Astros trade Jonathan Villar to Brewers for Cy Sneed

On Thursday the Houston Astros traded infielder Jonathan Villar to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Cy Sneed. Here's a quick take.

Jonathan Villar, INF: He is no longer considered a prospect of course, having collected 589 major league at-bats over parts of three seasons. While the development of American League Rookie of the Year Carlos Correa rendered Villar surplus to Houston's plans, he is still just 24 years old. His .284/.339/.414 line in 116 at-bats this year for the Astros represents substantial improvement over his 2013 and 2014 performance. He's fast (42 steals in his career), has some pop, and is an adequate defensive shortstop who can also play second base, third base, and the outfield. He could still develop into a worthwhile regular and is a nice acquisition for the Brewers, covering shortstop until top prospect Orlando Arcia is ready and having value beyond that.

Cy Sneed, RHP: Sneed was drafted in the third round in 2014 from Dallas Baptist University. He performed well at the A-ball levels in 2015, posting a 2.68 ERA with a 67/17 K/BB in 77 innings for Low-A Wisconsin in the Midwest League, followed by a 2.47 ERA and a 55/11 K/BB in 62 innings for Brevard County after his promotion to the High-A Florida State League.

Sneed is a 23-year-old right-hander listed at 6-4, 185. His fastball is not especially fast at 89-92 MPH, but he locates it well and it can play up due to the contrast with his splitter and change-up. His curveball is mediocre and it is unclear how his stuff will hold up at higher levels, but his ability to throw strikes and his strong makeup gives him a chance to be a back-end starter or relief option.