Fri, Dec 1, 2017 at 11:26pm

BLUE JAYS ADD ALEDMYS DIAZ

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired infielder Aledmys Diaz from the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder J.B. Woodman.

What does it give the Toronto Blue Jays
For the Blue Jays, this is a good gamble on a player hoping to rebound in 2018. Diaz broke out in 2016 (.300 BA, 17 HR, 65 RBI) but was a complete disaster in all facets of the game last season. In Toronto, he will serve as depth for oft-injured middle infielders Troy Tulowitzki (SS) and Devon Travis (2B).

What does it give the St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals decided to give up on the Cuban infielder, so they shipped Diaz to Toronto in exchange for a feast-or-famine outfielder in Woodman. The 22-year-old has major holes in his swing but also displays power and the versatility to play all over the outfield. He is a high-risk, high-reward player.

Fantasy impact
Diaz could rebound in Toronto, especially if he beats out Travis for the starting job at second base. Or, perhaps the team may decide to deal Tulowitzki this winter. Either way, take a wait-and-see approach with Diaz (because he has little value as a backup). Woodman has a long way to go before he gets onto the fantasy radar.

Player focus

Toronto Blue Jays

Aledmys Diaz IF/OF

St. Louis Cardinals

J.B. Woodman OF