OZUNA OFF TO ST. LOUIS IN BLOCKBUSTER
The St. Louis Cardinals acquired outfielder Marcell Ozuna from the Miami Marlins for pitcher Sandy Alcantara, outfielder Magneuris Sierra and pitchers Zac Gallen and Daniel Castano.
What does it give the St. Louis Cardinals
This deal was in the works for a few days but now it is finally official. Ozuna provides instant offense to an outfield that really needed it, and he also plays good defense. While he can play center field, he will likely play right field in St. Louis to replace the recently-traded Stephen Piscotty (since veteran Dexter Fowler is still in the mix in center field). Ozuna cost five assets, which is expensive, but he should make an impact in St. Louis.
What does it give the Miami Marlins
In exchange for their former starting left-fielder, the Marlins received four prospects in return. The best could be Alcantara, a power arm who is still a solid starting pitching candidate (but who may eventually move to the bullpen). Sierra is a quality prospect too, and he might be able to start in Miami's outfield right away. As for Gallen and Castano, they are long-range pitching prospects with decent upside. Overall, this was a good haul for Miami.
Fantasy impact
Ozuna is coming off a great campaign in Miami, so he might not be able to duplicate those totals in St. Louis. Buyer beware. Alcantara and Sierra have plenty of upside and could be taken this season in year-to-year leagues (albeit in the later rounds). Meanwhile, Gallen and Castano are long-range prospects and a few seasons away from being fantasy-relevant.
