Sat, Jul 29, 2017 at 12:25am

ORIOLES ACQUIRE STARTER HELLICKSON

The Baltimore Orioles acquired pitcher Jeremy Hellickson from the Philadelphia Phillies for outfielder Hyun-Soo Kim, pitcher Garrett Cleavinger and international bonus pool money in 2017-18.

What does it give the Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles have had major problems with their starting rotation this season, so Hellickson should be a big help for the final two months of 2017. Baltimore is 7.5 games behind the Yankees in the AL East division, and 6.5 games out of a Wild Card berth, so they clearly need the right-hander to make a major impact down the stretch. A free agent this winter, Hellickson will be showcasing himself in Baltimore for the rest of this season.

What does it give the Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies did not receive much in return for their 2017 ace, though they were likely going to lose him to free agency during the off-season. So, something is always better than nothing. Cleavinger is a versatile pitcher who could provide either rotation or bullpen depth, but the added international bonus money may be the key to this transaction from a Philadelphia perspective. Kim will probably remain a bench player for Philly.

Fantasy impact
Hellickson's move to the American League East, and to a great hitters' park (Oriole Park at Camden Yards), should hurt his fantasy stock for the rest of 2017. However, he can become a free agent this winter so keeper leaguers will be watching his situation with interest in the off-season. Cleavinger has no value at this time, while Kim's chances of ever panning out as a fantasy option are dwindling (he is already 29 years old, and still not a regular in MLB).