PEORIA, Ariz. – The Padres and Dodgers struck a rare trade Monday that saw Matt Beaty go to San Diego in exchange for minor league infielder/pitcher River Ryan.
Beaty, who was selected for action by the Dodgers on Wednesday, should have a useful role in San Diego. The Padres lack outfield options, particularly in left field, and their bench needed a boost too. A lefty with a knack for reaching base, Beaty hit a .270/.363/.402 slash line in 120 games last season.
“He’s a professional slugger,” Padres manager Bob Melvin said of Beaty. “He’s got a high on-base percentage, the kind of guy who takes on a lot of pitches. Could possibly see him as a pinch bat. He can play a little outfield, a little at first base, so he has some versatility there.
“We’ll see where he fits in. As with everything we’re doing right now, we’re still trying to find a few spots on the roster in terms of player position. He’s part of the mix.”
Despite Profar being a switch hitter, a straight play seems unlikely as Profar has consistently posted better numbers from the left. Perhaps if Beaty starts games on the left, Profar could serve as a defensive replacement.
More importantly, Beaty greatly improves the Padres’ roster depth. At least there is renewed competition for the remaining playing time. If Profar doesn’t improve after his poor 2021 season, there is an option on the squad to replace him.
Otherwise, Beaty is a valuable banker with plenty of experience as a pinch hitter. He’s posted solid numbers against righties in his career (a slash line of .267/.339/.440). Against a tough right-hander, it’s easy to imagine Beaty being called upon to hit, say, Ha-Seong Kim or one of the Padres’ many right-handed catchers.
All of that is yet to be determined – and depends in part on the creation of that Padres squad on opening day.
Melvin said: “We’re not exactly sure where it fits in yet. But we like the profile of the racket.”
The deal was the first involving the Padres and Dodgers since Matt Kemp went to San Diego for the 2014 winter meetings while Yasmani Grandal returned to LA.
Ryan was the Padres’ pick for the 11th round draft last season, batting .308/.349/.436 in the Arizona Complex League. To make room on the 40-man list for Beaty, the Padres put left-hander Drew Pomeranz on the 60-day injured list while he recovers from flexor tendon surgery.