Miami acquired right-handed reliever Aaron Crow from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Brian Flynn and Reid Redman on Friday afternoon. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal was among the first to report the deal.
Source: #Marlins acquire RHP Aaron Crow from #Royals for LHP Brian Flynn.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 28, 2014
The 28-year old Crow was a key part of Kansas City's bullpen as they made a playoff push. He posted a 6-1 record with a 4.12 ERA and 5.40 FIP in 59 innings. Crow has spent the last four seasons as a setup man for Manager Ned Yost, and in his first three seasons with the Royals had a ground ball rate above 50 percent. Although Crow's record might not suggest it, he struggled with command in 2014 (3.66 BB/9) and saw his velocity drop significantly.
Crow is projected to earn around $2 million in 2015, and will likely serve in the same capacity with Miami, as a setup man to closer Steve Cishek. Kansas City signed Jason Frasor earlier in the day, which could have made Crow available. As MLB Daily Dish's Chris Cotillo points out, Crow was replaced by Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera in the late innings late last season.
Miami acquired Flynn from Detroit, and since he has allowed 24 runs in 25 major league innings. He could have been a candidate to earn a rotation spot next season, although the Marlins have a notable amount of starting pitching depth and are looking to add a veteran arm. Flynn posted a 4.06 ERA and 4.62 FIP in 139.2 innings pitched with Triple-A New Orleans. Baseball America ranked Flynn the Marlins' sixth best prospect at the conclusion of 2014.
Redman first reached Double-A in 2014, posting a 1.38 ERA and 2.34 FIP in 13 innings with Jacksonville. He posted a 2.22 ERA and 1.95 FIP in Single-A before being promoted.
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