In order to trade away a pitcher like James Paxton, Jerry Dipoto needed to get a few things in return. For starters, it’s important to have a prospect with a high ceiling, someone who might be able to reach an All-Star team, if not multiple All-Star teams, down the road. (Enter Justus Sheffield.) You need to get a hitter who could develop into something in a few years, particularly in order to mitigate the injury risks inherent in pitching prospects. (Enter Dom Thompson-Williams.)
Finally, to round out the package, you need some depth. You need a young guy who, though he might not become a mainstay at the top of your rotation, can eat up innings with a chance to excel given the right breaks.