BOSTON PLUCKS PEARCE FROM THE BLUE JAYS
The Boston Red Sox acquired infielder/outfielder Steve Pearce and cash from the Toronto Blue Jays for infielder Santiago Espinal.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
Since the departure of Hanley Ramirez (released last month), the Red Sox had been in the market for a right-handed bat to play first base in a platoon with veteran Mitch Moreland. Enter Pearce, who can mash southpaws and is also versatile enough to fill in at second base or left field if need be. He is a decent addition.
What does it give the Toronto Blue Jays
Since Toronto is going nowhere this season, it makes sense for them to start trading away some of their assets. In Espinal, the Blue Jays land a 23-year-old infielder who is having a solid campaign at the high Single-A level. He is a candidate to eventually become a utility infielder in Toronto.
Fantasy impact
Pearce is quite likely going to be part of a strict platoon at first base for the Red Sox, so his fantasy value may be minimal. Moreland will see less playing time, too, while Espinal is not yet ready for the bigs (and will probably land a bench job if/when he is).
