Do Baltimore Orioles fans really need a reminder of just how badly the Giants stole Mike Yastrzemski from them? Probably not. But oh well, here we go.
The Giants acquired Yastrzemski from the Orioles on March 23, 2019 for pitcher Tyler Herb. Since then, Yastrzemski hit 21 homers as a rookie last year and has proved early on this season that 2019 was far from a fluke. So, what about Herb?
Well, the 28-year-old went 8-10 with a 5.82 ERA last season between the Orioles' Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. In Triple-A, he had a 7.16 ERA and opponents hit .333 off him. Yastrzemski was just a tad better.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE But in reality, the trade goes back much further than a Yaz-Herb swap. This really is all thanks to former Giants pitcher Chris Heston. OK, let me explain.
[BALK TALK: Listen to the latest episode]
Herb was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 29th round of the 2014 MLB Draft. Two years later, the Giants traded Heston, who threw a no-hitter and surprised many as a rookie in 2015 but struggled mightily in 2016, in December 2016 to the Mariners for cash or a player to be named later. The two sides agreed to a list of prospects who could be sent to San Francisco and a date the deal must be done.
That deadline passed, so the original deal had the Mariners sending the Giants cash. However, the trade somehow wasn't complete. The Giants and Mariners eventually agreed on Herb in July 2017 for cash considerations. You get all that?
San Francisco Giants
Find the latest San Francisco Giants news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
After connecting all the dots, sending Heston to Seattle ultimately ended in the Giants adding Yastrzemski. It's safe to say that's a win for the Giants. Heston went 0-1 with a 16.50 ERA over three appearances in 2017, and hasn't pitched in the majors since then.
[RELATED: Giants stick to social distance rules after Yaz's walk-off]
Yastrzemski, on the other hand, has hit .280 with 23 homers and a .876 OPS through his first 113 games in the big leagues. He's off to an incredibly hot start this season, too, which was capped off by his walk-off splash hit Wednesday night against the San Diego Padres.
"He just looks like a great all-around player right now," Giants manager Gabe Kapler said after the win. "It's starting to seem like this is who Yaz is."
Heston always will have that memorable no-hitter in New York. Maybe more importantly, he helped bring the Giants their best player right now.