RED SOX LAND RELIEVER TYLER THORNBURG
The Boston Red Sox acquired pitcher Tyler Thornburg from the Milwaukee Brewers for infielders Travis Shaw and Mauricio Dubon, pitcher Josh Pennington and a player to be named later.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
This is a big move by the Red Sox to land a quality late-inning reliever, someone who will likely pitch the eighth inning for Boston in 2017. Thornburg was a costly acquisition, but Boston is clearly going for it all in 2017. Now, they have the perfect bridge pitcher between the starters and top closer Craig Kimbrel.
What does it give the Milwaukee Brewers
Shaw might earn the starting job at third base with the Brewers in 2017, and he offers some untapped offensive upside. Dubon is an intriguing shortstop prospect who might have to move to second base in the Milwaukee organization. He has good upside. As for Pennington, he is a quality, long-range pitching prospect.
Fantasy impact
Thornburg's fantasy value remains fully intact in leagues that include the holds category, but he loses a lot of value in leagues that only use the saves category. Shaw's value could soar if he plays every day (or close to it) in Milwaukee, while both Dubon and Pennington should now be names squarely on the keeper-league radar.
Player focus
Milwaukee Brewers
player to be named later in 2017 - Yeison Coca
