Sat, Dec 14, 2024 at 1:30pm

A'S AND RAYS MAKE FIVE-PLAYER DEAL

The Oakland Athletics acquired pitchers Jeffrey Springs and Jacob Lopez from the Tampa Bay Rays for pitchers Joe Boyle and Jacob Watters, infielder Will Simpson and a competitive balance round A draft pick in 2025.

What does it give the Oakland Athletics
With this trade, the Athletics continue to improve their MLB pitching staff. Springs gives them a veteran left-handed starter, who should pitch in the middle of the rotation. He is still working his way back from Tommy John surgery, but managed an encouraging 3.37 ERA in seven starts last season. Lopez is also a starter. The 26-year-old has limited MLB experience but has shown promise in the minor leagues. He could compete for a rotation job in spring training.

What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay has a good amount of pitching depth, so they will take a chance on Boyle and two new prospects. Boyle has great stuff and strikeout ability, but has really struggled with his control. The 25-year-old right-hander will look to turn it around with the Rays. Watters and Simpson are recent draft picks of the A's. They will add some depth to Tampa Bay's pitching and hitting prospects in the minors. The Rays also picked up a draft pick as part of the deal.

Fantasy impact
This trade will not change a lot in fantasy leagues. Springs remains a useful pitcher in most formats, but there are question marks about his durability heading into the 2025 season. Proceed with caution. Meanwhile, Boyle will have a harder time making Tampa Bay's Opening Day roster. He has upside, which makes him worth monitoring as the season gets going. But he will need to cut down on his walks to be trustworthy.