GIANTS GET LONGORIA IN 5-PLAYER SWAP
The San Francisco Giants acquired third baseman Evan Longoria from the Tampa Bay Rays for infielder Christian Arroyo, pitchers Matt Krook and Stephen Woods, plus outfielder Denard Span.
What does it give the San Francisco Giants
The Giants were denied the opportunity to acquire NL home-run king Giancarlo Stanton (by Stanton himself), but at least San Francisco was able to get a lot better at the hot corner with Longoria. Now 32, the California native batted just .261 in 2017 (his lowest average since 2011) but hit 20 home runs for the ninth time in 10 seasons with the Rays. He will provide an offensive and defensive boost at third base for the Giants, though his best years are behind him.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
It will be weird seeing Longoria somewhere other than Tampa, but he moves from one Bay to another to San Francisco. In return, the Rays have added his potential replacement in Arroyo (a Tampa resident who is just 22 years old). Arroyo could be the key to this deal from a Rays perspective. Krook and Woods are talented arms with serious control issues. Both will need to get coached up in their new organization. As for Span, he was acquired mostly as a salary dump.
Fantasy impact
Longoria's fantasy value has already started to decline, so now a move to pitcher-friendly AT&T Park in San Francisco may push his stock down even further. Buyer beware on him heading into 2018. Arroyo, on the other hand, is on the way up and could be an intriguing, fantasy breakout candidate if he wins the third base job in Tampa Bay. Both Krook and Woods need to show better control in order to become part of the fantasy radar (though they do have fantasy potential). As for Span, his days as an everyday outfielder are likely over (unless the Rays find a taker for his contract before the start of '18).
