DODGERS ADD LEFTY RELIEVER TONY WATSON
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired pitcher Tony Watson from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Angel German and infielder Oneil Cruz.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers were reportedly going after Baltimore closer Zach Britton in order to shore up their bullpen from the left side. Instead, they 'settled' for Watson, a solid setup man who should pitch either the seventh or eighth inning (or be used as a situational left-hander). Watson gives the Dodgers plenty of options.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
In German, the Pirates net a 21-year-old reliever with a very bright future. He has not pitched above low Single-A ball, however, so he will need a lot more development time in order to reach the big leagues one day. As for Cruz, he is a raw, mammoth shortstop prospect who is even further away from MLB than German.
Fantasy impact
Watson's short-term stock should get a significant boost with the move from Pittsburgh to the Dodgers, though he loses value in leagues that do NOT utilize the holds category (since Kenley Jansen is entrenched as the Dodgers' closer). Both German and Cruz are intriguing prospects for the future, but barely radar-worthy at this time. Watson's setup duties in Pittsburgh will be taken over by newcomer Joaquin Benoit.
