GRAY GONE TO CINCINNATI IN 3-WAY TRADE
In a three-way trade, the Cincinnati Reds acquired pitchers Sonny Gray and Reiver Sanmartin from the New York Yankees; New York acquired outfielder Josh Stowers from the Seattle Mariners and a competitive balance round A draft pick in 2019 from the Reds, and Seattle acquired outfielder/infielder Shed Long from the Reds.
What does it give the Cincinnati Reds
This deal had been in the works for some time and was finally completed. In Gray, the Reds add a quality starter when he is focused and healthy. He struggled as a Yankee but has plenty of time to recover and return to form at age 29. He should be part of Cincinnati's revamped rotation for all of 2019. Sanmartin is a left-hander who has put up good numbers as mostly a starting pitcher in the minors. However, his future may lie as a reliever.
What does it give the New York Yankees
The Yankees were motivated to move on from Gray, whose stint in the Bronx was hardly memorable. So, they were able to secure a solid outfield prospect (Stowers) from the Mariners as well as an extra draft pick from the Reds. Stowers is a pretty good prospect but he will need a lot more development time. Therefore, this trade was mostly about dumping Gray from a Yankees perspective. Mission accomplished.
What does it give the
Seattle got involved here in order to complete this transaction but Long may have a decent future with the Mariners. After all, veteran Robinson Cano was dealt to the Mets earlier this off-season and Dee Gordon (who played some in the outfield last season to accommodate Cano's presence in the lineup) has no direct heir apparent now at second base. Long may see time in MLB as early as 2019.
Fantasy impact
This trade could help all parties involved (both from a team and individual perspective). Gray should relish his new lease on life in Cincinnati, though Great American Ball Park is not an easy place to pitch for half the season. He should be drafted in the mid-to-late rounds of most league formats. Stowers and Sanmartin have some keeper appeal but are probably a year or two away from being drafted in deep keeper formats. As for Long, he is now an intriguing fantasy prospect who may be a Gordon injury away from taking over at second base. He could be a nice late-round pick to stash away on a fantasy bench.
