TEXAS GETS RELIEVER GRILLI FROM TORONTO
The Texas Rangers acquired pitcher Jason Grilli and cash from the Toronto Blue Jays for outfielder Eduard Pinto.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
This is a solid, fairly low-cost risk for the Rangers. When he's on his game Grilli can be a quality closer, and that's a commodity Texas is desperate for lately. The season-long struggles of the team's firemen (including former closer Sam Dyson--who has since been traded--and recent closer Matt Bush) has the team scrambling for an answer in the ninth inning. Expect Grilli to spend some time in the minors to sort out this year's issues; and if all goes well, then perhaps he'll get a call-up (and then maybe even a chance at closing games for the Rangers).
What does it give the Toronto Blue Jays
It had to be tough for Toronto to move Grilli--a respected and high-energy veteran leader--especially to a league rival. That said, his lack of production made it hard to trust him in late innings. Pinto isn't a top prospect but he is an intriguing one. Still just 22 years old, he's been playing in the minors for six seasons. While he hasn't moved past Advanced-A, Pinto has shown an uncommonly impressive batting eye for a minor leaguer: he has a career minors batting average of .309, and actually boasts more career walks in the minors (130) than strikeouts (120). That's rare strike-zone judgment, and makes him a solid depth add here for the Jays' system.
Fantasy impact
For now, Grilli is not a fantasy option and it looks like the Rangers will go with a committe including Keone Kela, Jose Leclerc, Alex Claudio, and maybe Matt Bush. That said, keep Grilli on the deep sleeper radar if he starts to turn things around in the minor leagues; he's a proven stopper, and right now there doesn't seem to be any sure thing amongst the Rangers' late-inning options. On the Jays side of the deal, there is no change in the bullpen fantasy values (since Grilli wasn't much of a factor lately); and while Pinto has some interesting upside, he's not yet someone to consider stashing--yet, at least--in keeper leagues.
