TRIBE TRADE FOR CATCHER PLAWECKI
The Cleveland Indians acquired catcher Kevin Plawecki from the New York Mets for pitcher Walker Lockett and infielder Sam Haggerty.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
In Plawecki, the Indians land a solid offensive catcher who hit seven homers and drove in 30 runs in just 238 at-bats last season. Plawecki, who turns 28 next month, should compete with defensive catcher Roberto Perez for playing time in 2019. Plawecki is a solid addition to the Indians and the team did not give up a lot to get him.
What does it give the New York Mets
After the Mets landed Wilson Ramos in free agency, someone had to go. Plawecki was therefore shipped to Cleveland for Lockett (a versatile 24-year-old pitcher who should compete for a roster spot in spring training) and versatile speedster Haggerty (who can play all over the field but lacks a quality bat for the big leagues).
Fantasy impact
Plawecki moves from No. 3 (with New York) to No. 1 (in Cleveland) on the catching depth chart after this trade, so his fantasy stock is definitely on the rise. That said, he is still no more than a sleeper for the late rounds in most draft formats. Lockett is more of a dark horse than anything else. He struggled in MLB last season and has been traded twice since. However, he does have some talent and can become a big-league starter if given the opportunity. Haggerty has a bit of fantasy appeal due to his stolen-base prowess. That said, he is not a factor until he can prove himself with the bat.
