Professional sports are filled with exciting and dramatic events, and one of the most significant is the trade of players between teams. This can be a thrilling moment for fans as they wait to see which players their team will acquire or give up.
One such trade that caused quite a stir was the one involving Dylan Bundy, a former pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles. Bundy was a highly touted prospect who was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2011 MLB draft.
Despite a promising start to his career, he faced injuries that kept him off the field for a while. However, he made a comeback in 2016 and continued to play for the Orioles through 2019.
In December 2019, Bundy was traded to the Los Angeles Angels. In this article, we will explore the details of the trade and how it impacted both Bundy and the teams involved.
Dylan Bundy’s Career
Draft and Debut in 2012
Dylan Bundy was a highly sought-after prospect when he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles with the fourth overall pick in the 2011 MLB draft. He made his debut in the major leagues in 2012, appearing in two games for the Orioles.
Injuries and Time Off
Bundy faced a series of injuries that forced him to miss significant playing time. In 2013, he underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in his elbow. He also suffered from shoulder injuries in 2015 and 2016, which further delayed his return to the field.
Return to the Orioles in 2016
Bundy returned to the Orioles in 2016, pitching in 14 games with a 4.02 ERA. He continued to improve in the following years, pitching a career-high 171.2 innings in 2017 and posting a 3.75 ERA.
In 2018, Bundy pitched 171.1 innings with a 5.45 ERA, and in 2019, he pitched 161.2 innings with a 4.79 ERA.
Performance Through 2019
Overall, Bundy’s career with the Orioles was marked by both promise and setbacks. He had moments of brilliance on the field, but injuries and inconsistency prevented him from reaching his full potential.
Despite these challenges, he remained a valuable member of the Orioles pitching staff and garnered interest from other teams looking for pitching talent.
The Trade
The trade involving Dylan Bundy took place on December 4, 2019.
Teams Involved
The two teams involved in the trade were the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Angels.
Reason for the Trade
The reason for the trade was likely due to the Orioles looking to rebuild their team, while the Angels were in need of pitching talent. Bundy had one year left on his contract with the Orioles and was projected to earn around $5 million in arbitration.
The Angels saw this as an opportunity to acquire a talented pitcher with a relatively low salary.
Details of the Trade
The details of the trade involved the Orioles sending Bundy to the Angels in exchange for four minor league prospects. The prospects included right-handed pitchers Isaac Mattson, Kyle Bradish, Zach Peek, and infielder Rylan Bannon.
This trade was seen as a win-win for both teams, as the Orioles were able to acquire some promising young talent while the Angels got an experienced starting pitcher.
Bundy’s Performance After the Trade
His First Season With the Angels
In his first season with the Angels, Bundy posted a career-best 3.29 ERA with 72 strikeouts and a 1.036 WHIP in 65.2 innings.
He made 11 starts and recorded his first complete game shutout. Bundy’s strong performance helped the Angels stay competitive in a tough American League West division.
Comparison to His Previous Performances
Comparing Bundy’s performance with the Angels to his previous performances with the Orioles, he showed significant improvement.
His ERA was nearly two full runs lower than his career average, and he allowed fewer hits and walks per nine innings than he had in any previous season. His strikeout rate also increased, showing that he was pitching more effectively.
Impact on the Angels
Bundy’s impact on the Angels was significant. He emerged as one of the team’s most reliable pitchers and helped anchor their rotation. His strong performance also helped take pressure off other pitchers who may have been struggling.
Overall, Bundy’s trade to the Angels proved to be a smart move, as he was able to thrive in a new environment and provide the team with much-needed pitching depth.
Dylan Bundy’s performance before and after the trade to the Los Angeles Angels:
| Season | Team | Games Started | Innings Pitched | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Baltimore | 2 | 1.2 | 0.00 | 1.800 | 2 |
| 2013 | Baltimore | 8 | 41.2 | 4.78 | 1.422 | 41 |
| 2014 | Baltimore | 14 | 75.1 | 4.13 | 1.375 | 66 |
| 2015 | Baltimore | 16 | 79.2 | 4.02 | 1.395 | 61 |
| 2016 | Baltimore | 36 | 109.2 | 4.02 | 1.324 | 104 |
| 2017 | Baltimore | 28 | 169.2 | 4.24 | 1.196 | 152 |
| 2018 | Baltimore | 31 | 171.2 | 5.45 | 1.411 | 184 |
| 2019 | Baltimore | 30 | 161.2 | 4.79 | 1.354 | 162 |
| 2020 | Los Angeles | 11 | 65.2 | 3.29 | 1.036 | 72 |
| Career | N/A | 176 | 876.2 | 4.67 | 1.366 | 784 |
This table shows the number of games started, innings pitched, ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts for each season of Dylan Bundy’s career, both with the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Angels. The last row shows his overall career statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Dylan Bundy’s injuries affect his career?
Bundy’s injuries, particularly the Tommy John surgery and shoulder injuries, delayed his progress and prevented him from reaching his full potential early on in his career. However, he was able to make a comeback and put together solid performances with the Orioles and later with the Angels.
How did Dylan Bundy perform in the 2020 season with the Angels?
In the shortened 2020 season, Bundy continued to perform well with the Angels, posting a 3.29 ERA with 72 strikeouts and a 1.036 WHIP in 65.2 innings. He made 11 starts and recorded his first complete game shutout.
Was Dylan Bundy a free agent when he was traded to the Angels?
No, Dylan Bundy was not a free agent when he was traded to the Angels. He had one year left on his contract with the Orioles and was projected to earn around $5 million in arbitration.
What impact did Dylan Bundy have on the Angels’ pitching staff?
Bundy emerged as one of the Angels’ most reliable pitchers, providing depth to the team’s rotation and taking pressure off other struggling pitchers. His strong performance helped the Angels stay competitive in a tough American League West division.
Did the Orioles receive any major league players in exchange for Bundy?
No, the Orioles did not receive any major league players in exchange for Bundy. Instead, they acquired four minor league prospects in the trade with the Angels.
To Recap
Dylan Bundy’s trade to the Los Angeles Angels in December 2019 was a significant event that had a notable impact on both the Orioles and the Angels.
Bundy’s career had been marked by both promise and setbacks during his time with the Orioles due to injuries, but he was able to rebound and put together solid performances.
The Angels saw an opportunity to acquire a talented pitcher with a relatively low salary and made a trade for Bundy in exchange for four minor league prospects.
The move proved to be a smart one for the Angels, as Bundy emerged as one of the team’s most reliable pitchers, posting a career-best 3.29 ERA in his first season with the team.
Meanwhile, the Orioles were able to acquire some promising young talent that could help the team rebuild in the future.
Overall, the trade was a win-win for both teams, and Bundy’s performance with the Angels has shown that he has the potential to be a valuable asset in the years to come.
