HAPP HEADS TO THE BRONX
The New York Yankees acquired pitcher J.A. Happ from the Toronto Blue Jays for infielder Brandon Drury and outfielder Billy McKinney.
What does it give the New York Yankees
In Happ, the Yankees add a solid left-handed starter to complete their rotation in an attempt to catch the Red Sox in the American League East division race. Drury became expendable this season due to the emergence of both second baseman Gleyber Torres and third baseman Miguel Andujar. This trade should help New York immediately, though Happ could leave as a free agent at the end of 2018.
What does it give the Toronto Blue Jays
For Toronto, this deal waves an inevitable white flag on 2018 (but positions the team for 2019, and beyond). Drury could be an option at third base next year (since Josh Donaldson is a pending free agent) or perhaps second base. He gives Toronto more infield options. McKinney has a better shot at becoming a regular with the Blue Jays than as a Yankee, but he is starting to run out of time (he turns 24 next month).
Fantasy impact
Happ's immediate fantasy value should get a boost from pitching for the power-hitting Yankees, as his run support should improve. Long term, he is still likely to test the free-agent waters this winter and may play anywhere next season. Drury and McKinney both have better situations after the trade than before, though both still have competition for regular at-bats with Toronto.
