Cincinnati Reds Trade Ryan Hanigan

Aug 30, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman Charlie Culberson (23) is tagged out by Cincinnati Reds catcher Ryan Hanigan (29) in the fourth inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Reds announced Tuesday that veteran catcher Ryan Hanigan to the Tampa Bay Rays in a three team trade. In the trade the Reds received left handed pitcher David Holmberg from the Arizona Dbacks. Ryan Hanigan has long been rumored to be traded, that finally became a reality today.

Hanigan a fan favorite knew his time was up in Cincinnati when the Reds signed Brayan Pena to a two year deal earlier in the off season. Hanigan was no longer needed and he knew it. Hanigan struggled at the plate this season batting .191 with only two home runs and 21 RBI, he did do two stints on the DL.

This trade was a real bummer for Reds fans as Hanigan was viewed as one of the good guys amongst the fans. He would go out of his ways to take pictures, sign autographs and talk baseball. Having seen him at lunch he was a very approachable man. Not only do the Reds lose a great ambassador for the team but also a great baseball mind.

Hanigan called Homer Bailey through two no hitters in the last two seasons, he has a great baseball mind and studies hitters relentlessly. Not to mention he is one hell of a defensive catcher. The Tampa Bay Rays got a great catcher and person today.

In the trade the Reds received left handed pitcher David Holmberg. Holmberg is only 22, a young left hander out of Texas who has made one career start for the Dbacks. Holmberg has some upside to him and will likely see a lot of playing time in Louisville replacing Tony Cingrani. Thankfully for Holmberg Reds manager Bryan Price is one of the best at developing young pitchers.

Overall for the Reds it was a decent day, everyone knew Hanigan was gone just a matter of when. The next big move could be Brandon Phillips, stay tuned.