullpen pieces. During the 2019 season, Robert Stephenson had a 3.76 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 64.2 innings. This trade has upside for the Rockies. They also receive Jameson Hannah, who projects to be a center fielder with solid hitting ability, defense, and speed.
From the Cincinnati Reds Perspective
Most likely, the Reds made this trade to reduce salary. Stephenson was a non-tender candidate and Hoffman has not yet hit arbitration. Hoffman is out of minor league options, so he must make the Reds opening day roster. They also receive Case Williams, who has upside with his mid-to-upper-90s fastball.
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