RAYS GET CIVALE FROM GUARDIANS
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired pitcher Aaron Civale from the Cleveland Guardians for first baseman Kyle Manzardo.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
This trade instantly upgrades Tampa's playoff chances. Civale has been dominant in July. With his six-pitch arsenal, he mixes and matches to keep hitters guessing, inducing a lot of weak contact. He will be a huge addition behind Tyler Glasnow and Shane McClanahan in a Rays rotation that has been hampered by injuries. Civale is also under team control through 2025, so the Rays could be getting an impact starter for three years.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
Manzardo is a slugging first baseman. Batting from the left side, he does not just hit for power–he is also known to have a good eye at the plate. These traits project him to be a prototypical power hitter in MLB, combining power with a high OBP. According to MLB.com, he is the 37th best prospect in all of baseball. So this is a great return for the Guardians, who have many young arms ready to fill in for the departed Civale.
Fantasy impact
Civale is not known as a big strikeout pitcher, but whenever a quality starter goes to the Rays it is always interesting to see what pitching adjustments are made. The team always seems to unlock the best in them. At worst, Civale's fantasy impact should stay the same. At best, he may become even better now that he is on a strong team in Tampa. Lean towards the latter. It is tough to see Manzardo getting at-bats this season ahead of the two Josh's (Naylor and Bell, who share first base and designated hitter in Cleveland). Look for Manzardo to become a good fantasy option heading into the 2024 season.
