Thu, Jul 31, 2014 at 5:17pm

MARLINS, ASTROS COMPLETE 7-PLAYER DEAL

The Miami Marlins acquired pitcher Jarred Cosart, infielder/outfielder Enrique Hernandez and outfielder Austin Wates from the Houston Astros for outfielder Jake Marisnick, third baseman Colin Moran, pitcher Francis Martes and a competitive balance round A draft pick in 2015.

What does it give the Miami Marlins
This deal was tremendously intriguing because of the young talent that went both ways. Cosart is 24-year-old right-hander who will join an emerging rotation in Miami, which will be that much better next season when ace {P=9035 Jose Fernandez} returns from injury. Hernandez is a quality utility man who could see a lot of time at second base down the stretch. Wates is more of a depth outfielder to off-set the loss of Marisnick. The Fish gave up a lot, but got a lot as well.

What does it give the Houston Astros
Houston parted with one of their young starters in order to land their future center-fielder and third baseman in Marisnick and Moran, respectively. The addition of Marisnick could keep {P George Springer} in right field moving forward, and also make {P Dexter Fowler} (a free agent this winter) expendable. Moran was high on Houston's wish list last year and was almost the No. 1 overall pick in the draft (they decided to take right-hander {P Mark Appel} instead). Martes is another promising youngster several years away, and the 'Stros also received a compensation pick. All told, both teams did very well with this transaction.

Fantasy impact
Cosart should see vast improvement going to the National League in a bigger ball park. His fantasy stock is rising. Ditto Marisnick's value, as he should be Houston's everyday center-fielder sooner rather than later. Moran was someone Houston really coveted, so his stock could improve (not that it was bad as Marlins property). Hernandez is a dark horse because he basically burst onto the scene this year. Martes is a ways off being on the keeper-league radar, while Wates is a middling talent.