Jan 23, 2015 2 min read

Two days after announcing the acquisition of outfielder Megan Wiggins from Chicago, the Rebellion finalized a trade that sent her and the No. 11 pick in the National Pro Fastpitch Draft to the USSSA Pride for catcher Kristyn Sandberg and two draft picks: the No. 6, a second-rounder, and the No. 14, a third-rounder.

Sandberg fills a hole created Tuesday when the Rebellion sent the Edwards twins – Taylor and Tatum – to Chicago for right-handed pitcher Andi Williamson and Wiggins, a power-hitting outfielder. Taylor Edwards did the majority of catching for the Rebellion in her rookie season and Tatum is a right-handed pitcher.

“Sandberg is a significant addition to the roster. She will add power, and she will solidify the middle of our batting order,” Rebellion general manager Steve Zavacky said in a release. “We are extremely fortunate to have her veteran leadership in the locker room and on the field.”

Sandberg was the NPF Rookie of the Year in 2012.

The latest trade gives the Rebellion six picks in the expanded six-round draft, which will be held in late March or early April. It was five rounds last year.

“The signing of Megan Wiggins brings one of the most powerful bats in the country as well as one of the top defensive outfielders to our lineup. There are not many opportunities to add a player of this caliber,” Pride general manager Don DeDonatis said in a release.

The Rebellion traded their first-round in 2015 to the Pride in a deal that brought right-handed pitcher Sarah Pauly, outfielder Nikia Williams, and infielders Jenn Salling and Lauren Lappin.

Sandberg was second on the Pride with six home runs and drove in 17 runs. She batted .229 in 43 games.

The Rebellion can use Mandy Ogle at catcher. She hit .228 last year with three home runs and six RBI. Ogle tied for second on the team with two stolen bases. Rookie Nicole Morgan saw limited action behind the plate.

Wiggins had a .288 average, which would have led the Rebellion, hit nine home runs and drove in 27 runs for Chicago last season. She walked 21 times and struck out just three times in 149 at bats over 40 games.

The Rebellion open the season May 29 against Chicago at Consol Energy Park.