TAMPA BAY TRADES FOR TOMMY PHAM
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired outfielder Tommy Pham and international bonus pool money in 2018-19 from the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Genesis Cabrera, outfielder Justin Williams and pitcher Roel Ramirez.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
In Pham, the Rays land an outfield upgrade--albeit a very streaky one. While he played center field in St. Louis, expect Pham to line up either in left or right field for the Rays (who will certainly welcome his power, speed and defense). Tampa Bay has been a seller so far leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but this move suggests the club still has an eye on the AL Wild Card standings.
What does it give the St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals decided to dump Pham partly to give younger outfielders such as Harrison Bader and Tyler O'Neill more opportunities going forward. In Cabrera, they get a solid left-handed pitching prospect with the tools to start (eventually) in MLB. Williams saw some action in Tampa Bay earlier this season and is a marginal prospect, while Ramirez may have a future pitching out of the Cardinals' bullpen.
Fantasy impact
This deal opens up regular playing time for St. Louis outfielder Harrison Bader, who is the clear winner after this trade. Pham's stock may also be on the rise, as a change of scenery could help him combat his inconsistent ways. Cabrera's stock is rising regardless of this deal, while Williams and Ramirez are not quite ready to be on the fantasy radar. A wait-and-see approach is needed for both.
