When you trade a player and money to another team, what do you get in return?

The Cleveland Guardians sent center fielder Myles Straw to the Toronto Blue Jays, and they packed his suitcase with over $3 million.

The Guardians also included $2 million in international bonus pool space, according to MLB.com.

In return, Cleveland will receive a player to be named later or cash (Canadian dollars)?

This trade only makes sense when you realize how much money Myles Straw was making.

BIG DOLLARS

The Guardians signed Straw to a five-year, $25 million extension after acquiring him from Houston in 2021.

He was the Guardians leadoff hitter and provided strong defense in center field.

However, Straw’s offensive production fell off a cliff. After hitting .285 in 2021, he hit .221 and .238 in the next two seasons.

As a result, Straw spent almost of 2024 in the minor leagues. He came up to the big leagues at the end of the season to appear in seven games.

Toronto must see something in the 30-year-old Straw, as the Blue Jays agreed to pay him over $11 million over the next two years.

MEANWHILE …

Cleveland is more than happy to bid Straw adieu with Lane Thomas taking over in center field.

The Guardians acquired Thomas from Washington at the trade deadline. After a slow start, he became a major contributor and postseason hero.