PITTSBURGH PLUCKS KEOLA FROM TEXAS
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired pitcher Keone Kela from the Texas Rangers for pitcher Taylor Hearn and a player to be named later.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are around .500 (55-52) but still in the National League Wild Card chase, so they made a trade for the Rangers' closer. In Pittsburgh, Kela is expected to set up left-handed closer Felipe Vazquez in what could be a devastating 1-2 punch late in ball games.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
For the Rangers the key to this trade is Hearn, a quality left-hander with a big arm and dominant qualities. He comes with a little risk (he has control issues) but huge upside. The second player in the deal, as yet to be identified, may be a bonus if Hearn fully pans out with Texas.
Fantasy impact
Hearn was already on the keeper radar, or at least he should have been. Now? He should be picked up in various keeper leagues, or he will likely be a mid-round selection next year. As for Kela, his stock plummets in save-dependent fantasy leagues and it disappears completely in AL-only formats. He is now a good source for holds, though. Vazquez may lose value if he struggles down the stretch, too. The new closer in Texas will probably be either Jake Diekman or Alex Claudio, so both have added value now.
