2012 MLB Trade Deadline Reaction

While there have been lots of trades in the MLB over the past 24 hours, only the most fantasy relevant trades will be discussed in this article. For more information regarding fantasy values relating to the trade deadline feel free to ask on twitter @FreeRotoAdvice

Rangers acquired RHP Ryan Dempster from the Cubs for 3B Christian Villanueva and RHP Kyle Hendricks.

Losers:

Ryan Dempster - After supposedly going to the Braves and then the Dodgers, the Ryan Dempster saga finally ended with a trade to the Rangers. He was overachieving with the Cubs, but the move to the AL will not help his fantasy value. Nor will the ballpark. Sure he may win more games, but I don’t expect a sub 4.00 ERA the rest of the way (2.25 ERA so far). 

  

Giants acquired OF Hunter Pence and cash considerations from the Phillies for C Tommy Joseph, Nate Schierholtz and RHP Seth Rosin.

Winners:

Nate Schierholtz - After formally splitting ABs with Gregor Blanco, should have a chance to play every day in Philly. The ballpark improvement should help, but still isn’t ownable in standard mixed leagues.

Losers:

Hunter Pence - The move to the NL west hurts Pence much more than his speedy former teammate Victorino. Pence has actually been significantly better any from Citizen’s Bank Park, but it’s hard to see how the move to SF could help.

Phillies offensive players - Expect a drop in counting stats for all remaining Phillies offensive players now that their two best offensive threats Pence and Victorino are no longer there. Not a huge change in value, but something to keep in mind for trade talks.

Marlins acquired RHP Kyle Kaminska, OF Gorkys Hernandez and a 2013 competitive balance pick from the Pirates for 1B Gaby Sanchez.

Yankees acquired 3B Casey McGehee from the Pirates for RHP Chad Qualls.

Winners:

Gaby Sanchez - Former "all-star" 1B has been rotting in the minors for the Marlins. Batting .301/.431/.491 in the minors (granted PCL). He should initially split ABs with Garrett Jones, but I expect Sanchez to eventually earn the majority of 1B at-bats.

Losers:

Casey McGahee - Trade to the Yankees almost destroys his fantasy value only ownable in the deepest of leagues now that he will have a pinch-hitting bench role.

Royals acquired LHP Donnie Joseph and RHP J.C. Sulbaran from the Reds for RHP Jonathan Broxton

Winners:

Greg Holland - Broxton being traded from KC opens up the closer role for a number of potential guys. Greg Holland, Aaron Crow and Tim Collins could all get a shot, but I'd give the edge to Holland based on his success in the role last year despite his current struggles. Big strikeout guy (56 Ks in 39.2 innings) but has a 3.63 and 1.56 WHIP this year. If he struggles in the role, expect Crow to get the second chance.

Losers:

Jonathan Broxton - Duh!!

 

Dodgers acquired OF Shane Victorino from the Phillies for RHP Josh Lindblom, Ethan Martin and a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Winners:

Shane Victorino - Victorino should bat leadoff for the Dodgers and will be playing for a much better offense than he was on in Philly. Victorino was struggling in Philly (.261/.324/.401 slash line) and his numbers should improve with the trade rumours no longer a distraction. Note that the ballpark will hurt Victorino, but that change will be offset by the better offense.

Domonic Brown - Former top prospect will finally get the chance to play every day. He has had chances before and failed to impress, but has the power/speed combo to be a fantasy star if he can ever consistently put it together. Immediate pick-up in NL-only league based on upside alone.

Losers:

Juan Rivera - Rivera has played about half his games in the OF this year. With Victorino on board, he should get almost no OF ABs the rest of the way and will see a platoon with James Loney now at first base. I think Rivera is a far superior player to Loney and deserves most of the ABs but the Dodgers keep giving Loney more chances.

Pirates acquired OF Travis Snider from the Blue Jays for RHP Brad Lincoln.

Winners:

Anthony Gose - Trading away Snider clears the way to play Gose every day in LF for the Blue Jays. Gose has game changing speed but bat needs work. Deep leaguers needing speed should pick him up for some cheap steals.

Travis Snider - Snider has never fully panned out in the majors. Always has posted amazing minor league stats, but career majors stats line is an uninspiring .248/.306/.429. I think the move to the NL should only help and playing in a smaller market of Pittsburgh should ease the pressure. Snider is batting 2nd tonight and if that sticks will be great for his fantasy value.

Losers:

Alex Presly - The Pirates didn’t just bring up Marte to sit him on the bench so that leaves Presly. Snider should play every day in LF while Marte stays at RF. I expect Presly to either be sent down to AAA or play a 4th OF role.