In retrospect the two trades were formulated to essentially add another year’s control over a potential third baseman.
Kyle Kubitza didn’t capitalize on his chances to start for the Atlanta Braves and would be come a minor league free agent after the 2015 season. Rather than simply let him walk away they swapped him for Ricardo Sanchez and Nate Hyatt hoping one of them would provide some future value.
The Braves decided to swap Evan Gattis for prospects and when the Astros expressed interest the Braves asked for Ruiz.