Analysis: Royals Trade Mark Teahen to White Sox for Chris Getz and Josh Fields

Although the rumor has been floating around for a few days, it's apparently now official: The Kansas City Royals have traded third baseman/outfielder Mark Teahen to the Chicago White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman Josh Fields. Although not a standout trade for either team talent wise, the salary implications of the trade give the Royals the slight edge...for now.

What the Royals Get

The Royals are receiving an average second baseman (Getz) and an all-or-nothing third baseman (Fields), although the most important part of this trade is the salary relief the Royals will receive with parting with Teahen. Last year, Teahen made $3.5 million, and could conceivably make even more in arbitration. Getz and Fields, meanwhile, made less than $1 million combined in 2009, and both have only a couple years of major league playing time apiece, and thus are further away from arbitration than Teahen.

Last season, Chris Getz hit for decent contact (.261 batting average) and stole 25 bases while only being caught twice. Although his OPS (on-base plus slugging) was only .671, that is heavily impacted by his relative lack of home run power (he hit only two in 2009). His defense was serviceable, but not spectacular.

Josh Fields, meanwhile, hit .222 with 7 home runs in 2009. Since hitting 23 home runs in 2007, Fields has only had 271 major league at bats over the last two years, battling both injuries and offensive inconsistencies. Having lost his job at third base the last two years to Joe Crede (2008) and minor league middle infielder Gordon Beckham (2009), it seems highly doubtful that Fields will be able to replace Teahen's production for the Royals.

What the White Sox Get

Mark Teahen has been a highly touted prospect since being drafted by the Oakland A's in 2002, but has yet to live up to the hype in the majors. Over five seasons with the Royals, Teahen hit .269, with an average of only 12 home runs and 59 RBIS per season, playing average defense at third base and below average defense in the outfield.

Although acquiring Teahen allows the White Sox to move Beckham over to second base to make room for both of them, it's tough to argue that this move makes long term sense for the White Sox. Beckham, as the season wore on, was starting to develop a certain level of comfort at third base, and was arguably one of the most productive players on the White Sox offense. It makes little sense to pay Teahen $3 million more than Getz to provide roughly similar production and then force Beckham to change positions.

Final Opinions

Although not an absolute failure for either club (if Teahen, for all his struggles, is able to revive some of the hype he had coming out of college, White Sox GM Kenny Williams will look like a genius), it makes more sense for the Royals to shed payroll for underperforming players than it does for the White Sox to take on at least $3 million for the same purpose.

Royals grade: B-

White Sox grade: C-