The Nate Jones Trade…isn't really about Nate Jones. In exchange for low-level minor league pitchers Joe Jarneski and Ray Castro, the Rangers acquired Nate Jones, financial considerations, and approximately $1 million of international slot money. That international slot money is the key return.
So if the international slot money is the key return, the key name is Bayron Lora, an outfielder from the Dominican Republic considered the third best free agent in this year's J2 class. Lora, who is unsigned, has been heavily linked to the Rangers who need to add some additional slot money to sign him. The $1 million they just acquired covers most of it but reports are that they'd need another $250K-$500K, which should be easily attainable. There are a number of quality international free agents still out there, but none as talented as Lora, who would be among the organization's top prospects if they can indeed sign him.
Let's cover the other side. Nate Jones is a 33-year-old reliever on the 60-Day IL after undergoing surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right shoulder. Jones has about $1.5 million left on his deal and the expectation is that the "financial considerations" portion of the deal will help cover that. After this season Jones, who has a career 3.12 ERA and has established himself as a quality reliever, has a $5.15 million team option for 2020 with a $1.25 million buyout. The expectation is that the Rangers will buy Jones out, but could try and sign him back based on his medical evaluations and recovery.
As far as what the Rangers gave up, Jarneski, 19, is a reliever pitching in the Arizona Rookie League and Castro, 22, is in his third season in the Dominican Summer League.
