Left-handed hitting second baseman, Shed Long, 23, looked to be a solid piece for the Yankees to acquire in return for the much-maligned Sonny Gray.
However, after six seasons of minor league ball, reaching as high as Double-A, Long would have needed to be placed on the Yanks’ 40-man roster, or risk him being selected in the Rule 5 draft.
Therefore, general manager, Brian Cashman quickly pivoted Long to the Mariners for their No. 9 prospect (according to Baseball America) — outfielder, Josh Stowers.
At 21 years of age, and recently drafted with the 54th pick in the second round of the 2018 draft, Stowers gives the Yanks a promising farmhand that will be allowed to grow without immediate room for worry.