After playing his first five seasons in Colorado, Matt Holliday was dealt to the Oakland Athletics at the beginning of the off-season following the 2008 baseball season. Just over eight months later, he has now been dealt again.
Major League sources have confirmed that the St. Louis Cardinals have acquired Holliday and cash considerations from the A’s for three minor leaguers.
Oakland receives in return St. Louis’ 2008 first round pick, third baseman Brett Wallace. The 22-year-old has been fantastic in the minor leagues, and is playing in AAA. The A’s also get right-handed pitching prospect Clayton Mortensen and outfield prospect Shane Peterson, 24 and 21 years old respectively.
The Cardinals gain a great bat in the lineup, bringing protection for Albert Pujols. Holliday will also be a great addition to an outfield that includes the struggling Rick Ankiel, who may be forced to platoon with Colby Rasmus in center field, or become a pinch hitter with the addition of Holliday.
Holliday is batting a career-low .286 this season, with 11 HR and 54 RBI. In five and a half MLB seasons, he has a career batting average of .315, and has 28 home runs and 110 RBI on a 162-game average. Holliday will become a free agent at the end of this season.
