DUDA DONE IN KC
The Atlanta Braves acquired first baseman Lucas Duda from the Kansas City Royals for cash.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
For the Braves, Duda will be used as a bench bat down the stretch (and backup 1B to Freddie Freeman). The arrival of Duda counters Philadelphia's acquisition of Justin Bour from Miami as a pinch-hitter/backup first baseman to Carlos Santana earlier this month. Atlanta is currently ahead of the Phillies in the NL East standings but the race may go down to the wire.
What does it give the Kansas City Royals
The Royals were at least able to get something for Duda, whose one-year contract is set to expire at the end of the 2018 season. His departure should give Ryan O'Hearn and Hunter Dozier more playing time down the stretch. The Royals will likely be in the market for an everyday first baseman this off-season. They miss former 1B Eric Hosmer (now with SD).
Fantasy impact
Duda's fantasy stock may disappear during the final month of 2018 as a bench player with the Braves. Furthermore, he is not a lock to play regularly next season. The most Duda's potential fantasy owners can hope for in 2019 is a platoon situation (either at 1B or DH).
