Thu, Dec 1, 2016 at 8:55pm

ANGELS, ROYALS SWAP YOUNG PITCHERS

The Los Angeles Angels acquired pitcher Brooks Pounders from the Kansas City Royals for pitcher Jared Ruxer.

What does it give the Los Angeles Angels
In Pounders, the Angels land a huge right-hander who is capable of pitching both as a starter and reliever. Los Angeles will start him out as a possible candidate for the rotation during spring training. He is still only 26, so there is some untapped upside here.

What does it give the Kansas City Royals
The Royals wanted to clear space on their 40-man roster, so this move achieved their goal. While Ruxer can be viewed as a bonus at this point, the 24-year-old right-hander has some decent upside as a starting pitcher. This was a solid acquisition by KC.

Fantasy impact
Pounders and Ruxer both have a little keeper-league appeal, but neither should be drafted this year in anything other than the deepest leagues. That said, both should be squarely on the fantasy radar moving forward.

Player focus

Los Angeles Angels

Brooks Pounders P

Kansas City Royals

Jared Ruxer P