Eureka traded DH/OF Mike Bergeron last offseason. Bergeron had refused to sign an extension for several seasons. His salary was going to be high, Eureka had ample outfield options, Bergeron's defense dictated he was mostly a DH-type, his stats had slipped for three consecutive seasons (from a .1011 OPS in 2013 to a .981 OPS in 2014, to an .864 OPS in 2015, and an .829 OPS in 2016t), and the team had some infield needs.
So, rather than holding on to him in the seemingly vain hope he would sign a deal, Eureka made it known he was available. There were surprisingly few offers for him. Eureka finally accepted an offer from So Cal for him, shipping him to the other league! The return was relatively modest in terms of Juan Garza, a fringy 1B/DH type with the potential for a high batting average, doubles power, and good on-base skills, catcher Takaaki Hiryama, who has stabilized the catching position for Eureka, and 19-year-old OF stud Luis Galindo, who may one day be every bit as good as Bergeron.
No one anticipated Bergeron's resurgence this year. He is having the best year of his career, and carrying So Cal's offense. It is hard to understand why he is having such a resurgence: is it better health, weaker pitching, a better hitter's park, or a desire to prove himself after several years of decline.
Whatever the reason, the value of this trade, as with any other, will take several seasons to sort out.
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