TEXAS TRADES FOR MERRILL KELLY
The Texas Rangers acquired pitcher Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks for pitchers Kohl Drake, Mitch Bratt and David Hagaman.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
In Kelly, the Rangers bring in a quality veteran to their rotation as they push for the playoffs. The 36-year-old is having a great season with a 3.22 ERA over 22 starts. He should be a rental for Texas, but the durable right-hander is a valuable addition to a rotation that already includes Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi.
What does it give the Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks add a trio of pitching prospects to their organization. Drake is the headliner. A good prospect, he is a left-handed starter who is getting close to earning an MLB call-up. Bratt and Hagaman are also younger starters. Kelly was on an expiring contract, so Arizona did well getting these three as they try to improve their pitching in coming seasons.
Fantasy impact
With this trade, Kelly will move from one hitter-friendly park to another in Texas, so not a lot will change for him as a fantasy pitcher. Use him as you were. Keep an eye especially on Drake in Arizona. He is not exactly a top prospect, but he has decent strikeout ability and could be worth a look when makes his debut. That might still be a season or two away, though.
