The MLB trade deadline is always a tense time for players and fans alike. This year, one player who was at the center of trade rumors was Matthew Boyd, a left-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.
Boyd’s name was floated around in various trade talks leading up to the deadline, leaving many fans wondering if he would be traded or stay with the Tigers.
In this article, we will explore whether or not Matthew Boyd was indeed traded and examine the impact that the trade has had on both Boyd and the teams involved. But first, let’s take a closer look at Boyd’s career up to this point and the circumstances that led to the trade rumors.
Boyd’s Career and Injury History
Matthew Boyd is a 30-year-old left-handed pitcher who began his professional baseball career in 2013 with the Toronto Blue Jays organization.
He made his major league debut with the Blue Jays in 2015, but it wasn’t until he was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2015 that he became a regular starting pitcher. Boyd has been a consistent performer for the Tigers, with a career ERA of 4.95 and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.14.
Boyd’s injury history is worth noting when considering his trade value. In 2020, he suffered a left hamstring strain that caused him to miss several weeks of the shortened season.
He also had a shoulder injury in 2019 that required a stint on the injured list. However, despite these injuries, Boyd has been able to maintain his status as a reliable starting pitcher for the Tigers.
In addition to his on-field performance, Boyd has also been recognized for his contributions off the field. In 2018, he was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award, which honors players who demonstrate excellence both on and off the field.
Boyd was recognized for his work with the nonprofit organization Kingdom Home, which fights against human trafficking.
Overall, Boyd has been a consistent performer throughout his career, despite some injury setbacks. This makes him an attractive trade target for teams looking to bolster their starting pitching rotation.
The Trade Rumors and Speculation
Leading up to the trade deadline, there were several trade rumors circulating about Matthew Boyd. Many teams were reportedly interested in acquiring him, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and New York Yankees.
The Tigers, however, were not actively shopping Boyd and would only consider trading him if they received an offer that met their asking price.
Boyd’s strong performance in the 2021 season was one factor that contributed to the trade rumors. He had a 3.89 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.31, making him an attractive option for teams in need of starting pitching.
Additionally, Boyd is under team control through the end of the 2022 season, which made him an even more valuable trade target for teams looking for a pitcher who can contribute beyond just the current season.
Another factor that contributed to the trade rumors was the Tigers’ rebuilding process. The team is currently in a rebuilding phase and has made it clear that they are willing to trade players in exchange for prospects who can help them in the future.
Boyd’s trade value was high due to his consistent performance and the fact that he is under team control for another year, which made him an appealing target for teams looking to acquire young, controllable talent.
Overall, Boyd’s strong performance and team control, combined with the Tigers’ rebuilding phase, made him an attractive trade target for several teams, leading to numerous rumors and speculation about his future with the Tigers.
The Trade
On July 30, 2021, the Detroit Tigers traded Matthew Boyd to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for three minor league prospects: outfielder Daniel Missaki, right-handed pitcher Juan Then, and infielder J.T. Woods.
The Mariners were in the midst of a playoff race and were in need of starting pitching depth, while the Tigers continued their rebuilding process by acquiring young talent for the future.
Since joining the Mariners, Boyd has been a solid addition to their starting rotation. He has made six starts for the team, posting a 4.19 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.20.
While his numbers aren’t as strong as they were with the Tigers earlier in the season, Boyd has still been a valuable addition to the Mariners’ pitching staff.
On the Tigers’ side, the impact of the trade was felt more in the long term. The three prospects they acquired in the trade have the potential to be valuable contributors to the team in the future.
Daniel Missaki, who was ranked as the Mariners’ No. 22 prospect by MLB Pipeline at the time of the trade, is a young outfielder with solid tools and potential.
Juan Then, who was ranked as the Mariners’ No. 11 prospect, is a hard-throwing right-hander with the potential to be a mid-rotation starter. J.T. Woods, who was playing in Low-A ball at the time of the trade, is a versatile infielder with a good bat.
Overall, the trade was a win-win for both teams. The Mariners acquired a solid starting pitcher to help with their playoff push, while the Tigers acquired three young prospects who have the potential to be key contributors in the future.
Boyd’s Performance With the Mariners
Since being traded to the Seattle Mariners on July 30, 2021, Matthew Boyd has made six starts for his new team. He has a 4.19 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.20 in those appearances, and has given up 12 earned runs and 31 hits over 25.2 innings pitched.
While his numbers with the Mariners haven’t been as dominant as they were with the Tigers earlier in the season, Boyd has still been a solid contributor to his new team’s rotation.
The trade appears to have been beneficial for both parties involved. The Mariners acquired a solid starting pitcher who has been a valuable addition to their rotation during their playoff push.
Boyd has provided the team with depth and stability in the starting rotation, and has helped them stay in the hunt for a postseason berth.
On the other hand, the Tigers were able to acquire three young prospects who have the potential to be key contributors to the team in the future.
While it may be a few years before these players make an impact at the Major League level, the trade gave the Tigers additional depth and talent in their farm system.
Overall, the trade was a win-win for both teams. The Mariners acquired a valuable starting pitcher for their playoff push, while the Tigers acquired young talent that could help them in the future.
While it’s still too early to tell whether the trade will ultimately be a success for both teams, both parties have reason to be optimistic about the future.
Matthew Boyd’s Performance Before and After Trade
| Statistic | Before Trade (with Tigers) | After Trade (with Mariners) |
|---|---|---|
| ERA | 3.89 | 4.19 |
| K/9 | 10.0 | 7.8 |
| BB/9 | 2.6 | 2.4 |
| HR/9 | 1.3 | 1.8 |
| IP | 94.1 | 25.2 |
The table could be titled “Matthew Boyd’s Performance Before and After Trade.” It provides a quick comparison of Boyd’s key statistics before and after he was traded, allowing readers to easily see how his performance has changed since he joined the Mariners.
FAQs
Why did the Tigers trade Boyd?
There are a few potential reasons why the Tigers decided to trade Boyd. One possibility is that they saw an opportunity to acquire young talent for the future, which would fit with their rebuilding strategy. Additionally, Boyd had struggled with injuries in the past, which may have made the Tigers wary of his long-term potential.
How did Boyd react to the trade?
Boyd has not publicly commented on his reaction to the trade. However, he did release a statement thanking the Tigers organization and fans for their support during his time with the team.
What do scouts think of the prospects the Tigers acquired in the trade?
It’s too early to say for sure how the prospects the Tigers acquired will pan out, as they are all still in the minor leagues. However, scouts generally view them as solid additions to the Tigers’ farm system, with the potential to become contributors at the Major League level.
Did the Mariners give up too much to acquire Boyd?
This is a matter of opinion, but many analysts believe that the Mariners did not overpay for Boyd in the trade. The three prospects they gave up are all talented, but none of them were considered elite prospects at the time of the trade.
Will Boyd re-sign with the Mariners when he becomes a free agent?
It’s impossible to say at this point whether Boyd will re-sign with the Mariners when he becomes a free agent. His performance with the team over the remainder of the season will likely play a significant role in determining his value on the open market.
Conclusion
Matthew Boyd’s trade to the Seattle Mariners in July 2021 was a significant move that had an impact on both his former team, the Detroit Tigers, and his new team, the Mariners.
Boyd was considered a valuable trade target due to his solid performance and consistent track record as a starting pitcher.
After being traded, Boyd became a solid addition to the Mariners’ starting rotation, helping them in their playoff push.
Meanwhile, the Tigers were able to acquire three young prospects with the potential to make an impact in the future, bolstering their farm system and aiding in their rebuilding process.
Overall, the trade appears to have been beneficial for both parties involved, as the Mariners acquired a valuable starting pitcher and the Tigers acquired young talent with potential.
It remains to be seen how this trade will ultimately impact both teams in the long term, but it was a significant move that will likely be remembered for years to come.
