PHAM, RENFROE SWITCH PLACES
The San Diego Padres acquired outfielder Tommy Pham and infielder/pitcher Jake Cronenworth from the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Hunter Renfroe, infielder Xavier Edwards and a player to be named later.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
Pham is coming off a strong campaign in Tampa Bay, and he now returns to the National League (where he spent parts of five seasons as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals). He provides a little less power than Renfroe, but significantly more speed and a better batting average. Pham will probably patrol left field in San Diego, shifting Wil Myers and/or Josh Naylor over to the right side. Cronenworth is an intriguing player because of his ability to play shortstop and also pitch! He stands a great opportunity to break camp with San Diego as a super utility player. This is a very solid deal.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
Renfroe has a very good throwing arm and loads of home-run power, so expect him to play right field in Tampa Bay (which could slide Austin Meadows over to left field in 2020). Edwards is a very enticing prospect who could move quickly through the Rays' system. Though he can play shortstop, he is expected to eventually form a great young middle infield tandem with uber prospect Wander Franco. The Rays will also receive another future prospect in this trade, but his identity is not known at this time. This deal works for all parties involved and should benefit both clubs.
Fantasy impact
All of Renfroe, Edwards and Cronenworth should see their respective fantasy stock increase after this trade. Pham's home-run totals may suffer playing half the time at PETCO Park but his fantasy value should remain solid due to his ability to steal bases. Keep an eye on Edwards, who could really benefit greatly from the move to Tampa Bay's organization. He is a solid draft candidate in most keeper league for 2020. Renfroe could be a home-run monster now that he is away from PETCO Park, too.
