NATS NAB DEN DEKKER FOR BLEVINS
The Washington Nationals acquired outfielder Matt den Dekker from the New York Mets for pitcher Jerry Blevins.
What does it give the Washington Nationals
This is a bit of a steal for the Nationals. Den Dekker has a bit of untapped overall potential, showing a good batting eye plus both solid power and solid speed throughout the minor leagues. He may get a chance to play early in the season for Washington, with the Nats needing depth in the outfield while stars {P Jayson Werth} and {P Denard Span} heal up from injuries.
What does it give the New York Mets
The Mets are still piecing together their bullpen (in part due to injury issues, including elbow surgery for key lefty {P Josh Edgin}), so steady veteran lefty Blevins will help them re-solidify things. He has shown some signs of decline the past couple seasons, but Blevins is nonetheless a durable and proven late-inning guy (something New York desperately needs). Expect him to step in mostly against tough lefties.
Fantasy impact
This trade makes den Dekker a deep sleeper for the early weeks of the upcoming season (although don't drop a more proven player for him just yet). He can hit for contact and provide a little speed and power, so may be productive in Washington's mostly-stacked hitting lineup (as long as Werth and/or Span are out). Blevins is not a fantasy-helpful player.
