KLUBER REELED IN BY THE RANGERS
The Texas Rangers acquired pitcher Corey Kluber and cash from the Cleveland Indians for pitcher Emmanuel Clase and outfielder Delino DeShields.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
Kluber was limited to just seven starts in MLB this past season because of injury, but he is a dependable and at-times dominant ace starter when healthy. He will turn 34 shortly after opening day next year but should be the Rangers' ace moving forward. He is expected to be fully healthy when spring training rolls around. This could turn out to be an outstanding acquisition by Texas.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
Did the Indians get enough in return for their former ace starter? Maybe not. Clase does have massive talent, however. He rose the depth chart quickly last year and wound up in the big leagues. Look for the hard-throwing Clase to become a major part of Cleveland's bullpen (perhaps as early as 2020). DeShields is a stellar center fielder defensively but he has struggled to hit for average in MLB.
Fantasy impact
Kluber, as long as he is healthy, should have a big comeback campaign in 2020 for his new team. He might be in the keeper conversation this off-season because the reports are positive in terms of his rehab. DeShields has the ability to steal bases but can he ever put it all together as a hitter? He may get another (last?) shot in Cleveland. He is no more than a dark horse at this point, though. As for Clase, he is definitely a keeper in some league formats right now and should be a fairly early pick among relievers next year. His upside is very intriguing.
