METS, MARINERS MAKE A BLOCKBUSTER!
The New York Mets acquired pitcher Edwin Diaz, infielder Robinson Cano and cash from the Seattle Mariners for outfielder/first baseman Jay Bruce, pitchers Anthony Swarzak, Justin Dunn and Gerson Bautista, and outfielder Jarred Kelenic.
What does it give the New York Mets
This trade, which had been rumored for weeks, is now official. Diaz is a premiere closer in MLB, and he is still only 24 years of age. This is why the Mets are also willing to take on Cano's huge contract (which has 5 years and $120 million remaining on it). The hope is that the 36-year-old Cano can rediscover past glory upon his return to the Big Apple (where he starred for the Yankees from 2005-13. Seattle was also willing to send some cash to the Mets to help pay for a portion of Cano's salary.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners did pretty well here to dump Cano's contract in what is clearly an off-season of change and rebuilding. They were forced to send some cash and also take back the salaries of veterans Bruce and Swarzak, but landing both Dunn and Kelenic (two recent first-round draft picks) is a coup for Seattle. Bautista is the wild card as a potential late-inning reliever with raw ability. The Mariners are not done shaking things up either, as more veterans are expected to be shipped out.
Fantasy impact
Cano is still a capable offensive threat, and he was playing in Seattle's spacious park for the past five years, so moving to Citi Field should not be a major issue for him. His overall value should get a spike from this trade. Diaz is arguably the top fantasy reliever in the game today, but a switch to the National League may come with some growing pains as he learns a new league (and a new time zone). Still, he will probably be the first reliever off the board in most non-keeper formats in 2019. Kelenic and Dunn are now even more keeper-worthy because their MLB timeline figures to move up with the rebuilding Mariners. Swarzak had an off-year in 2018 but could wind up closing for Seattle if he remains with the club (he may get dealt again, though). Bautista should now be on the fantasy radar, but he is not recommendable to be drafted in most keeper leagues (only the deepest one). Lastly, Bruce's fantasy value continues to suffer and it probably won't get any better in Seattle. If he remains with the M's, he might serve as a backup outfielder/first baseman or in a platoon situation.
Player focus
Seattle Mariners