Wingnuts Announce Flurry of Transactions
January 17, 2018 - American Association (AA) - Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, Kans. - The Wichita Wingnuts announced Wednesday a series of roster moves resulting in the departure of ten players, including trades with three different organizations.
First baseman Matt Chavez, outfielder TJ Mittelstaedt, and right-handed pitcher Mike Devine have been traded to the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League in exchange for three players to be named later. Right-handed pitcher Alex Boshers has been traded to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League in exchange for a player to be named later. Right-handed pitcher Josh Goossen-Brown has been traded to the American Association expansion franchise Chicago Dogs in exchange for a player to be named later.
Chavez put together two outstanding seasons in Wichita, winning Rookie of the Year and a batting title with his .359 average in 2016, then leading the American Association with 84 RBI the following season. His 33 home runs over those two years checks in at fourth on the Wingnuts all-time leaderboard, while his .343 combined average is fifth.
Mittelstaedt departs as one of the most decorated players in franchise history, the Wingnuts all-time leader in triples (17) and walks (249), and top five in numerous other offensive categories. A versatile defender who played everywhere but pitcher and catcher during his three seasons in the ICT, Mittelstaedt was tabbed a Mid-Season All-Star in 2017, hitting a career-best .303 with nine home runs and 75 RBI.
Devine operated out of the Wingnuts bullpen for two seasons, joining the team late in 2016 and then functioning as the club's primary seventh inning reliever in 2017. The 28-year old went 3-4 with a 2.25 ERA in 44 appearances, notching two saves and allowing just one home run. For his efforts, he was named the Wingnuts Unsung Hero for the 2017 season.
Boshers began his Wingnuts career working out of the bullpen during the 2015 season, but transitioned to a starting role the following season and quickly became one of the team's most reliable arms. Over the last three years, spanning 39 relief outings and 35 starts, the former Tennessee-Martin Skyhawk went 27-9 with a 3.24 ERA. His 27 victories are tied for third all-time in Wingnuts history.
Goossen-Brown was spectacular in his lone season with the Wingnuts, making 34 relief appearances and posting a sparkling 1.62 ERA over 44.1 innings. He held opponents to a .186 batting average, allowing runs in only five of his 34 outings. The former two-way player at the University of San Diego also recorded his first professional hit with a single against the Lincoln Saltdogs.
In addition to the trio of trades, the Wingnuts released right-handed pitchers Ryan Kussmaul and Danny Gutierrez, second baseman Christian Stringer, and catchers Martin Medina and Zac Fisher. They are now free agents.
The 11th season of Wingnuts baseball and the club's pursuit of an eighth consecutive division title kicks off with a three-game home series against the Kansas City T-Bones, beginning on Friday, May 18.
For information on season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Wingnuts main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com .
• Discuss this story on the American Association message board...
American Association Stories from January 17, 2018
- Canadian All-Star Darvill Headed to Dodgers - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Wingnuts Announce Flurry of Transactions - Wichita Wingnuts
- The Inside Pitch Returns January 31st - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Paula Set to Return to the T-Bones - Kansas City Monarchs
- Goldeyes Add Versatility, Depth to Pitching Staff - Winnipeg Goldeyes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.