CHRIS MARTIN MOVED TO ATLANTA
The Atlanta Braves acquired pitcher Chris Martin from the Texas Rangers for pitcher Kolby Allard.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
In Martin, the Braves land a solid reliever with a huge frame (6-8) and a very good arsenal. He is currently sidelined with a back injury but should be ready to pitch for his new team relatively soon. He has four saves so far in 2019 and might take a few ninth-inning chances away from current Braves closer Luke Jackson down the stretch.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
This is a good trade for the Rangers, who get a pretty good left-handed pitching prospect in Allard (who turns 22 in a few weeks). The southpaw from Southern California is not overpowering but has enough stuff to become a quality starter in MLB. He has also seen action as a reliever for Atlanta but his future is likely as a starter for Texas.
Fantasy impact
For now, Allard will report to Triple-A Nashville but do not be surprised to see him in the Rangers' rotation before the end of the 2019 campaign. His fantasy stock is rising, so Allard should be picked up in most keeper leagues if he is still available. In non-keeper formats, he should be monitored closely or stashed on the bench until he is recalled. As for Martin, he is a bit risky because of his back injury and the continued presence of Jackson as closer in Atlanta, but Martin has a chance to get a fair number of save opportunities down the stretch.
