INDIANS REACQUIRE RELIEVER JOE SMITH
The Cleveland Indians acquired pitcher Joe Smith from the Toronto Blue Jays for pitcher Thomas Pannone and infielder Samad Taylor.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
The Indians already boast Cody Allen, Andrew Miller and Bryan Shaw, so the return of Smith provides manager Terry Francona with an embarassment of riches for his bullpen. Smith might be used as a 'situational righty' for Cleveland, since his delivery is murderous for right-hander batters.
What does it give the Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have decided to sell off a few of their veteran assets, which makes sense in this very disappointing campaign. Pannone is probably the better of the two prospects from Cleveland in this trade package, though Taylor plays a position (2B) of dire need for Toronto, organizationally.
Fantasy impact
Smith's value remains steady for holds in leagues that offer that particular category, though he might not be used as often in the loaded Cleveland 'pen moving forward. Pannone should now be on the keeper radar, especially since the Blue Jays lack starting pitching prospect depth. As for Taylor, he needs to show something at higher levels but could come quickly if he proves to be the real deal.
