ATHLETICS ADD ANDRUS TO PLAY SHORTSTOP
The Oakland Athletics acquired shortstop Elvis Andrus, catcher/first baseman Aramis Garcia and cash from the Texas Rangers for designated hitter/outfielder Khris Davis, catcher Jonah Heim and pitcher Dane Acker.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
For Oakland, this trade plugs a hole at the shortstop position (after seeing free agent Marcus Semien sign with Toronto). Andrus is not as good as Semien with the glove, but he is more consistent at the plate (with less power and more speed). Garcia has MLB experience as both a backup catcher and occasional first baseman, so he should fill a bench role with Oakland in 2021. The A's also get $13.5 million in this trade, which will help pay some of the salaries coming on board. This is a solid trade for Oakland.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
In Davis, the Rangers get a massive power hitter who is coming off a really bad 2020 campaign. He can play left field and also serve as a DH, and brings a right-handed bat in what figures to be a mostly left-handed Texas lineup in 2021. In Heim, the Rangers get a solid catching prospect who has a chance to make the big club right away. Meanwhile, Acker is a young right-hander with plenty of raw talent and a good arm. He is more of a long-term prospect, though. Heim will be the key to the deal for Texas.
Fantasy impact
This trade should help Andrus, Davis and Heim instantly, so all three players should be drafted in most leagues in '21. Garcia is mostly going to come off the bench, so he is not a draft option. Meanwhile, Acker is a pretty decent long-range prospect, so he could be on the keeper radar at this time.
