Braves, D-backs make history in Shelby Miller trade
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jul 20, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; First overall pick in the 2015 MLB draft Dansby Swanson looks on after signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The last time a first-overall MLB draft pick was traded before making his big league appearance was when 2000 No. 1 pick Adrian Gonzalez was traded from the Florida Marlins to the Texas Rangers in 2003.
It's rare because teams almost never trade high-end talent, especially one that they invested in so recently.
Also contributing to these scarce trades was the MLB rule preventing teams from dealing draft picks before spending a year in their system. Last December, the Washington Nationals acquired 2014 draftee Trea Turner as a "player to be named later" because of that rule, but was finally flipped when the year had passed in June.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The rule has since been lifted and teams are free to deal draft selections as they see fit.
Well, there had to be a first under the new rule and on Tuesday Dansby Swanson became that first.
Swanson, 2015's No. 1 overall draftee, was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Atlanta Braves in a package to net Shelby Miller, just a little over five months since being selected.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Vanderbilt product didn't disappoint in his first taste of pro ball, hitting .289 in 22 Single-A games this season.
It will be interesting to see if more teams follow suit, but the Diamondbacks certainly made a splash in testing those waters.
(h/t Big League Stew)