CHRISTIAN BETHANCOURT TRADED TO TAMPA
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired first baseman/catcher Christian Bethancourt from the Oakland Athletics for outfielder Cal Stevenson and pitcher Christian Fernandez.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are notorious for mixing and matching their lineup, depending on who is pitching. Therefore, Bethancourt should see a fair number of at-bats against left-handed pitching in the second half of 2022. He should play at first base, do a little catching and also serve as the designated hitter.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
This trade should be just the tip of the iceberg for Oakland, who are expected to sell off several more players before this year's trade deadline. Stevenson is not much of a long-range outfield prospect, while Fernandez can both start or relieve. He is a few years away from MLB, though.
Fantasy impact
Bethancourt is not a recommendable fantasy option because he could continue to sit against most right-handed pitchers. Buyer beware. Neither Stevenson nor Fernandez has much in the way of fantasy value.
