BREAKING: Chukars trade offensive star to Oakland
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IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Falls Chukars have agreed to trade hitting star Brett Barrera to the Oakland Ballers, according to Chukars team officials.
Barrera was taken in the eighth round of the 2022 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the New York Yankees. The infielder played his college ball for Stanford University.
He told EastIdahoNews.com that manager Troy Percival informed him earlier this week that a trade could be coming. Then, he said, he learned a deal had been struck Friday around 5 p.m. Barrera said that he leaves Idaho Falls on good terms with the team, city and organization.
“This place was great to me,” he said. “I’ve really had a good time playing ball here. … I’ve enjoyed it, it’s been fun, but all good things come to an end, unfortunately.”
Barrera said that his performance should show that he was happy while wearing a Chukars uni.
The San Dimas, California product leaves the organization as its team leader in batting average (.358), hits (98), RBIs (69) and HRs (18). He is among the Pioneer Baseball League leaders in all four categories.
While he is sad to go, Barrera said the deal is “bittersweet” as he will now play for a team in the think of the playoff race — and his home games will now be played roughly 30 minutes from his mother’s home in the San Francisco Bay Area.
“But, positives, I’m going to Oakland to play in the playoffs, hopefully — if all goes right,” he said.
Idaho Falls, who at 32-44 overall and 12-16 in the second half following a win Friday night, is outside of the playoff race, will receive cash considerations and a future player to be named later in return.
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The Ballers (42-33, 15-12) took five of six from the Chukars last week in Idaho Falls. Barrera went 4-for-16 with a home run and two RBIs during the series.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated with quotes and additional information from the Chukars’ clubhouse.