What will the Twins Get in Return from the J.A. Happ Trade? Why did the STL Cardinals decide to trade for the former All-Star?
Hello Everyone! Welcome to Sports Teller! Today, we will be going over the Twins Send LHP J.A. Happ to Cardinals in 3-Player Deal. In fact, we will be going over the career profiles for each of the players involved in the trade. Without further adieu, let’s begin!
Twins Send LHP J.A. Happ to Cardinals in 3-Player Deal
J.A. Happ, NL Rookie of the Year Runner-Up, Traded to Cardinals in 3-Player Deal
Not long before 2021 MLB Trade Deadline (Friday, July 30) expired, it appears that one lucky team will be getting a star pitcher. MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman reported that the Minnesota Twins have traded Starting LHP J.A. Happ to the St. Louis Cardinals. According to Mark Feinsand (MLB.com), the Twins will be receiving the following in return from St. Louis: Relief RHP John Gant and Relief LHP Evan Sisk.
Why Did the Twins Trade J.A. Happ?
Minnesota decided to trade the 1-Time-All-Star due the team becoming sellers at the trade deadline. The Twins traded DH Nelson Cruz to the Rays and Starting RHP Jose Berrios to the Blue Jays. Also, Happ will hit the free agent market following the 2021 season. The Twins are currently in last place in the AL Central Division with a 48-64 record. Therefore, Minnesota decided to trade Happ to get something in return instead of losing him for nothing via free agency.
Why Did the Cardinals Acquire J.A. Happ?
St. Louis decided to trade for Happ to bolster its starting rotation. The Cardinals recently acquired LHP Jon Lester from the Nationals. Another reason for the acquisition is that the Redbirds are fighting for their playoff lives. In fact, St. Louis is trailing the 2nd NL Wild Card spot by 8.0 games to the San Diego Padres. With J.A. Happ now in the fold for the Cardinals, the former Twins pitcher will join the lineup consisting of the following: Paul Goldschmidt, Adam Wainwright, Nolan Arenado, and Yadier Molina.
What Was His Tenure with Minnesota Like?
J.A. Happ joined the Twins in 2021 after spending the previous two and a half seasons with the New York Yankees (2018-2020). Even though his time with Minnesota was short-lived, he made an impact on the club. For the 2021 season with the Twins, Happ compiled a 5-6 record with a 6.77 E.R.A. and 77 Strikeouts.
The Players Involved in the 2021 Mid-Season Trade
Cardinals Receive (1 Player)
- Selected in the 3rd Round by Phillies (out of Northwestern) in the 2004 Draft
- Made MLB Debut for Philadelphia in 2007
- Has Now Played for 8 Teams in his Career
- 2008 World Series Champion with Phillies
- 2009 NL Rookie of the Year Runner-Up (Lost to Chris Coghlan of Marlins)
- 1-Time All-Star in 2018
- 6 Playoff Appearances and 2 World Series Trips
- Career Postseason Stats: 1-4 Record with 5.86 E.R.A. and 26 Strikeouts
- 128-98 MLB Record
- 4.13 MLB E.R.A.
- 1,620 MLB Strikeouts
Twins Receive (2 Players)
- Selected in the 21st Round by Mets (out of High School) in the 2011 MLB Draft
- Traded to Braves in 2015 as Part of Juan Uribe Deal
- Made MLB Debut for Atlanta in 2016
- Traded to Cardinals in 2016 as Part of LHP Jaime Garcia Deal
- 3 MLB Saves
- 23-21 MLB Record
- 3.69 MLB E.R.A.
- 296 MLB Strikeouts
- Selected in the 16th Round by Cardinals (out of College of Charleston) in the 2018 Draft
- Was Playing for Springfield Cardinals (AA) at the Time of Trade
- After trade, he Now Plays for the Wichita Wind Surge (AA)
- 14 MiLB Save
- 5-6 MiLB Record
- 2.87 MiLB E.R.A.
- 139 MiLB Strikeouts
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