MARLINS ADD STARTER LATOS FROM REDS
The Miami Marlins acquired pitcher Mat Latos from the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Anthony DeSclafani and catcher Chad Wallach.
What does it give the Miami Marlins
In adding Latos, the Marlins are trying to prove to the baseball world that they're serious about building around superstar {P Giancarlo Stanton}. Of course, Latos is entering the final year of his contract and there are no guarantees beyond 2015 that he'll remain a Marlin. That said, he adds to an already impressive stable of starters--assuming ace {P=9035 Jose Fernandez} regains top form in '15. They're all right-handers, but there is depth here with {P Henderson Alvarez}, {P Nathan Eovaldi}, {P Tom Koehler}, {P Jarred Cosart} and hopefully {P Dan Haren} (unless he retires) behind Fernandez and now Latos. That's an impressive group.
What does it give the Cincinnati Reds
For the Reds, this deal is about shedding payroll (which is the mandate of the off-season), so at least they acquired a couple of solid youngsters in exchange for a veteran starter who wasn't going to be re-signed after 2015 anyway. New Jersey native DeSclafani could be the key to this deal, as the 24-year old already boasts big-league experience (13 games, 5 starts with Miami in '14) and has promise. His future may ultimately lie in the bullpen, since he's a strikeout pitcher by trade. That said, there could be room for him in Cincinnati's rotation in '15, so he might be needed there first. Wallach is a solid catching prospect who is a few years away. The Reds can be patient with him.
Fantasy impact
Latos could thrive once again now that he's no longer pitching half the time at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, so his fantasy stock is definitely on the rise. DeSclafani's value is also trending in the right direction because he should receive greater opportunities with the Reds. Wallach should be on the keeper radar but still has a long way to go in order to become viable.
