HEYWARD TO ST. LOUIS IN 4-PLAYER SWAP
The St. Louis Cardinals acquired outfielder Jason Heyward and pitcher Jordan Walden from the Atlanta Braves for pitchers Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins.
What does it give the St. Louis Cardinals
This deal immediately gives the Cardinals more proven pop in the outfield. Heyward is an offensive upgrade over previous projected right field prospect {P Randal Grichuk}, and if things don't work out in St. Louis the team can let Heyward go via free agency after next season. Meanwhile Walden is a proven reliever who can close games if needed, and he'll provide setup help and insurance behind young closer {P Trevor Rosenthal}. The still-contending Cards are taking on significant salary here in Heyward (who's set to make $7.8 million in 2015) but it's clear they covet the offensive boost, plus his Gold Glove defense.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
The Braves are definitely in re-tooling (if not rebuilding) mode, and Miller is a talented young starting pitcher with ace potential. He was less effective last season than as a 2013 rookie, but at 24 years old his best pitching is ahead of him. Additionally, the Braves face question marks in the starting rotation due to injuries and free agency, so Miller bolsters that key area of the ballclub. Besides adding Miller and saving money by moving Heyward's salary, Atlanta gets a still-solid minors prospect in Jenkins--a talented righty starter whose numbers were down last season following a return from shoulder surgery.
Fantasy impact
Heyward probably gets a solid boost fantasy-wise playing for St. Louis, since he'll be in a talented lineup that should protect him well. He also brings speed to a Cardinals lineup in need of more stolen bases. Walden's value improves too, as he's joining a playoff contender. Miller should benefit from the fresh start he gets in the move to Atlanta, and he has a chance to get back on track to stardom (while Jenkins is awhile away from the majors). This trade probably significantly lessens the fantasy appeal of {P Jon Jay} and {P Peter Bourjos} on the Cardinals (since talented prospect Grichuk may steal at-bats from them in center field). On the Braves, it probably helps the major league chances of outfield prospects {P Zoilo Almonte}, {P Joey Terdoslavich} and {P Jose Constanza}.
