MARINERS, RANGERS SWAP FIVE PLAYERS
The Seattle Mariners acquired outfielder Leonys Martin and pitcher Anthony Bass from the Texas Rangers for pitcher Tom Wilhelmsen, outfielder James Jones and a player to be named later.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
Division rivals don't usually make big trades, unless it helps both squads. This seems like one of those deals, as the Mariners land a center-fielder and potential leadoff hitter (something they badly needed to acquire) in speedy Martin, while trading away a reliever in Wilhemsen from a position of strength. Bass will replace Wilhelmsen in Seattle's bullpen but is more of a middle reliever. This deal is all about Martin from a Mariners standpoint.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
For the Rangers, Martin was deemed expendable due to the emergence of Delino DeShields Jr. in 2015. Wilhelmsen will provide bullpen depth, while speedy Jones replaces Martin as DeShields' backup in center field. Texas upgraded its reliever corps by replacing Bass with Wilhelmsen, even though they downgraded in the outfield by going from Martin to Jones. Still, this deal addressed needs (and wants) for both teams. A solid deal, all around.
Fantasy impact
Martin's fantasy value, which was left for dead in '15 after DeShields' breakthrough season, should get a nice boost with the deal to Seattle. He now becomes a sleeper. Wilhelmsen's fantasy value remains the same, since he is always a saves candidate but lacks consistency. Bass and Jones have middling fantasy value wherever they play.
Player focus
Texas Rangers
player to be named later in 2015 - Patrick Kivlehan
