GIANTS, MARINERS SWING DEAL
The San Francisco Giants acquired pitcher Robbie Ray from the Seattle Mariners for outfielder Mitch Haniger, pitcher Anthony DeSclafani and cash.
What does it give the San Francisco Giants
Ray heads to the Bay Area after missing all but one start in 2023 due to Tommy John surgery. There was optimism he could return early in the 2024 MLB season but the Giants will most likely have to wait until closer to the All-Star break. Once he is healthy the Giants will hope that Ray can return to his Cy Young Award form and create a dynamic duo with Logan Webb at the front of their starting rotation.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
Haniger returns to Seattle after an underwhelming season in San Francisco. The hope is he can find his power stroke and fill the void left by Teoscar Hernandez in right field. DeSclafani had injury trouble of his own last year. He is in the final year of his contract and is likely to start in the Mariners bullpen because of the depth they have in the rotation. The $6 million included in this deal is to balance costs for Seattle.
Fantasy impact
Ray will probably be drafted later than usual in 2024 due to his recovery from injury. He may never win another Cy Young Award but should still produce high strikeout numbers (making him a valuable fantasy starter). Back in familiar surroundings, Haniger is a prime bounce-back candidate and should hit closer to 20 home runs after producing only six last season. Wait and see on DeSclafani, as his usage will determine his fantasy value.
