Braves trade minor leaguer Ventura to Reds for bonus-slot money

Randy Ventura (Rome Braves)

Randy Ventura (Rome Braves)

The Braves made a minor but creative trade Friday, sending minor league outfielder Randy Ventura to the Reds in exchange for $1.25 million in international bonus slot money that can be used to sign international free agents who aren’t subject to the draft.

Ventura, 20, is a speedy singles-type hitter who batted .294 at high-Single A Rome with nine extra-base hits (one homer), a .338 OBP and 29 stolen bases in 41 attempts over 95 games.

He has a .301 average and .368 OBP and 99 steals in 206 games over parts of three seasons in Dominican Summer League rookie ball, low-A and high-A.