CUBS ACQUIRE TALENTED LEFTY MONTGOMERY
The Chicago Cubs acquired pitchers Mike Montgomery and Jordan Pries from the Seattle Mariners for first baseman Dan Vogelbach and pitcher Paul Blackburn.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have been seeking bullpen help for some time now, and they may not end their search with Montgomery. In the meantime, the left-handed Montgomery should provide quality innings in whatever role manager Joe Maddon chooses to utilize him in. Pries is a throw-in who adds more organizational depth.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
Blocked by Anthony Rizzo in Chicago, Vogelbach does not have to worry about that any longer. In Seattle, he might become the first baseman of the future or serve as the designated hitter. Either way, he should become an everyday player with the Mariners (eventually). Blackburn is a decent pitching prospect, too.
Fantasy impact
This trade could help Montgomery's short-term fantasy value, but the Cubs are still expected to add a closer before the end of the season, so his boost in stock may be temporary. As for Vogelbach, he seems like the clear winner after this transaction. Expect him to be recalled soon and spend the rest of 2016 in the M's lineup. The biggest losers in this deal are veteran first baseman Adam Lind and Korean import Dae-Ho Lee--who may both become bench players as soon as Vogelbach is summoned from Triple-A ball.
