TIGERS ADD OUTFIELDER MIKIE MAHTOOK
The Detroit Tigers acquired outfielder Mikie Mahtook from the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later.
What does it give the Detroit Tigers
The Tigers currently have an opening in center field, so Mahtook figures to compete with the likes of Tyler Collins and JaCoby Jones for playing time in 2017. Since Mahtook mashes left-handed pitching (and Collins is a left-handed hitter), he could form one half of a platoon if he has a strong spring.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays decided to give up on Mahtook, who was drafted in the first round six years ago (2011). Tampa Bay boasts Kevin Kiermaier, a supremely talented defender, as their current center-fielder. They also recently acquired speedster Mallex Smith from Atlanta, so Mahtook was deemed expendable.
Fantasy impact
Mahtook figures to see a little more playing time in Detroit than he did with the Rays, so his fantasy fortunes might be on the upswing. That said, he needs to prove he can hit right-handed pitching with more consistency in order to earn enough at-bats to become fantasy-relevant in 2017. This deal hurts Collins' fantasy value the most.
