RED SOX REEL IN RAJAI DAVIS FROM OAKLAND
The Boston Red Sox acquired outfielder Rajai Davis from the Oakland Athletics for outfielder Rafael Rincones.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
This is a timely move by the BoSox, since center-fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. was recently placed on the 10-day disabled list because of a sprained thumb. Davis can play center field if need be, or either outfield corner. He should provide depth and speed off the bench for Boston down the stretch.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
In Rincones, the A's add an 18-year-old outfield prospect with pretty good upside. He had been toiling for the Red Sox' Dominican Summer League squad and displays speed and the potential for both power and average at the dish. Obviously, he is several years away from MLB. This was a good deal for both sides.
Fantasy impact
This trade is a big win for Oakland outfielder Boog Powell, recently acquired from the Seattle Mariners in the Yonder Alonso deal. Powell should take over as the everyday center-fielder down the stretch (replacing Davis). As for the new Boston outfielder, he loses fantasy value for the rest of 2017 as he is likely to share playing time with the likes of Chris Young and Brock Holt until Bradley Jr. returns from the DL. After that, Davis will be a bench player for Boston. Rincones may already be radar-worthy in deep keeper leagues but holds no immediate fantasy value.
