The Indians traded pitcher Brian Anderson to the Kansas City Royals on Monday, acquiring minor leaguers Trey Dyson and Kieran Mattison in exchange.
Anderson had pitched very well for the Indians this year, going 9-10 with a 3.71 ERA, and as a local product (Geneva, OH) was a popular player here as well. As it turns out however, his success this season probably worked to diminish the chances that he would sign to remain with the Indians after this season. Anderson will be a free agent at season's end, and his effectiveness this year will mean a contract term and salary on the open market that the Indians would consider prohibitive for a 30-something pitcher, given their youth movement and wealth of young pitching.
Dyson is a 23-year old first baseman-outfielder playing in the Class A Carolina League, where he is currently ranked 5th in RBI (72), and hits (126), and is 3rd in doubles (31) and 4th in extra-base hits (45). He is batting .275.
Mattison, 23, pitched 108 innings at Class A Burlington in the Midwest League, going 8-5 with a 2.50 ERA, and 89 strikeouts and 26 walks.