JENNINGS HEADS BACK TO FLA, TO TAMPA BAY
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired pitcher Dan Jennings from the Chicago White Sox for first baseman Casey Gillaspie.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are rarely in buyer mode before the non-waiver trade deadline, but they are AL East division contenders this season. Therefore, they decided to pick up solid left-hander Jennings for bullpen help. A former Marlin, he is familiar with the state of Florida and should be useful for Tampa Bay down the stretch. The Rays paid a steep price for a situational lefty in giving up Gillaspie, but the presence of 2017 first rounder Brendan McKay made the decision somewhat easier.
What does it give the Chicago White Sox
The White Sox would likely want to move slugger Jose Abreu to the designated hitter role moving forward, but the organization lacked a viable replacement at first base--until now. Gillaspie is struggling in Triple-A ball so far in 2017, but he has the goods to become an everyday first baseman in MLB. The younger brother of Giants infielder Casey Gillaspie could find himself in the big leagues before the end of 2017. He is an interesting addition in return for a bullpen arm.
Fantasy impact
Gillaspie's stock should rise now that he moves over to the White Sox organization (who are completely rebuilding the roster, from A to Z). As for Jennings, his fantasy value will remain somewhat limited because he is usually called upon to face a batter here and a batter there. McKay is also a winner after this deal, as he has one less obstacle on his path to the big leagues (though he is still a few years away).
