Marlins Deal Hanley Ramirez and Randy Choate, Receive Nathan Eovaldi And Scott McGough From Dodgers

After days of speculation, the Miami Marlins have traded third basemen Hanley Ramirez, along with relief pitcher Randy Choate to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In return, the Marlins will receive starter Nathan Eovaldi and relief prospect Scott McGough.

Fish Stripes writer Michael Jong theorized yesterday that the Marlins would either have to pay off a large portion of Hanley Ramirez's salary or take on another contract in order to acquire a valuable piece. According to Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com, the Marlins avoided both these scenarios. No money is involved in the trade and the Marlins are acquiring two young players. The Marlins will save a considerable amount of money through this trade, as Ramirez is owed $31.5 million over the next two seasons.

Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi is one of the younger players in the majors at just 22 years old. Prior to the season, Baseball America rated Eovaldi as the third best prospect in the Dodgers system and the #96 overall prospect in baseball. Eovaldi has a powerful mid-90s fastball with good movement, along with a plus slider. Eovaldi broke out in 2011 for Double-A Chattanooga, earning a promotion to the big leagues. He struggled with command, walking 5.2 batters per nine innings. The Dodgers had Eovaldi start the 2012 season in Double-A again and promoted him to the majors again in late May. Thus far, Eovaldi has a 4.15 ERA with 34 strikeouts and 20 walks in 56 innings pitched.

Scott McGough was a fifth round draft selection in the 2011 draft out of the University of Oregon. He had a stellar professional debut, posting a 2.77 ERA with 33 strikeouts and 6 walks in 26 innings of relief. His transition to high Class A this year has been a bit bumpier. He currently holds a 3.88 ERA with 47 strikeouts and 24 walks in 46 innings pitched. McGough's arsenal includes a low-90s fastball and an inconsistent slider that is occasionally a plus offering.