YANKEES-CHISOX DO 7-PLAYER BLOCKBUSTER
The New York Yankees acquired infielder Todd Frazier and pitchers David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle from the Chicago White Sox for pitchers Tyler Clippard and Ian Clarkin, plus outfielders Blake Rutherford and Tito Polo.
What does it give the New York Yankees
For the Yankees, this is a huge deal that could help them get past both the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East division. Adding Frazier, a local product from Toms River, New Jersey, should finally stabilize the first base position (which has been in a state of flux throughout 2017 due to Greg Bird's injury struggles). Frazier is a regular third baseman, so he could also spell veteran Chase Headley at the hot corner with the Yanks. He will become a free agent this winter, but the Bronx Bombers need him now. Robertson and Kahnle add even more dominance for the back end of the Yankees' vaunted bullpen. New York gave up some quality in terms of the prospects headed to Chicago, but this move was necessary for a team looking to get back to the postseason.
What does it give the Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are obviously selling assets right now, and they are doing a very good job of it! Rutherford is a potential gem included in this deal. He was worth more to the Yankees as a trade chip because of their quality outfield depth, but the White Sox will likely provide him better opportunities. A center-fielder in the minors, Rutherford will either become Chicago's center-fielder or right-fielder of the future (and may come quickly). Clarkin is another solid prospect for the rotation, and the left-hander should slide in nicely in between the likes of Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez in the ChiSox' future rotation. Clippard helps alleviate the short-term loss of both Robertson and Kahnle and may emerge as Chicago's new closer. Polo appears to be more of a fourth outfielder of the future but still has time to develop his offensive game at age 22. Overall, this was an outstanding deal for Chicago (and an excellent one for the Yankees). Kudos all around!
Fantasy impact
Frazier is likely only staying for a short time in the Bronx, as Bird is still expected to return as the Yankees' first baseman next year. Still, Frazier's short-term fantasy stock gets a boost after this deal. Clippard is another potential big winner here if he becomes a closer in Chicago. Obviously, Robertson and Kahnle lose value moving to New York's loaded bullpen. Rutherford's stock is much higher as a future White Sox outfielder, since he might have been blocked for awhile with the Yankees. Clarkin's value remains solid for the future, while Polo is a long shot.
