Former Dodgers Infielder Involved in Lopsided Trade With Rival Returns to NL West
A former Dodger involved in a consequential trade is back in the National League West.
Matt Beaty, 31, has signed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Beaty has been assigned to their Double-A affiliate.
Beaty was drafted in the 12th round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Dodgers. He made his debut in 2019, and was part of a historic stretch of three walk-off home runs in three games by three rookies along with Alex Verdugo and Will Smith.
Beaty was with the Dodgers for two more seasons and was developing into a solid player. In 2021, he appeared in 120 games and slashed .270/.363/.402 with seven home runs, 40 RBIs, and an OPS of .765.
Then, he was traded, and his career took a turn for the worst.
Beaty was involved in what could become one of the most lopsided trades in Dodgers-Padres history. Beaty was sent to the division-rival San Diego Padres in exchange for right-handed pitcher River Ryan. While Beaty’s career flamed out after that trade, Ryan has turned into a top prospect in the L.A. organization.
Related: How the Dodgers Stole Pitching Prospect River Ryan From the Padres in Lopsided Trade
Beaty spent just 20 games of the 2022 season in San Diego, hitting .093 with a .333 OPS. He then played 30 total games in 2023 with the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals, and is now trying to revitalize his career with Arizona.
As for Ryan, he had a combined 3.80 ERA in 26 minor league appearances (24 starts) last season. He’s been out to start this season with shoulder fatigue, but remains one of the most exciting pitching prospects in the Dodgers’ organization.
Related: Dodgers Nation’s Top 10 LA Prospects Heading Into 2024 Season
Photo Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
