YANKEES LAND DUSTIN ACKLEY FROM SEATTLE
The New York Yankees acquired infielder/outfielder Dustin Ackley from the Seattle Mariners for outfielder Ramon Flores and pitcher Jose Ramirez.
What does it give the New York Yankees
Ackley has plenty of positional versatility, which should benefit the Yankees down the stretch this season, but he will probably be tried first and foremost at second base (a true sore spot for the team all season). He will likely take over the left side of the second base platoon for struggling veteran Stephen Drew. Ackley, a left-handed batter, may thrive if he patterns his swing for Yankee Stadium's short porch in right field.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
Flores is an interesting outfielder who is only 23 years old and displays plenty of offensive upside. The Dominican should make his way to Seattle before the end of the 2015 season and could be the Mariners' Opening Day left-fielder next year. Ramirez, now 25 years old, is a decent Dominican reliever who could fill a role in middle relief for the M's. Overall, Seattle got a decent return for a player who wasn't starting much lately.
Fantasy impact
Ackley's fantasy value, which practically disappeared in Seattle this season, is back on the rise as a Yankee. He is a late-season sleeper and worth picking up. Flores' fantasy value should really take off after this deal and it would be somewhat surprising if he wasn't a regular outfielder for Seattle next season. He is a dark horse for 2016. As for Ramirez, his value isn't great to begin with but he may get more steady work pitching out of Seattle's 'pen. He's not really fantasy-relevant until further notice.
