LEONYS MARTIN MOVES TO CLEVELAND
The Cleveland Indians acquired outfielder Leonys Martin and pitcher Kyle Dowdy from the Detroit Tigers for infielder Willi Castro.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
The Indians were in the market for help in center field, so they add Martin here as a short-term solution. Cleveland still likes Bradley Zimmer as their center-fielder of the future, but Martin will help down the stretch as the likely stronger half of a platoon with veteran Rajai Davis. Dowdy is another bullpen arm for organizational depth purposes.
What does it give the Detroit Tigers
In Castro, the Tigers land a very young shortstop prospect who might be the heir apparent to Jose Iglesias (if he can put it all together). He has all the tools for success, including switch-hitting ability, a burgeoning frame and stolen-base speed. Castro is also solid enough defensively to remain at short throughout his development.
Fantasy impact
Martin's value should receive a small spike but he is more likely to sit against left-handed pitching now that he is in Cleveland. Castro should squarely be on the fantasy radar now, while Dowdy is bullpen fodder. Detroit's new center-fielder figures to be JaCoby Jones or Mikie Mahtook. Neither player offers significant fantasy value.
