MARINERS ACQUIRE RIGHT-HANDER PHELPS
The Seattle Mariners acquired pitcher David Phelps from the Miami Marlins for outfielder Brayan Hernandez and pitchers Brandon Miller, Pablo Lopez and Lukas Schiraldi.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
While Seattle is well behind division-leading Houston in the American League West, the Mariners are in the thick of the AL Wild Card race (just 1.5 games behind the Yankees). Therefore, it makes some sense that they added right-hander Phelps, a versatile thrower who will likely be used in a setup role in Seattle (pitching in front of dominant closer Edwin Diaz). Phelps came at a hefty price, however, as the M's were forced to send four prospects the other way in this deal.
What does it give the Miami Marlins
For Miami, a team looking to sell off as many assets as possible between now and July 31 (the non-waiver trade deadline), moving Phelps in exchange for four prospects seems like a no-brainer. In Hernandez, the Fish add a toolsy outfielder who is raw but talented. He could eventually become the Marlins' starting center-fielder (but needs a lot more time). Miller, Lopez and Schiraldi are all right-handed pitching prospects, though Miller seems to be the best of the bunch (by far).
Fantasy impact
Phelps could see more holds chances pitching the eighth inning for Seattle down the stretch, so his value ticks up a notch after this deal. Hernandez has some keeper-league value, while Miller should now be on the keeper radar. Lopez and Schiraldi are not yet worthy of fantasy talk.
