Wild Things Acquire Slugger Maggio in Trade
The Wild Things announced today the acquisition of INF Nathaniel Maggio from the Sioux Fall Canaries in return for INF Jordan Ebert and a PTNL.
Washington received Ebert last month, as part of the James Harris trade to the Winnipeg Goldeyes. The INF returns to the American Association for his third season and first with the Canaries.
“Quite honestly, there was some disconnect between Winnipeg, Jordan's agent and Jordan. His agenda for 2019 might have been misrepresented during the process and we learned about personal factors that were driving him to return to the American Association. We wish him nothing but a healthy, productive season in Sioux Falls and we were happy to accommodate to his needs." said Assistant General Manager Tony Buccilli
After being traded three times in a calendar year, INF Nathaniel Maggio finally has found a home in Washington. The 6'5 235lb INF began his college career at the University of Tennessee before landing at Division II North Greenville College. The move to the Conference Carolinas jump-started his career to the point of smashing 26 HRs, 33 doubles and plating 94 runs. Maggio was previously drafted out of high-school by the Mariners but began his pro career in 2017 with the Lincoln Saltdogs. His rookie campaign resulted in a .288 batting average and an additional 7 long-balls, while also being a key piece to their Central Division Championship. In 2018, Maggio repeated his success hitting 22 doubles while splitting time with the Lincoln and the St. Paul Saints before being traded to Sioux Falls this offseason.
“Being traded so many times as a young professional can be challenging. There is value in stability and growing within an organization." said Assistant General Manager Tony Buccilli. "We are not looking to build with Maggio, but around him. Acquiring a proven offensive contributor to this degree is substantial and he should be an easy plug and play for the middle of our lineup. We discussed putting more on his plate for 2019 and he should be poised for a career year with the lineup we will have. Moving Ebert was not easy but we received an All-Star caliber player and worker in Maggio.”
The Wild Things look to make it a 3-peat of playoff appearances as they open the season Thursday, May 9 at River City, with the home opener slated for Friday, May 17 at Wild Things Park.
