YANKEES ADD TO THEIR 'PEN
The New York Yankees acquired pitcher Caleb Ferguson from the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitchers Matt Gage and Christian Zazueta.
What does it give the New York Yankees
After losing Wandy Peralta in free agency, the Yankees decided to go the trade route to fill the high leverage left-handed reliever role. Ferguson was asked to do many things for LA last year, ranging from closing to opening seven games. Expect the Yankees to use him as a more traditional pitcher out of the 'pen late in games to get out the many dangerous left-handed hitters in the AL East. He should slide into a set-up role in the Bronx.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers immediately re-signed Ryan Brasier after this trade, so it seems they preferred him to Ferguson. Gage has been a "AAAA" pitcher the last few seasons (he was claimed off waivers multiple times but never made the most of his opportunities). The Dodgers have very few left-handers in their bullpen, so Gage should get another MLB shot. Zazueta is only 19-years-old, so he has a lot of development ahead of him.
Fantasy impact
Ferguson is unlikely to have many save opportunities in New York, which decreases his value. Holds and strikeouts are probably where his limited value will lie. For the Dodgers, this move should help solidify Evan Phillips as the closer with Brusdar Graterol and Ryan Brasier setting him up. Phillips is a roster option for sure, but roster Graterol and Brasier at your own peril. Gage and Zazueta are not fantasy options at this time.
