INDIANS, CARDINALS SWAP THREE OUTFIELDERS
The Cleveland Indians acquired outfielder/infielder Oscar Mercado from the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielders Conner Capel and Jhon Torres.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
Mercado is the best-known of the three players involved in this deal, and the closest to MLB. Unfortunately, his ceiling is not very high. That said, Mercado can play center field and the middle infield positions as well, which adds tremendous value. He may challenge for a roster spot next spring.
What does it give the St. Louis Cardinals
In exchange for Mercado, a player the Cardinals deemed expendable, St. Louis adds a power-hitting outfield prospect in Capel and a toolsy teenager in Torres. Both are several years away from making an impact, but this is a quality trade for St. Louis. MLB observers may look at this deal as a steal down the road.
Fantasy impact
None of the three players involved in this deal will be in MLB in 2018, and only Mercado seems likely to debut in 2019. He also seems like more of a bench player for St. Louis, so his keeper value is low at present time. Both Capel and Torres offer more long-range upside, but neither should be drafted right away. Take a wait-and-see approach on both players.
