Josh Bell and Jake Burger Traded to Marlins: Fantasy Baseball Impact

August 4, 2023

Kev M. analyzes the trades that the Miami Marlins made to acquire Josh Bell and Jake Burger for prospects from the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians.

The Marlins are trying this season! After a successful first half of baseball, Miami's perennial bottomfeeder has taken the necessary steps to put a winning product on the field at the deadline. After acquiring closer David Robertson from the Mets just a few days prior, Miami set out to grab multiple power bats who can help spark their lineup full of empty contact.

While Miami may be far from favorites for a World Series or even an NL East championship (both thanks to division rival Atlanta Braves), they are in the hunt for a Wild Card spot as they sit multiple games above .500.

Kev Mahserejian takes on the fallout and fantasy impact of these recent Marlins trade. For any questions/concerns, find him on Twitter (@RotoSurgeon).

Trade Details

Deal #1: Marlins Acquire 3B Jake Burger

Jake Burger is having quite the breakout season in 2023 with 25 home runs through 90 games. He is tied for 10th in the MLB with names like Ronald Acuna Jr, J.D. Martinez, Austin Riley, and Rafael Devers. The Marlins clearly did not mind his low OBP or strikeout issues given that their entire lineup – led by Contact God Luis Arreaz – makes up for it. Burger brings much-needed pop to a steady offense that ranks 17th in wRC+.

White Sox Acquire: LHP Jake Eder

The White Sox remain fully committed to a youth movement as Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly, and Lucas Giolito were also traded recently. The addition of Jake Eder proves savvy for an organization in need of future upside, especially within the rotation. Eder's star shined bright in 2021 during his initial stint in the minor leagues. However, an unfortunate bout with Tommy John sidelined him throughout 2022.

This season, Eder's number could certainly be better as his 3.94 ERA at 24 years old in double-A is not eye-popping but as we know, pitchers who regain form after Tommy John Surgery in the second season upon return. Eder's upside is that of a high-end starter with big strikeout stuff and palatable walk issues.

Deal #2: Marlins Acquire 1B Josh Bell

Miami went out and acquired not one, but two corner infielders during this Trade Deadline. Josh Bell, like Jake Burger, is a welcome power hitter but he is far from a similar OBP drain and strikeout machine. Bell's approach is volatile in terms of when the power arrives due to his groundball tendencies yet he can sustain value on offense throughout his home run slumps as he continues to make contact and get on base. Bell's addition was followed by a Garrett Cooper trade to open up space at 1B.

Guardians Acquire IF Jean Segura, OF Kahlil Watson

Kahlil Watson is a former first-round draft pick who has struggled in the minors but at 20 years old with loud tools could be an intriguing reclamation piece for Cleveland. The future 60-grade power and speed is met with a 40-grade hit tool and that has been on display throughout the minors as Watson hovers near 30%. He is currently posting an above-average wRC+ (104) in high-A at 20 years old which is quite appropriate age adjusted for level.  This is far from a lost cause prospect and a solid return for Josh Bell who is replaceable thanks to recent trade acquisition Kyle Manzardo.

Jean Segura was promptly released by the Guardians as they had no use for the veteran's declining skillset.

Fantasy Baseball Impact

Josh Bell

Josh Bell moves into a slightly better offense than Cleveland in a similarly neutral park with his move to Miami. It is likely that he will remain an everyday player given his switch-hitting abilities. Bell has been underperforming his xwOBA thus far in 2023 by a decent margin making it possible he booms in Miami.

Bell's wOBA: .317

Bell's xwOBA: .356

Better luck and potentially more runners on base putting pressure on pitchers and defenses should certainly benefit the former fantasy stud. Bell is a viable add across all 12+ team formats.

Jake Burger

Jake Burger's surge in 2023 is largely due to his absurd power (.309 ISO). However, despite an offensive upgrade moving from the White Sox to Marlins, he downgrades his park significantly. Chicago's Guarantee Rate Field ranked 5th-best for right-handed hitters last season while Miami's LoanDepot Park ranked 4th-worst.

While Burger's exit velo is high enough to play anywhere, even losing a slight bit to this park change would be detrimental to his fantasy value given that he drains average and does not steal bases to make up for it. Burger's splits home and away are notable as 17 of his 25 home runs were hit at home this season with an average of .263! Away, he has hit a mere 8 home runs with a putrid .171 average.

The best bet for anyone rostering Burger is to hold for a bit to see how he takes to Miami. If struggles creep on for too long, he is fine to drop.

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