Jeff Passan reports that the San Francisco Giants have acquired left-handed reliever Will Smith from the Brewers. In exchange, the Giants are sending catcher Andrew Susac and pitching prospect Phil Bickford to Milwaukee.
Smith is 1-3 with a 3.68 ERA over 27 appearances and a K/BB ratio of 22/9 in 27 innings this season. Smith is arbitration eligible and under team control through 2019.
Bickford, 21, was drafted 18th overall by the Giants last year. He’s listed as anywhere from the 50th to the 65th best prospect in baseball depending on who you listen to. He’s at High-A ball right now, where he has pitched effectively in six starts following a successful 11-start sting in low-A to start the season. Susac is a solid backup catcher, much needed in Milwaukee, especially if they still plan on trading Jonathan Lucroy.
Seems like a lot to give up for a relief pitcher, but the price of relief pitching is high. And the Giants obviously, are in win-now mode.
