BLUE JAYS ADD VALENCIA IN 3-PLAYER SWAP
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired infielder Danny Valencia from the Kansas City Royals for catcher Erik Kratz and pitcher Liam Hendriks.
What does it give the Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays struggle against left-handed pitching, which happens to be Valencia's biggest strength (he mashes lefties). So, this deal makes sense from a Toronto perspective--especially since it didn't cost them much in terms of future assets. Kratz was the team's No. 3 catcher, while Hendriks was an expendable depth arm.
What does it give the Kansas City Royals
The Royals moved out Valencia partly due to the turnaround from third baseman {P Mike Moustakas}--whose earlier struggles prompted KC to consider using Valencia as their everyday third baseman. In Kratz, the Royals upgrade at No. 2 catcher behind {P Salvador Perez}. Hendriks will add a little pitching depth.
Fantasy impact
Kratz and Hendriks remain unchanged in their new environs, as neither will play a prominent role in KC. Valencia should see a little more action in Toronto, but don't expect him to play every day. Instead, he may end up sharing time with {P Adam Lind} at designated hitter, or perhaps in the infield.
