Michael Young Traded to Los Angeles Dodgers

Phillies third baseman Michael Young has been traded to the L.A. Dodgers late last night, just hours away from the August Trade Deadline, which has now passed. The Phillies will be receiving Double-A lefty Rob Rasmussen, a former 2nd round pick in 2010 by the Miami Marlins. Young had cleared waivers early in the month, making him eligible to be moved to any team. 

BREAKING: #Dodgers get Michael Young from #Phillies

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 1, 2013

This move was one of two late moves the Phillies made. They also traded John McDonald to the Boston Red Sox just hours before the deadline as well. After being relatively quiet during the waiver period thus far, the Phillies were able to unload their biggest piece that they were able to part with. Rob Rasmussen is a decent return for Young, as he currently has a 2.55 ERA in 16 appearances (14 starts) for Double-A Chattanooga. He has struggled mightily in Triple-A this season, where he posts a 6.46 ERA in 12 appearances (10 starts). 

On the other hand, the Dodgers were able to gain a player that is a great clubhouse guy, and can play the game of baseball very well. With a .276/.336/.395 three slash line, Young is still a pretty solid player at 36 years old, and will provide timely hitting off the bench for LA. Young has a -1.0 WAR, but will be backing up third baseman Juan Uribe, who has a 2.4 WAR. Young can also play first base, where Adrian Gonzalez currently sits, but can give him a day off without much lost. 

This was a very good move for the Dodgers, as they are going all in to win the World Series this year. Young becomes a free agent at the end of this year, and although he may walk from LA, he will probably be able to find a new home for another contender (perhaps Texas?). But, for now, Young is playing in LA, for the team that is running away with the NL West crown.