D'BACKS GET GOSSELIN, BRAVES ADD ARROYO
The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired infielder Philip Gosselin from the Atlanta Braves for pitchers Bronson Arroyo and Touki Toussaint.
What does it give the Arizona Diamondbacks
The key to this deal for the D'backs appears to be moving Arroyo's hefty salary. He hasn't pitched this season due to elbow problems, and the D'backs were still on the hook for the rest of this year's portion of a 2-year deal worth $23.5 million (plus a minimum of $4 million next season, and that's only if they buy him out). Gosselin is a solid utility infielder who can hit for average once he's recovered from a thumb injury. Giving up Toussaint may hurt down the road, but this appears to be about financial flexibility.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
In return for taking on Arroyo's salary the Braves get Toussaint, a still-promising starting pitcher prospect. Still just 19 years old, Toussaint was the No. 16 pick overall in the 2014 draft and has raw ace stuff for the future. He struggled last season but has been much better in 2015. If the Braves get anything from Arroyo the rest of this season it will be surprising, since he hasn't pitched yet at all due to serious elbow issues.
Fantasy impact
There isn't much fantasy potential for 2015 on either side of this deal. Arroyo may not pitch again this season, Toussaint is in the low minors, and even when Gosselin returns he won't likely start regularly or produce enough to be fantasy-worthy. For long-term/keeper fantasy leagues, Toussaint is a radar-worthy player to consider stashing later this season if he keeps up his solid progress.
