'ZONA LANDS TRUMBO IN 3-TEAM SWAP
In a three-team trade, the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired outfielder Mark Trumbo and a player to be named later (A.J. Schugel-Dec 13 2013) from the Los Angeles Angels, and a player to be named later (Brandon Jacobs-Dec 13 2013) from the Chicago White Sox; Los Angeles acquired pitcher Tyler Skaggs from the Diamondbacks, and pitcher Hector Santiago from the White Sox; Chicago acquired outfielder Adam Eaton from the Diamondbacks.
What does it give the Arizona Diamondbacks
In Trumbo, the Diamondbacks land the power hitter they've been seeking to bat after star first baseman {P Paul Goldschmidt}. Trumbo, who was used at first base for the most part in Anaheim, will likely take over as Arizona's everyday left-fielder in 2014. He lacks a bit of discipline but can go on serious home-run and RBI binges, which should help keep teams from pitching around Goldschmidt if used directly behind the latter in the batting order. 'Zona also gets two prospects to be named later in this mega deal.
What does it give the Los Angeles Angels
The Angels were desperately seeking pitching, and they've landed two pretty good left-handed starters in this deal. Santiago was briefly a closer in Chicago but found his niche after moving back into the starting rotation in both 2012 and 2013. He will only turn 26 this month, so Santiago should have a nice future with the Halos. As for Skaggs, he's just 22 and has an even brighter future. After making seven starts in the National League last season, look for the native Californian to immediately impact the rotation.
What does it give the
For their part in the deal, the Pale Hose gave up on Santiago in order to land Eaton--who is a more natural center-fielder and leadoff man than incumbent {P Alejandro de Aza}. Therefore, expect Eaton to take over both roles, with de Aza now squarely on the trading block. For the White Sox, this deal was about landing a player they've coveted for a while, and also moving out one of their surplus lefty starting pitchers (they still have {P Chris Sale}, {P John Danks} and {P Jose Quintana} in their projected rotation for '14).
Fantasy impact
Trumbo needs to adjust to the National League, which isn't always easy for sluggers. He also joins a less potent offensive team than the Angels, though injuries and a lack of performance didn't really show it last season. Santiago's numbers shouldn't be too different in Anaheim, so the real winners after this trade are former D'backs Skaggs and Eaton, who could both flourish with their new teams. In fact, Skaggs becomes a serious AL ROY contender after this move.
