The trade deadline in Major League Baseball is always an exciting time for fans, as it provides an opportunity for teams to make significant changes to their rosters and set themselves up for future success.
One of the most notable trades of the 2021 deadline involved the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals, with the Dodgers sending two premier prospects in Josiah Gray and Keibert Ruiz to the Nationals in exchange for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner.
In this blog post, we will focus on Gray and answer the question on many fans’ minds: did Josiah Gray get traded?
We will provide background information on Gray and his potential as a major league pitcher, analyze the specifics of the trade, and discuss the impact of the trade on both the Dodgers and the Nationals.
Who is Josiah Gray?
Josiah Gray is a right-handed pitcher who was born on December 21, 1997. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round of the 2018 MLB draft out of Le Moyne College, a Division II school in Syracuse, New York. Gray was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a six-player trade in December 2018.
Gray made his professional debut in 2019, splitting time between Single-A and Double-A. He had an impressive season, posting a 2.28 ERA with 147 strikeouts in 130 2/3 innings pitched.
He was named the Dodgers’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year for 2019 and was ranked as the organization’s top prospect heading into the 2020 season.
Gray did not make his major league debut until 2021, but he continued to impress in the minor leagues. He posted a 2.87 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 31 1/3 innings pitched for Triple-A Oklahoma City before being called up to the Dodgers in July.
Gray is considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, with a four-pitch mix that includes a mid-90s fastball, a slider, a curveball, and a changeup.
He has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter in the major leagues and was highly coveted by other teams at the 2021 trade deadline.
The 2021 Mlb Trade Deadline
The trade deadline in Major League Baseball typically falls in late July or early August, and it represents the last opportunity for teams to make trades before the postseason roster deadline.
For contending teams, the trade deadline is a crucial time to make moves to improve their chances of winning a championship. Teams may look to acquire players who can fill specific needs, such as a starting pitcher or a power hitter, or who can provide depth to the roster.
The types of players that are typically traded at the deadline depend on a variety of factors, including a team’s position in the standings, their long-term plans, and the availability of players on the market.
In general, contenders will look to acquire established players who can contribute immediately, while teams that are out of contention may look to trade away veterans in exchange for prospects who can help them rebuild in the future.
The Dodgers were in a somewhat unusual position leading up to the 2021 trade deadline. Despite having a talented roster, they were dealing with several injuries and were not in first place in the National League West.
However, they were still widely considered one of the top teams in the league and were expected to be active at the deadline. The Dodgers had already made one major trade earlier in the month, acquiring outfielder Billy McKinney from the New York Mets, but they were still rumored to be in the market for pitching help.
The Dodgers’ motivation for making a trade was clear: they wanted to improve their chances of winning another World Series championship. They had won the title in 2020 but knew that the road to a repeat would be difficult.
The addition of Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young award winner, and Trea Turner, a versatile and dynamic infielder, was seen as a major upgrade to the roster and a clear signal that the Dodgers were committed to making another deep playoff run.
The Trade: Josiah Gray for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner
The trade that saw Josiah Gray go to the Nationals in exchange for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner was one of the biggest of the 2021 trade deadline.
The Dodgers gave up two highly-regarded prospects in Gray and Keibert Ruiz, but they also received two impact players who immediately improved their chances of winning another World Series.
Max Scherzer, a 37-year-old right-handed pitcher, was the centerpiece of the trade for the Dodgers. He had been one of the best pitchers in baseball for more than a decade, winning three Cy Young awards and making multiple All-Star appearances.
Trea Turner, a 28-year-old infielder, was also a significant addition to the Dodgers’ roster. He was having a strong season at the plate and in the field and provided versatility and speed on the basepaths.
The reaction to the trade from fans and analysts was mixed. Some praised the Dodgers for making a bold move to improve their roster, while others criticized them for giving up too much in the trade.
Many Nationals fans were disappointed to see Scherzer and Turner go, but they also recognized the potential long-term benefits of acquiring prospects like Gray and Ruiz.
From the Dodgers’ perspective, the trade made a lot of sense. They were able to acquire two impact players without giving up any of their current major league contributors, and they solidified their status as one of the top teams in baseball.
Scherzer gave them another front-line starter to pair with Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler, while Turner provided a boost to their infield defense and baserunning.
From the Nationals’ perspective, the trade was more about the future than the present. They were not in contention for a playoff spot in 2021, and they knew that Scherzer and Turner were both free agents at the end of the season.
By acquiring Gray and Ruiz, they added two highly-regarded prospects to their farm system who could help them rebuild in the coming years.
Overall, the trade was a significant move for both teams and will likely have implications for years to come.
Only time will tell which team ultimately came out on top, but for the Dodgers, the addition of Scherzer and Turner was seen as a clear signal of their commitment to winning another championship.
Impact of the Trade
The trade that sent Josiah Gray to the Nationals for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner had a significant impact on both teams for the remainder of the 2021 season and beyond.
For the Dodgers, the addition of Scherzer and Turner immediately made them a stronger team. Scherzer gave them another front-line starting pitcher to pair with Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler, while Turner provided a boost to their infield defense and speed on the basepaths.
The Dodgers went on to win the National League West division title and advance to the NLCS, where they were ultimately eliminated by the Atlanta Braves. While Scherzer and Turner did not single-handedly lead the Dodgers to a championship, their impact on the team was clear.
Looking ahead, the trade could have a significant long-term impact on the Dodgers’ success. Scherzer and Turner are both free agents at the end of the season, but the Dodgers could choose to re-sign them and keep them on the team for several more years.
If they do so, they will have two established veterans who can continue to contribute at a high level for the foreseeable future.
For the Nationals, the trade was more about the future than the present. While losing Scherzer and Turner was a blow to the team’s immediate chances of success, acquiring Gray and Ruiz gave them two highly-regarded prospects who could help them rebuild in the coming years.
Gray, in particular, has been viewed as a potential front-line starting pitcher, and he could be a key part of the Nationals’ rotation for years to come.
Looking ahead, the trade could also have significant long-term implications for the Nationals’ success. If Gray and Ruiz develop into impact players, the Nationals will have added two valuable assets to their farm system.
Additionally, the trade could free up salary cap space that the Nationals could use to sign free agents or make other moves to improve their roster.
Overall, the trade that sent Josiah Gray to the Nationals for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner had a significant impact on both teams for the remainder of the 2021 season and beyond.
While it remains to be seen which team ultimately came out on top, the trade will likely have implications for years to come.
Career Statistics of the Players Involved in the Josiah Gray Trade
| Player | Position | Age | MLB Debut | Games Played | ERA/AVG | WAR (Career) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josiah Gray | Pitcher | 24 | 2021 | 16 | 3.55 | 0.7 |
| Keibert Ruiz | Catcher | 23 | 2020 | 33 | .185 | -0.2 |
| Max Scherzer | Pitcher | 37 | 2008 | 422 | 3.13 | 70.9 |
| Trea Turner | Shortstop | 28 | 2015 | 766 | .292 | 23.1 |
This table provides a snapshot of the players involved in the trade, including their positions, ages, MLB debuts, and career statistics.
It is important to note that while Gray and Ruiz have only played a limited number of games at the major league level, they are still highly-regarded prospects who have the potential to develop into impact players.
Meanwhile, Scherzer and Turner are established veterans who have been among the best players at their respective positions for several years.
FAQs
Why did the Dodgers give up such a promising prospect in Josiah Gray for just two players?
The Dodgers were in win-now mode and felt that the addition of Scherzer and Turner gave them a better chance to win a championship in 2021. While Gray was a highly-regarded prospect, he was still unproven at the major league level and there was no guarantee that he would develop into a top-tier pitcher.
Was Gray the only prospect that the Nationals received in the trade?
No, the Nationals also received catcher Keibert Ruiz in the trade. Ruiz was another highly-regarded prospect in the Dodgers’ farm system and was seen as one of the best catching prospects in baseball.
What kind of pitcher is Josiah Gray?
Gray is a right-handed pitcher who throws a fastball that can reach the mid-90s, as well as a slider, curveball, and changeup. He is known for his strong command and has been seen as a potential front-line starting pitcher in the major leagues.
How did Dodgers fans react to the trade?
While some Dodgers fans were disappointed to see Gray go, many were excited about the addition of Scherzer and Turner. Scherzer was seen as one of the best pitchers in baseball, while Turner provided a significant upgrade to the Dodgers’ infield defense and speed on the basepaths.
Did the trade pay off for the Dodgers in the end?
While the Dodgers did not win a championship in 2021, the addition of Scherzer and Turner undoubtedly made them a stronger team. Scherzer was dominant down the stretch, posting a 0.86 ERA in his 11 starts with the team, while Turner provided valuable contributions both at the plate and in the field. Ultimately, while the trade did not lead to a championship, it is still seen as a significant move for the Dodgers.
Conclusion
The trade that sent Josiah Gray to the Nationals for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner was a significant move that had far-reaching implications for both teams. While the Dodgers sought to bolster their chances of winning a championship in 2021, the Nationals were looking to build for the future.
With Scherzer and Turner, the Dodgers became a stronger team that went on to win the National League West division title and advance to the NLCS. Meanwhile, the Nationals received two highly-regarded prospects in Gray and Ruiz, which could help them rebuild in the coming years.
Looking ahead, the long-term implications of the trade remain to be seen. If Gray and Ruiz develop into impact players, the Nationals could benefit for years to come.
Additionally, if the Dodgers choose to re-sign Scherzer and Turner, they will have two established veterans who can continue to contribute at a high level. Ultimately, the trade had a significant impact on both teams and will continue to shape their futures in the years to come.
