RED SOX ADD OUTFIELDER DE AZA
The Boston Red Sox acquired outfielder Alejandro de Aza and cash from the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Joe Gunkel.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
For some reason, the Red Sox are having trouble scoring runs on a consistent basis so far in 2015. Therefore, they are taking a flier on veteran outfielder de Aza here. The left-handed batter could end up in a platoon in Boston, or he might be used off the bench. He is not expected to make a big impact with his new team.
What does it give the Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles had designated de Aza for assignment, so at least they get back a pitching prospect (while agreeing to pay some of de Aza's remaining salary in the process). In Gunkel, the O's get a pretty decent young right-hander who can strike batters out and is versatile enough to be either a starter or reliever in the minors. Plus, he won't turn 24 until late December. This appears to be a solid acquisition for a veteran bat Baltimore didn't want any longer.
Fantasy impact
De Aza will likely bite into the playing time of some of Boston's other outfielders such as Shane Victorino (currently injured), Rusney Castillo, Daniel Nava (also currently injured) and Brock Holt. It hurts the fantasy value of all of them at this point, including de Aza himself. Gunkel has decent upside and should now be on the long-range fantasy radar.
