BAILEY BROUGHT IN BY OAKLAND
The Oakland Athletics acquired pitcher Homer Bailey from the Kansas City Royals for infielder Kevin Merrell.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
The A's are getting a 33-year-old right-hander who is enjoying modest success so far this season (after struggling with the Cincinnati Reds the past four campaigns). He has been better in the American League with the Royals (90 IP, 4.80 ERA) in 18 starts in 2019, so perhaps he will continue down the same path with Oakland, a team in decent playoff contention.
What does it give the Kansas City Royals
The Royals decided to ship Bailey out following his solid first half of 2019. In Merrell, Kansas City gets a shortstop prospect who may have difficulty gaining traction in his new organization. He will head to Double-A Northwest Arkansas but has Adalberto Mondesi (among others) ahead of him and 2019 first-rounder (No. 2 overall) Bobby Witt Jr. behind him on the depth chart.
Fantasy impact
Bailey could have a little value pitching in Oakland but he is not the most recommendable starter option at this point. Pick him up as a free agent or on the waiver wire but he should not be a trade target for fantasy owners. Merrell has no value at the moment.
