Rangers Acquire Infield Prospect Nick Solak from Rays
By Parker White
On Saturday, the Texas Rangers acquired infield prospect Nick Solak from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Peter Fairbanks.
#Rays are trading INF Nick Solak to #Rangers for RHP Peter Fairbanks. Fairbanks goes to AAA @DurhamBulls for now.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 13, 2019
This is a small trade that doesn't have a clear reason behind it for either team. Both Solak and Fairbanks have been assigned to the Triple-A squads for both organizations. It does give both organizations depth at those respective positions.
Rangers Acquire Nick Solak From Rays https://t.co/4NOATH1o6G pic.twitter.com/l8JqZ6brXS
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) July 13, 2019
Solak, a former second-round pick of the New York Yankees, has played and thrived at every minor league level, including at Triple-A Durham this season where he's slashing .266/.353/.485 with 17 home runs and 47 RBI.
Solak also brings defensive versatility, as he can play second base and the outfield.
Fairbanks, 25, has played a three minor league levels this season, as well as making his MLB debut out of the Rangers bullpen. In eight big league appearances, Fairbanks owned a 9.35 ERA with 15 strikeouts over 8.2 innings.