Blockbuster Trade Delays Draft

In a massive, last-minute deal, Seattle and Atlanta agreed to a trade that will shake up both franchises' fortunes for years to come as the Hurricanes turned in one of the most valuable trade chips in the game for a massive haul of prospects and picks. Here's the deal:

Atlanta sends star starting pitcher Ernest Metcalf to Seattle in exchange for two first-round picks (#2 and #3 overall in the draft), AAA OF Logan Francis (#5 overall prospect), and A-ball SP Rodrigo Padilla.

The trade allows Seattle to rebuild its starting rotation with a top-flight stud and gives Atlanta a chance to dramatically overhaul its system. The deal reportedly came together in just the last couple hours. 

"Tough to give up that much talent," said Seattle owner/GM Mack Shultz, "but pitchers of Ernie's quality don't come along all that often. He's under contract for four more years and our rotation needed this infusion. We're confident that Logan and Rodrigo will be stars, but this was a chance to deal from depth to improve the major league team for the next 4-5 seasons."

Atlanta is said to have its eyes on some of the excellent pitching prospects at the top of this draft class with the incoming picks, perhaps allowing them to rebuild quickly.