Twins trade Kendrys Morales to Mariners for Stephen Pryor

The Minnesota Twins traded first baseman/DH Kendrys Morales to the Seattle Mariners today, receiving pitcher Stephen Pryor in exchange. Pryor is not technically a rookie, having exceeded the innings limits (just barely) in 2012, but he's not exactly an established talent, either, and is still young enough to be considered a prospect.

Stephen Pryor, RHP: Pryor was drafted by the Mariners in the fifth round in 2010, from Tennessee Tech. He zipped through the Seattle farm system very quickly, reaching the majors in 2012 and posting a 3.91 ERA in 23 innings with a 27/13 K/BB ratio. He was expected to take on a larger role in 2013, but missed almost the entire season with a torn latissimus dorsi muscle. He has spent most of 2014 with Triple-A Tacoma, posting a 4.65 ERA in 31 innings with a 30/21 K/BB.

Pryor is a 6-4, 245 pound right-hander born July 23, 1989. He is a stereotypical hard-throwing reliever, clocked as high as 99 MPH at times, though this year he has been in the low-90s more often. He mixes in a hard slider/cutter (which can hit 90), has a power curve, and will occasionally toss in something off-speed. His stuff is overpowering when he's on, but inconsistent control has held him back.

Pryor profiles as a solid middle reliever, with some chance to close eventually if he maxes out his command and control.