Yankees acquire Martin Prado from Diamondbacks

The New York Yankees have acquired infielder/outfielder Martin Prado from the Arizona Diamondbacks, reports Jack Curry of the YES Network. For Prado, the Diamondbacks will receive catching prospect Peter O'Brian as well as either a player to be named later or cash considerations, according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert.

The 30-year-old Prado was acquired by the Diamondbacks in the Justin Upton blockbuster prior to last season, and hit well in his first year in Arizona. In 664 plate appearances, he batted .282/.333/.417 with a 104 wRC+ and 2.4 WAR. He has seen his production drop off this year, however, as he is hitting a modest .270/.317/.370 with a 89 wRC+ and 1.1 WAR, while providing positive value in the field. Prado is locked up for two more years at a reasonable total price of $22 million.

Prado represents the third infielder acquired by the Yankees in recent weeks, as they landed Stephen Drew today and Chase Headley last week. Prado played primarily at second and third base in Arizona, which is where Drew and Headley are now slated to play. His other most common position, left field, is occupied by Brett Gardner for the foreseeable future, so it's unclear exactly how the Yankees plan to employ him.

The move represents somewhat of a salary dump for the Diamondbacks, who will not be sending any cash along with Prado to the Bronx. The club does, however, receive a rather highly regarded prospect in O'Brien, the Yankees' second round pick in the 2012 draft. A catcher now, O'Brien is likely headed towards a full-time role at first base or DH, where his bat will need to play up in order for him to stick. The 24-year-old is hitting .267/.312/.593 in 413 plate appearances split between Double and Triple-A this season, showing plus power, but lacking the discipline necessary to be an adequate hitter. According to MLB.com, he was the ninth best prospect in the Yankees' system as of their most recent update.