November 5th, 2019 at 8:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka Dodger fans who were paying close attention to the return that their team received from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for one-time fan-favorite Yasiel Puig and two-time fan-favorite Matt Kemp (along with left-hander Alex Wood and popular catcher/utility infielder Kyle Farmer), the efforts of their attention could very well be rewarded as early as February 11, 2020, when Dodgers pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training 2020 at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, AZ.
The Dodgers return in the aforementioned December 21, 2018 trade with Cincinnati was (then) 20-year-old middle infielder Jeter Downs and 21-year-old right-hander Josiah Gray, who were first and second-round draft picks respectively by the Reds in 2017 and 2018. Downs was immediately sent to the Dodgers Advanced Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and Gray to the Low Single-A Great Lakes Loons. However, they both finished the 2019 season with the Dodgers Double-A Tulsa Drillers.
(Note: The Dodgers also received 13-year MLB veteran right-hander Homer Bailey in the trade, but immediately released him. He was later signed by the Kansas City Royals and subsequently traded to the Oakland A’s).
In his 107 games with the Quakes, Downs posted a slash line of .269/.354/.507/.862 with 33 doubles, four triples, 19 home runs, and 75 RBI. For (very) good measure, he also stole 23 bases. In his 12 games with the Drillers (48 at-bats), Downs slashed .333/.429/.688/ for an outstanding OPS of 1.116, with two doubles, five home runs, 11 RBI, and one stolen base.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)
If that alone isn’t enough to convince you that the Dodgers “won the trade,” (as they say), check this out:
In his five games (all starts) with the Loons, Gray went 1-0 with a ridiculous 1.96 ERA in his 23.1 innings pitched. He walked seven while striking out 26, for a very impressive SO/W ratio of 3.71; good enough to earn a May 9, 2019 promotion to Rancho Cucamonga, as first reported right here on ThinkBlue LA.
But wait … There’s more!
In his 12 games with the Quakes (all starts), Gray posted a team-best 7-0 record among all Quakes starters with an insane 2.14 ERA. He walked only 13 batters while striking out 80, for an impossible SO/W ratio of 6.15 in 67.1 innings pitched. As a basis of comparison, Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax had a career SO/W ratio of 2.93 and current Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler a remarkable SO/W ratio of 4.61 in his three seasons with the Dodgers
In his nine games with the Drillers (eight starts), Gray came back down to earth a little, posting a 3-2 record but with a still alien-like 2.75 ERA. He walked 11 while striking out 41 for a SO/W ratio of 3.73 in his 39.1 innings of work.
Won the trade indeed.
Although there has been no official word from the Dodgers, nor will there (probably) be until January, there is every reason to believe (and absolutely no reason not to) that both Downs and Gray will receive invitations to major league Spring Training camp this February. That being said, it is highly unlikely that either will break camp on the Dodgers (now) 26-man active roster or even on the 40-man roster. However, it is very likely that both will begin the 2020 season at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
There is also every reason to believe (and absolutely no reason not to) that Josiah Gray will, at some point during the 2020 season, make his MLB debut with the Dodgers (presumably as a starter), much like that of Buehler in 2017 and rookie right-handers Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May this past season.
When (not if) this happens, those of us who were paying close attention to the return that the Dodgers received from the Cincinnati Reds in the Puig, Kemp, Wood and Farmer trade will have a smile on our faces that a chisel couldn’t remove.
Won the trade indeed.
Play Ball!
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Posted in 
I can’t wait to see these two in Dodger blue.
Wow!
We’ve all heard how great Gray did this year and he did, I also knew Downs had a good year but those stats really show he is a potential MLB stud. I especially like the stolen bases. In my opinion, Dodgers need to rediscover how to manufacture runs instead of just waiting for home runs. Stolen bases, moving runners over and beating the shift could help a lot.
This trade could go down as one of the most lopsided in MLB history. Is the Cincinnati GM still employed? Not only do the Reds have nothing to show for the trade now (except 29 year old Farmer) it cost them $17M.
The only downside I can see from the Dodgers point of view is that, who’s going to trade with them in the future? The following Dodgers will all be free-agents in 2021, Pederson, Hernandez, Baez, Yimi Garcia, Salder and Turner. What magic can Friedman work with these guys?
If these two aren’t traded it will be exciting to see them in LA soon! Short of Lindor, and maybe Betts, I don’t think there be anyone available via trade that would warrant Friedman emptying the cupboards of the farm. Maybe Keibart Ruiz heads somewhere, but I think other minor league pieces could supplement Joc Pederson or MAYBE Seager going somewhere else for a big return. Impact talent has a huge price, but most teams with stud starters and relievers are trying to win next season. Here’s to Friedman breaking convention and signing Cole or Rendon!
It would be nice, but I don’t see either of these guys getting signed by the Dodgers. I think Rendon resigns with Washington.
As of now we have seven potential starters, Bueller, Kershaw, Maeda, Stripling, Gonsolin, May and Urias. The bullpen is FULL of questions, the only locks to be in the bullpen (barring trade) are Jansen, Baez and Kelly and all three of these guys are question marks. The rest of the relievers on the current 40 man roster are not very impressive. Lots of work to do on the pitching staff.
I’d rather see the Dodgers sign both Ryu and Wheeler for about one-half the price of Cole. I really wanted Cole two years ago when the Pirates were looking to trade him, but at the rumored 8 yrs and $260M, I’d pass.
For the bullpen, signing two starters pushes a couple of the above starters to the bullpen. I’d check out and possibly sign a couple cheap rebound possibilities like Dellin Betances, Blake Treinen or Rich Hill. I don’t see much on the higher end reliever free-agent market especially since Will Smith got a QO and I wouldn’t trade for him and his $17M salary, better value out there. Depending how the above goes, use our trade assets for a stud set-up/closer reliever.
To me Dodgers look pretty good with position players. Even though our hitting has sucked in the playoffs. We are adding a full year of Lux and getting Verdugo back (which I think was a huge loss in the playoffs) and hopefully Seager reverts to being a big time stud again. I wouldn’t be adding much additional talent in a Seager for Lindor trade.
Lastly, Bellinger has to hit in the playoffs someday, doesn’t he?
I agree the position players are pretty set but the good hitters are still mostly lefthanded. I wouldn’t mind seeing one of them traded for right handed bat to give the lineup more balance and options. Especially since the stud Freeze is gone.
GREAT replies guys. Thanks!
Be sure to check out Jesse’s ‘Hot Stove’ piece as well.
Man, I miss baseball.