GREINKE GOES TO HOUSTON!
The Houston Astros acquired pitcher Zack Greinke and cash from the Arizona Diamondbacks for first baseman/outfielder Seth Beer, pitchers Corbin Martin and J.B. Bukauskas, and outfielder/infielder Josh Rojas.
What does it give the Houston Astros
After picking up a few other pitchers for depth, the Astros made arguably the biggest splash of the trade deadline this year with the acquisition of Greinke. The 35-year-old veteran joins Justin Verlander and Garret Cole in what might now be considered baseball's best starting rotation. When Zack Greinke is your No. 3 starter, you are a World Series contender, and Houston clearly is at this point in the campaign. There are reports that Arizona was willing to pay as much as $24 million of Greinke's remaining salary to complete this transaction.
What does it give the Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks had to get a lot in return for their veteran ace right-hander and they definitely succeeded here. Beer might be the best of the bunch acquired, with the only question mark being where he best fits defensively. He may be limited to first base in MLB but Beer can flat out rake. Martin is a prized pitching prospect whose stock dipped just a tad because of Tommy John surgery. Bukauskas has a great arm without the great results to match so far in his pro career, while Rojas is an intriguing addition and a versatile bat with upside.
Fantasy impact
Greinke's stock should rise with the move to a true World Series contender in Houston. Beer's stock should also rise as he inches closer to MLB with the trade to Arizona. Martin's keeper value remains intact despite his lack of availability as he recovers from surgery, while both Bukauskas and Rojas have intriguing, radar-worthy value in keeper leagues.
