CLEVELAND GETS OUTFIELDER BRANDON GUYER
The Cleveland Indians acquired outfielder Brandon Guyer from the Rays for outfielder Nathan Lukes and pitcher Jhonleider Salinas.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
The Indians are unsure of Michael Brantley's availability for the rest of this season because of a shoulder issue, so adding Guyer for their stretch drive is a solid move. The 30-year-old Guyer is not a household name but adds solid depth to the Indians' outfield. He may start in left field or platoon with Lonnie Chisenhall in right field for Cleveland.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
In exchange for Guyer, who is a replaceable part, the Rays get outfield prospect Lukes (a toolsy outfielder with a lot of untapped upside) and pitcher Salinas--a 20-year-old right-hander with good strikeout ability. Both players are long-range prospects for down the road, but this was still a very good deal by the rebuilding Rays at this time.
Fantasy impact
Guyer may or may not see as much playing time in Cleveland as he has been receiving lately in Tampa Bay. Therefore, his fantasy stock hinges on his ability to play regularly down the stretch by the Indians. As for Lukes and Salinas, both are prospects for well down the road.
