YANKEES ADD A'S ACE SONNY GRAY TO ROTO
The New York Yankees acquired pitcher Sonny Gray and international bonus pool money in 2017-18 from the Oakland Athletics for infielder/outfielder Jorge Mateo, pitcher James Kaprielian and outfielder Dustin Fowler.
What does it give the New York Yankees
For the Yankees, this deal makes a ton of sense. While they are contenders in the American League this season, New York has struggled with both injury and inconsistency in their starting rotation this season. Enter Gray, who has struggled with both himself in 2017 but is a bona fide stud for the Yankees' rotation (when healthy). He will join Masahiro Tanaka, Luis Severino and CC Sabathia in a much-improved starting staff (and act as the replacement for injured Michael Pineda). Beyond this season, Gray will be an even bigger part of the Yanks' rotation because Pineda, Sabathia and Tanaka could all be gone after '17.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
For the Athletics, this is a solid haul for their ace starter but also filled with plenty of question marks. Mateo is among the fastest players in baseball, but his defensive future is in doubt. He could move from shortstop to second base, or possibly even to center field when all is said and done. Kaprielian is a quality arm but also a question mark because of Tommy John surgery. Finally, Fowler is a promising corner outfield prospect with great tools. However, he is out for the rest of 2017 after a horrific injury while crashing into the outfield wall for the Yankees in his big-league debut. The A's also surrendered international bonus money here.
Fantasy impact
Gray's value should improve with the Yankees, though he must embrace the spotlight in order to thrive in the Bronx. Mateo could be a top-of-the-order player for the A's if his new organization settles him into a new position permanently (his defensive ability at shortstop is questionable). He should already be on the fantasy radar. Kaprielian is a keeper, but fantasy leaguers will have to be patient with him. Ditto Fowler, though he could be in competition in either right or left field for Oakland as early as 2018.
