A'S ADD STARTERS SAMARDZIJA & HAMMEL
The Oakland Athletics acquired pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel from the Chicago Cubs for infielder Addison Russell, outfielder Billy McKinney, pitcher Dan Straily and cash.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
Whoa! This is certainly a blockbuster move by a team that normally doesn't make huge splashes like this. In Samardzija and Hammel, the A's solidify their starting rotation, which has been hurt by injury (to the likes of {P Jarrod Parker}, {P A.J. Griffin} and {P Drew Pomeranz}) as well as underachievement (Straily, in particular). They will add to a group that includes {P Sonny Gray}, {P Scott Kazmir}, {P Jesse Chavez} and {P Tommy Milone} and give Oakland a much better chance of winning the AL West (and the pennant). It was definitely a steep price to pay, though, as Russell and McKinney were arguably Oakland's top two prospects.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
It's no surprise that Chicago chose to part with both Samardzija and Hammel, but it is surprising that they sent them both to Oakland. It's also surprising to learn what they received in return: the Athletics' top two position prospects in Russell and McKinney. The former will add to the Cubs' embarassment of shortstop riches. Russell may move to another position or give the Cubs the option of moving {P Starlin Castro}, while McKinney is another quality outfield prospect to add to their stables. Straily could soon help replace the departed starters, and Chicago will also receive another player later on. This was great value for the Cubs.
Fantasy impact
Samardzija and Hammel may win more games on the contending A's, but they will need to adjust to the American League. Their value should at least remain the same, but possibly receive a nice spike. Russell's keeper value is now in question, since he was clearly Oakland's shortstop of the future but that's no longer a certainty on the North side of Chicago. McKinney's keeper value remains the same, while Straily may have an easier path back to the majors now. He should get a boost here.
