WASHINGTON D.C – The Washington Nationals acquired infielder Andruw Monasterio and a player to be named later or cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for second baseman Daniel Murphy on Tuesday. In addition, the Nationals traded first baseman Matt Adams to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for cash considerations. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.
Monasterio, 21, hit .263 with 14 doubles, two triples, three homers, 31 RBI, 52 walks, 10 stolen bases and 52 runs scored in 109 games for Myrtle Beach of the Single-A Carolina League this season. An athletic, versatile infielder, Monasterio was cited by Baseball America as a rising prospect in Chicago’s system in their 2018 mid-season update.
In 336 professional games, Monasterio has hit .264 with 50 doubles, nine triples, six home runs, 107 RBI, 46 stolen bases and 186 runs scored. He has appeared at shortstop (198 G/190 GS), second base (94 G/91 GS) and third base (39 G/37 GS).
A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Monasterio is in his fifth professional season after signing with the Chicago Cubs as a non-drafted free agent on May 7, 2014.
Murphy, 33, hit .329 with 99 doubles, eight triples, 54 homers, 226 RBI, 100 walks and 199 runs scored in 342 games with the Nationals since joining the organization prior to the 2015 season. Arguably the top free agent signing of the 2015 offseason, Murphy represented the Washington Nationals in the 2016 and 2017 All-Star Games, took home two Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger awards (2016, 2017) and finished second in the 2016 National League Most Valuable Player voting.
Adams, 29, hit .257 with nine doubles, 18 home runs, 48 RBI, 24 walks and 37 runs scored in 94 games for the Nationals in 2018.