BUCS BRING IN HECHAVARRIA
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired infielder Adeiny Hechavarria and cash from the Tampa Bay Rays for pitcher Matt Seelinger.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are contending this year, so they did well here to add a little infield depth in Hechavarria (who has plenty of experience as a starting shortstop in MLB with both Tampa Bay and the Marlins). he will share time with veteran shortstop Jordy Mercer, while providing depth at other infield positions.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
In Seelinger, the Rays add a 23-year-old reliever with some closer upside and plenty of strikeout ability. He is a pretty good addition in exchange for a veteran in Hechavarria that had just been designated for assignment recently. Tampa Bay had to add some cash to cover for part of Hechavarria's salary here.
Fantasy impact
Hechavarria has always been a defense-first shortstop, so his negligible fantasy value just got even slimmer now that he is a part-time player in Pittsburgh. His departure gives Willy Adames more at-bats in Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, Mercer's days as an everyday shortstop are now numbered as well. In Seelinger, the Rays add a radar-worthy reliever for keeper leagues (even though he is several years away from MLB prominence).
