RAYS ACQUIRE SS ADEINY HECHAVARRIA
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria from the Miami Marlins for pitcher Ethan Clark and outfielder Braxton Lee.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are usually sellers on the trade market, rarely buyers. However, Tampa Bay is in contention in the American League East so far this year. Therefore, it makes sense for them to acquire a great glove man in Hechavarria to solidify the shortstop position. The Rays were supposed to go with Matt Duffy at the position in 2017 but the latter has yet to play this season due to an Achilles' issue (and recently underwent heel surgery). Hechavarria is a big boost to the Rays, defensively.
What does it give the Miami Marlins
The Marlins decided to sell off their starting shortstop, even though they do not have a better alternative at the position at present time. For now, they will continue to utilize J.T. Riddle at short (even though he is better suited to being a utility infielder in MLB). In Clark, the Fish receive a decent pitching prospect who is still several years away from challenging for a spot in Miami's rotation. As for Lee, the 23-year-old is a marginal prospect with little power (but decent speed).
Fantasy impact
Hechavarria is not much of a hitter, with limited power and even more limited stolen-base potential. Therefore, this trade does not enhance anything as far as his fantasy value is concerned. Riddle is a winner for the time being after this deal, as he will probably continue on as the Marlins' regular shortstop. The biggest losers are Tim Beckham (who was seeing most of the action at SS for the Rays this season), Duffy and top prospect Willy Adames (who will now have to wait a little longer to take over at shortstop in Tampa Bay). Both Clark and Lee are not fantasy-worthy yet, though Clark should now be on the radar.
