Reds, Nationals Exchange Tanners

Image credit: Tanner Roark (Photo by Tom DiPace)

After losing 95 games in 2018, the Reds appear determined to improve their fortunes. They’ve been connected via the rumor mill to some of the bigger names on the market, and on Wednesday they made their first major acquisition of the offseason by acquiring Tanner Roark from the Nationals.

Cincinnati’s rotation posted an unsightly 5.08 ERA in 2018, placing them ahead of just five clubs. By plucking a durable, versatile piece from Washington’s rotation, the Reds should see instant benefits.

REDS ACQUIRE:

Tanner Roark, RHP
Age: 32

If nothing else, Roark has been reliable over the past three seasons. He’s provided more than 180 innings in each of those years, with a peak of 210 innings during a breakout 2016 season. He leaves a Washington rotation fronted by Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin and should instantly become the best starter in a Reds rotation that has had just one pitcher throw more than 150 innings in the last two seasons.

NATIONALS ACQUIRE:

Tanner Rainey, RHP
Age: 25

Rainey has an electric arm but was hit hard in his major league debut in 2018, surrendering four home runs and 12 walks in just seven innings. He throws his fastball in the upper 90s, but badly needs to improve his control. He’s averaged more than five walks per nine innings during his minor league career. He couples his fastball with a power slider in the upper 80s. The Nationals will now try to mold that power stuff into a late-inning weapon that can help a bullpen that allowed the second most home runs per nine innings in the game.