'STROS ADD GILES IN 7-PLAYER SWAP
The Houston Astros acquired pitcher Ken Giles and infielder Jonathan Arauz from the Philadelphia Phillies for pitchers Brett Oberholtzer, Vincent Velasquez, Mark Appel, Thomas Eshelman and Harold Arauz.
What does it give the Houston Astros
In Giles, the Astros land a dominant closer who figures to only get better as he gains more experience. As his 2015 numbers with the Phillies (69 GP, 6-3, 15 saves, 1.80 ERA, 59 hits, 25 BB, 87 K in 70 IP) suggests, he's already plenty good. As for Jonathan Arauz, he's a very young infielder several years away from the bigs.
What does it give the Philadelphia Phillies
Whoa. The Phillies did incredibly well here to land five pitchers for their closer. Oberholtzer is a serviceable left-hander who should be able to crack Philadelphia's rotation in 2016, while Velasquez could join him and has plenty more upside. Appel could be the jewel of this trade if he can harness his command issue, while Eshelman and Harold Arauz are long-range prospects.
Fantasy impact
Giles should now be with a contending team, so look for more saves and much more fantasy value, overall. Oberholtzer's fantasy stock is middling at this point, but Velasquez and Appel may both be on the fast track to join Philadelphia's starting rotation. Eshelman, H. Arauz and J. Arauz are all long-range projects who aren't even on the fantasy radar yet.
Player focus
Philadelphia Phillies