ROYALS, ATHLETICS SWAP FOUR PLAYERS
The Kansas City Royals acquired pitchers Jesse Hahn and Heath Fillmyer from the Oakland Athletics for pitcher Ryan Buchter, first baseman/outfielder Brandon Moss and cash.
What does it give the Kansas City Royals
The Royals were able to land two starting pitchers for a corner slugger who really struggled last season (Moss) and a left-handed reliever. Kansas City also had to include $3.25 million of Moss's 8.25 million contract in the deal, but Hahn could make it all worth it if he is able to stay healthy (which has been an issue for him). As for Fillmyer, who was rated as Oakland's No. 18 prospect by MLB.com going into 2018, he will mostly add starting depth.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
According to various reports, the Athletics do not plan on keeping Moss around. They already have a quality designated hitter in Khris Davis and would prefer to play younger players such as Matt Olson (1B) and Matt Joyce (LF), among others, at the other positions where Moss could be useful. So, Oakland will try to trade away the rest of Moss's contract. Buchter could end up being Oakland's top left-handed reliever in 2018, barring more acquisitions.
Fantasy impact
Hahn is the one to watch here, since he stands a pretty good chance to earn a spot in Kansas City's starting rotation in 2018. He has fantasy sleeper appeal going into spring training. Buchter is a solid reliever who should provide holds more than saves, while Fillmyer is not really fantasy material at this point. He should be on the radar, though, as Oakland has a penchant for turning water into wine (in terms of underrated pitching talent). As for Moss, he will likely be on the move once again so his fantasy value is currently in a holding pattern.
