For the third time in a month, the San Francisco Giants have made a trade with the Seattle Mariners.
The latest sees the acquisition of former Mariners left-handed utility player Donovan Walton, who plays primarily second base, shortstop and left field. In exchange, the Giants sent over right-handed pitching prospect Prelander Berroa, who was acquired from the Twins in the Sam Dyson trade in 2019.
Walton, 27, was as high as the 22nd ranked prospect in the Mariners system and was a 5th round draft pick by Seattle in 2016. Walton has seen limited action with the big league club over the past four seasons, slashing .196/.260/.315 in 102 plate appearances. Walton really turned heads at Triple-A Tacoma, however, posting a .304/.395/.519 slash line in 69 games in 2021.
Walton profiles as a contact hitter with a good eye. He had 35 walks and 36 strikeouts in 334 plate appearances in Tacoma, meaning he is in a similar mold as Tommy La Stella, who remains out as he recovers from Achilles surgary.
Berroa, 22, was off to a white-hot start with Single-A Eugene, posting a 0.68 ERA after four starts.
Infielder Mike Ford has been designated for assignment to make room for Walton on the 40-man roster.