NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — In another dramatic move to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2011, the Arizona Diamondbacks reached an agreement Tuesday to acquire All-Star right-hander Shelby Miller from the Atlanta Braves for overall No. 1 draft pick Dansby Swanson, and two other prospects.
Arizona, which finalized a $206.5 million, six-year contract with major league ERA leader Zack Greinke earlier in the day, also would send outfielder Ender Inciarte and pitching prospect Aaron Blair to the Braves, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The Diamondbacks would acquire minor league left-hander Gabe Speier as part of the trade. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade was pending approval of medical records.
Greinke is set to anchor a new-look rotation that also could include Patrick Corbin, Rubby De La Rosa and Robbie Ray.
“We’re counting on his mentorship with our other pitchers and being a part of helping their growth,” Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart said.
The Cubs also made some major moves. They agreed to a $56 million, four-year contract with infielder Ben Zobrist, who also was sought by the New York Mets, who swept Chicago in the NL Championship Series.
Zobrist figures to replace second baseman Starlin Castro, dealt to the New York Yankees on Tuesday night for right-hander Adam Warren and a player to be named, likely infielder Brendan Ryan.
Chicago also finalized a $32 million, two-year contract with 37-year-old right-hander John Lackey, who slots in as the Cubs’ third starter behind Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester.
In the day’s other trade, the St. Louis Cardinals acquired infielder Jedd Gyorko and from the San Diego Padres for outfielder Jon Jay. San Diego will pay St. Louis $7.5 million to cover part of the $33 million remaining on Gyorko’s contract.
The 27-year-old Gyorko hit .247 with 16 homers and 57 RBIs this year, spending time at second base, shortstop and first base. He has a .236 average in three big league seasons with 49 homers and 171 RBIs.
Also:
— Atlanta agreed to a $5.3 million, two-year contract with catcher Tyler Flowers, a person familiar with that deal said, also speaking on condition of anonymity because there had not been an announcement.
—Detroit finalized an $11 million, two-year contract with reliever Mark Lowe.
—Colorado agreed to two-year deals with a pair of relievers, guaranteeing Jason Motte $10 million and Chad Qualls $6 million.