NATIONALS ADD CATCHER DEREK NORRIS
The Washington Nationals acquired catcher Derek Norris from the San Diego Padres for pitcher Pedro Avila.
What does it give the Washington Nationals
The Nationals are hoping Norris reverts back to past form and upgrades the catching position, as Wilson Ramos has moved on as a free agent. The 27-year-old Norris was originally drafted by Washington but traded to Oakland in 2011. He is coming off a horrendous 2016 campaign (.186 BA) but should be a quality bounce-back candidate next year. He is a good addition to the Nats.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
The Padres dealt from a position of strength here, as they still have catchers Austin Hedges and Christian Bethancourt on the roster. Both are younger than Norris and could form a solid duo behind the dish in 2017. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Avila is a long-range prospect who owns pretty good upside. The Venezuelan right-hander is a strikeout artist, so he is a good pickup here.
Fantasy impact
The fantasy fortunes of both Hedges and Bethancourt have improved with Norris out of the picture in San Diego. Bethancourt has more fantasy upside, though, as Hedges is considered more of a defense-first catcher. As for Norris, he should see a spike in fantasy value as the Nationals' everyday catcher in 2017. He could be a decent sleeper in many drafts. Avila should be on the keeper-league radar, despite the fact he has yet to pitch above low Single-A ball.
