Arizona Diamondbacks: Reviewing 2014’s Deadline Deals

Jul 3, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy (32) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon McCarthy for Vidal Nuno

This trade did not take place on the July 31st deadline but it helped get the ball rolling for what was to come. Arizona signed McCarthy to a two year, $15.5 million dollar contract before the 2013 season. After a subpar year, McCarthy entered 2014 determined to stay healthy and throw 200 innings for the first time in his career. He started out 3-10 with a 5.01 ERA which was not indicative of how he pitched. The right-hander had some quality outings including the one on June 27th, in which he allowed only one run over seven innings as the D’backs defeated the San Diego Padres by the score of 2-1.

On July 6th, McCarthy was dealt to the New York Yankees in exchange for left-handed pitcher Vidal Nuno. He had a strong half season for the Yanks, going 7-5 with a 2.89 ERA in 14 starts. McCarthy parlayed that into a 4-year, $48 million dollar contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Unfortunately, he was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery after making only four starts in 2015.

As for Nuno, he had some really good performances for the D’backs in 2014 but was plagued by bad luck. He went 0-7 with an ERA of 3.76 in 14 starts. He began 2015 at Triple A Reno before being recalled a the beginning of May. The left-handed Nuno made three relief appearances before being traded along with Mark Trumbo to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for catcher Welington Castillo, relief pitcher Dominic Leone, Minor League infielder Jack Reinheimer and  Minor League outfielder Gabriel Guerrero, nephew of the great Vladimir Guerrero.

Next: Martin Prado for Peter O'Brien