GOMES GOES TO WASHINGTON
The Washington Nationals acquired catcher Yan Gomes from the Cleveland Indians for outfielder Daniel Johnson, pitcher Jefry Rodriguez and a player to be named later.
What does it give the Washington Nationals
The Nationals recently signed veteran catcher Kurt Suzuki as a free agent, so Gomes will now team with Suzuki to form a tremendous combination behind the plate for a Washington club that struggled to find any production from the catching position in 2018. Look for Gomes to play more than Suzuki, as he is the better offensive threat.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
The Indians traded away prized catching prospect Francisco Mejia to San Diego in 2018, and now find themselves without their veteran starting catcher as well. That said, they did well to land outfielder Johnson in this deal. The toolsy Johnson could arrive in Cleveland at some point in 2019 and provide both power and speed to the lineup. As for Rodriguez, he is a versatile right-hander likely destined for a bullpen role in Cleveland.
Fantasy impact
Gomes' fantasy value should remain the same as he moves from Cleveland to Washington, although Suzuki's presence might impact his numbers slightly. Still, Gomes remains a top fantasy catcher heading into 2019. As for Johnson, he should be drafted in most keeper leagues and is now squarely on the fantasy radar as a budding five-tool talent. Rodriguez needs to cement a defined role in Cleveland before he nets any fantasy value.
