Trade Central: Orioles Bring Pearce Back To Baltimore — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

THE DEAL

The Orioles on Monday acquired Steve Pearce for the third time in the past five years, trading catcher Jonah Heim to the Rays in exchange for the 33-year-old just before the trade deadline. Pearce gives the Orioles another versatile veteran hitter as they attempt to hold onto their tenuous lead in the American League East.

Tampa Bay, which trails Baltimore by 16 1/2 games in the division, gets a decent return for a player they signed to a $4.75 million, one-year contract in January. Heim still needs work offensively but has been known for his defensive prowess since high school.

RAYS ACQUIRE
Jonah Heim, c
Age: 21

It has taken Heim time to grow into his 6-foot-3 frame, but the Orioles were patient with his development since drafting him in the fourth round in 2013. He missed most of last season after suffering a Lisfranc injury in late May but returned healthy this season and has already played a career-high 88 games at high Class A Frederick. While he is tall for a catcher, defense is his calling card. Heim has plus arm strength, moves well behind the plate and receives well. Offensively, Heim has a solid swing from both sides of the plate but has never hit for much average. He has some raw power and a good understanding of the strike zone, giving reason for optimism about his offensive potential. He earns praise for his makeup, which, along with his glove, gives him a chance to at least be a backup catcher.

Club (League)	Class	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Frederick (CAR)	HiA	.216	88	291	30	63	14	1	7	30	33	51	2	.300	.344

ORIOLES ACQUIRE
Steve Pearce, of/1b
Age: 33

Pearce has carved out a career as a productive, versatile righthanded bat. The Orioles are familiar with his capabilities, as he played 266 games for them over the last five years before leaving as a free agent. Pearce has been especially good against lefthanded pitchers and is hitting.377/.476/.736 with five homers off lefties in 63 plate appearances this spring. The Orioles primarily used Pearce as an outfielder in the past, but the Rays used him mostly at first and second base this season. That defensive versatility is particularly important to the Orioles, and they will likely use Pearce in several different positions down the stretch as they try to lift their flagging offense.