RANGERS TRADE FOR CARSON KELLY
The Texas Rangers acquired catcher Carson Kelly from the Detroit Tigers for catcher Liam Hicks and pitcher Tyler Owens.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
Kelly should add some offensive pop to the Rangers' catching position. He is having his best offensive season since 2021, while the Rangers' catching duo of Jonah Heim and Andrew Knizer are struggling at the plate in 2024. Will Kelly's addition to a Rangers team be a big-enough boost to their playoff chances? That seems unlikely at this point. Texas needs to do more if they want to repeat as World Series champions.
What does it give the Detroit Tigers
This trade for the Tigers is as much about moving a pending free agent as it is about freeing up a roster spot for Dillon Dingler, who has been raking in Triple-A. Hicks will replenish the Tigers' catching depth. He won the AFL batting title in the fall of 2023. Owens has already been converted to a reliever in the minors. He has a 2.80 ERA with 35 Ks and eight saves in Double-A ball this season.
Fantasy impact
Even with his bounce-back season, Kelly is not a top catching option in fantasy baseball. He is more of an injury replacement than a full-time roster player. With Kelly gone, Dingler becomes the player to watch for fantasy managers. Can he carry that hot bat to the big leagues? If so, he could become fantasy relevant in short order. Hicks and Owens hold no value at this time.
