ASTROS LAND VETERAN C BRIAN McCANN
The Houston Astros acquired catcher Brian McCann and cash from the New York Yankees for pitchers Albert Abreu and Jorge Guzman.
What does it give the Houston Astros
For the Astros, McCann represents a major upgrade behind the plate from outgoing starter Jason Castro (a free agent). While McCann is now 32 years old and not quite the hitter he used to be, he can still put up solid numbers in the middle of a potent lineup (which should be the case in Houston in 2017). Look for him to be the everyday catcher and possible cleanup hitter.
What does it give the New York Yankees
For the Yankees, this deal allows them to safely move forward with phenom Gary Sanchez (20 HR in 201 AB in MLB in 2016). Adding Abreu and Guzman to their prospect stables is a bonus, really. Abreu is a 21-year-old right-hander who throws hard and can be used as either a starter or late-inning reliever. Guzman's fastball is even better than Abreu's, but he is still very raw.
Fantasy impact
McCann enjoyed his stay in the Bronx, averaging 23 home runs and 76 RBIs during his three-year run. He should continue to put up similar numbers as Houston's No. 1 catcher. Sanchez's fantasy value grows even more now that he will be able to catch full time in New York. Both Abreu and Guzman are intriguing and should be on the fantasy radar, but neither will move quickly up the Yankees' farm system at this point.
