OF Johermyn Chavez is Prospect in Morrow Deal

MLBastien is reporting that OF Johermyn Chavez, arguably the best OF prospect the Jays had, is on his way to Seattle in the Morrow for League deal. I still like the deal because it’s much harder to find a good starting pitcher than a good outfielder, but this makes the trade a little less palatable due to the lack of depth the Jays have in the minors for outfielders.

Chavez has been with the Jays since he was 17 and had shown promise as a possible 5 tool outfielder, making it all the way to LoA Lansing in 2009 and hitting 20 HRs while stealing 10 bases that season. The loss of Chavez now leaves Jacob Marisnick, Darin Mastroianni, and Moises Sierra as the best OF prospects the Jays have. Marisnick will have his first full pro season in 2010 and was ranked #6 best Jays prospect by Baseball America going into 2010.

As for the deal, it seems fitting overall and a benefit to both teams. The Jays get a great SP pitcher in Brandon Morrow, and the Mariners get Brandon League who’s lights out in their pen – the same role they had planned for Brandon Morrow, and also get to add some OF depth in Johermyn Chavez. With Michael Saunders becoming a regular OF in 2010, Johermyn will become one of their top OF prospects.