Oakland Athletics Acquire Reliever Aaron Kurcz From Atlanta Braves

The Oakland Athletics have acquired right-handed relief pitcher Aaron Kurcz from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for an international bonus slot, which is valued at $167,000, and will give way to the Braves signing shortstop Juan Morales from Venezuela. The trade was initially reported by Mark Bowman, the Braves beat writer for MLB.com.

As per mlbtraderumors.com, Atlanta is one of the most active teams in getting international bonus money and was targeting Morales and two other international prospects. The Braves also moved Cody Martin, Caleb Dirks, Garret Fulenchek and Jordan Paroubeck in previous transactions.

The 24-year-old Kurcz, who was an 11th round pick by the Chicago Cubs in the 2011 amateur draft, played last season for Boston’s Double-A affiliate, the Portland (Maine) Sea Dogs. He posted a 2.14 ERA and 2.50 FIP (fielding independent pitching) in 34 appearances.

Kurcz, who missed the 2013 season because of Tommy John surgery, will be joining an Athletics squad that is last in the West Division of the American League with a 38-47 record. The Braves are 41-42 so far in the East Division of the National League.