BLOCKBUSTER SENDS STANTON TO THE BRONX
The New York Yankees acquired outfielder Giancarlo Stanton from the Miami Marlins for infielder Starlin Castro, pitcher Jorge Guzman and infielder Jose Devers.
What does it give the New York Yankees
Wow! The Bronx Bombers ride again, it seems. New York now boasts the top home-run kings of each league from 2017: Stanton led the National League (and all of MLB) with 59 dingers this past season, while Yankees right-fielder Aaron Judge finished second in MLB (and tops in the AL) with 52. Stanton also played right field last season, so he and Judge could share both the right field and DH positions in the Yankees lineup. One of them could also end up in left field, where Brett Gardner resides (but may move to center field to accomodate Stanton's arrival). Losing Castro opens up second base in the Bronx, a position that may go to either top prospect Gleyber Torres or the versatile Ronald Torreyes). The Yanks did not give up a lot to land Stanton, since they were willing to take on $265 million of Stanton's remaining $295 million on his mega-contract. The Marlins are also sending the Yankees $30 million to complete this deal.
What does it give the Miami Marlins
Simply put, the Marlins have begun yet another in a long line of firesales for this franchise. This one might sting even more than usual, since Stanton had become such an icon in South Florida as the reigning home-run champ. This move comes just days after second baseman Dee Gordon was sent to Seattle in another move designed to clear the payroll of its most expensive talent. Castro could be in line to replace Gordon in Miami, but he is rumored to be just passing through South Florida (and may be included in yet another trade for more prospects). If Castro stays, he might wind up back at his natural shortstop position (where he played while a member of the Chicago Cubs). In Guzman, the Marlins land a quality pitching prospect (though not a can't-miss stud). He may be fast-tracked to MLB now that he is with the Marlins. As for Devers, he could be Miami's shortstop of the future. However, he is only 18 and will take years before arriving to Marlins Park.
Fantasy impact
What is Stanton's home-run limit now that he has switched to the American League? While Yankee Stadium is more kind to left-handed batters, Judge (a right-handed hitter) had no trouble hitting over 50 dingers in '17. Therefore, Stanton might be able to repeat his 50-plus home runs if he adjusts properly to the AL. At absolute worst, Stanton's fantasy value remains in the same stratosphere as it was in Miami. However, it might spike up to never-before-seen fantasy heights. Castro is likely on the move again, but his fantasy value remains high. He seems to have reverted back to the hits machine he was early on in his career with the Cubs. Guzman should find his way to Miami's starting rotation at some point but has yet to pitch in full-season, single-A ball. Guzman, who turns 22 next month, could debut in Miami at some point in 2019. As for Devers, he is only 18 and has not played above the Gulf Coast League (rookie ball). So, he will need a long time before potentially reaching the Marlins as their future shortstop. The biggest losers after this blockbuster transaction are clearly Marlins fans, but also Yankees outfielders Clint Frazier, Aaron Hicks and Jacoby Ellsbury (only one of them can be in the 2018 lineup, barring more movement). Castro may also wind up losing out a bit after this trade, depending on where he winds up playing in '18.
