July 19, 2017

Troy Klauder analyses the fantasy impact of trades around Major League Baseball, identifying value changes and potential waiver wire adds and drops.

While the MLB trade deadline isn't for more than a week, teams are wasting no time getting deals done.

Tuesday was a big day at the office, with moves between the Diamondbacks and Tigers as well as the White Sox and Yankees.

In this article, I'll be examining the fantasy relevant players in each deal and how their value is affected from being traded.

MLB Trade Deadline Moves - Fantasy Impacts

J.D. Martinez to the Diamondbacks

In a shocking move, outfielder J.D. Martinez was sent to the Diamondbacks for a trio of prospects. While Arizona wasn't an expected landing spot for Martinez, it's probably the best location that fantasy owners could ask for. Chase Field is an extreme hitter's park due to its high elevation, hot temperatures, and low humidity. Martinez's already tremendous power should see a substantial increase on the Diamondbacks. He's also moving into an outstanding DBacks lineup, where he will likely hit behind Paul Goldschmidt out of the cleanup spot. In Detroit, Martinez was already slashing a ridiculous .305/.388/.630, good for a 162 wRC+, with 16 homers in just 232 plate appearances. With potential for improvement in all five categories, Martinez is likely a top-20 fantasy hitter with the Diamondbacks.

Todd Frazier to the Yankees

Third baseman Todd Frazier was sent to the Yankees as part of a seven-player deal as a much-needed bat for the Yankees playoff push. Frazier is hitting a poor .207, but that comes with 16 homers and a .225 ISO. His power will play well at Yankee Stadium, as well as other hitter-friendly AL East parks in Boston, Baltimore, and Toronto. Frazier's biggest increase in value comes from his newfound opportunities for runs and RBI. Frazier moves from one of the worst lineups in the league to a Yankees team that is 4th in the league in wOBA with their .336 mark. Also, Frazier may be able to pick up first base eligibility if New York is unable to quickly find a first baseman. With his move to the Yankees, Frazier is a fantasy player to be buying.

David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle to the Yankees

Alongside Todd Frazier, the Yankees got some significant improvements to their bullpen with David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle. Unfortunately for Robertson owners, this is a devastating blow to his value. Robertson will no longer be a closer, instead being used as a setup man for Aroldis Chapman. In some shallow formats, David Robertson can be straight up dropped. However, he still has value as a 7th or 8th inning guy, he possesses an oustanding 35.6% K-rate. Robertson also maintains value in holds leagues, as he will have plenty of opportunities for holds as a Yankee.

Likewise, Tommy Kahnle's value takes a slight hit with a move to the crowded Yankees bullpen. Kahnle is having an incredible season, with an absurd 42.6% K-rate and 5.0% walk-rate. Since Kahnle will most likely be relegated to 6th and 7th inning duties, there may not be a ton of opportunities for holds. Though, if you're looking for a reliever to rack up strikeouts and help keep your ERA down, Kahnle is your guy.

Tyler Clippard to the White Sox

In the midst of an awful 2017 season, Tyler Clippard was sent to the White Sox as a part of the Frazier deal. Clippard has a 4.95 ERA and has particularly struggled in high-level situations. With that being said, he may be in line for some saves in Chicago. The 32-year-old has experience in the closer's role, so it wouldn't be very surprising to see him take over the job. Clippard would be one of the worst closers in the league, but if you're desperate for saves, he's worth a look.

White Sox righty Anthony Swarzak is the other candidate to close for the Sox. He was the team's 7th inning man before the departure of Robertson and Kahnle, so he would be the next logical choice if the White Sox don't choose Clippard. Swarzak has a 2.47 ERA with a 2.29 FIP, so he would be a fine candidate for the job. It's in the best interest of fantasy owners to pick up Swarzak for potential saves, and only turn to Clippard if necessary.

Yoan Moncada called up to the White Sox

With Todd Frazier out of the picture, the White Sox are calling up top prospect Yoan Moncada to play third base. The immensely hyped 22-year-old is worth a pickup in virtually every league, if he's not already stashed. Moncada can make an immediate fantasy impact with his power/speed combo, as he had 12 homers and 17 steals in triple-A Charlotte. As the number one prospect in all of baseball, Moncada put up a .285/.381/.452 line this year, good for a 132 wRC+. His biggest downside is his strikeout rate, at 28.6%. It will be tough for Moncada to keep a decent batting average if he keeps striking out at this rate. Still, Moncada's worth grabbing to see what he can do.

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