The MLB Trade deadline has come and gone with the normal excitement delivering. The big news trade of the day included Washington sending young star Juan Soto to San Diego for a major package.
Included in the trade package was the Padres’ Eric Hosmer. One problem, Hosmer had a no trade clause in his contract and didn’t agree to be dealt to Washington.
San Diego was looking for a late trade partner to dump Hosmer too and that’s where the Tennessee connection comes in. Boston came to San Diego’s rescue, agreeing to eat the three years remaining on Hosmer’s large contract for a handful of prospects and cash consideration.
One of those prospects is former Tennessee infielder Max Ferguson.
The #RedSox today acquired 1B Eric Hosmer, minor league INF Max Ferguson, minor league OF Corey Rosier, and cash considerations from the San Diego Padres, in exchange for minor league LHP Jay Groome. pic.twitter.com/kgSu0ES81n
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 2, 2022
Ferguson’s professional career is off to a strong start, putting up some numbers during the 2022 season.
The versatile athlete hit .247 (.403 OBP) with three home runs and 39 RBIs in 64 games in low-A. Ferguson’s 50 stolen bases during the stretch was his most impressive feat. Ferguson got called up to high-A earlier this season where he’s hitting .162 with three home runs and 11 RBIs in 27 games.
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San Diego selected Ferguson in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft after spending three years helping rebuild the Tennessee baseball program.
The Florida native’s hitting was streaky as a Volunteer but finished his junior season strong to hit .253 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs. Ferguson was part of many big moments in Knoxville but none bigger that his three-run walk off home run to beat No. 1 Arkansas in his junior season.
Perhaps Ferguson’s greatest strength as a baseball player is his defensive prowess. Ferguson was an exceptional defensive second baseman for Tennessee and created a phenomenal defensive middle infield tandem with Liam Spence.
Ferguson’s defensive versatility was invaluable. In Knoxville, he played second base and first base but Ferguson can also play any outfield spot.
