ANDRES MELENDEZ FOR MARK MATHIAS
The Cleveland Indians acquired catcher Andres Melendez from the Milwaukee Brewers for infielder Mark Mathias.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
Only 18 years old, Melendez appears to have a bright future down the road. So, this could be a nice trade for the Indians because Mathias does not have nearly as much long-range upside. Furthermore, Mathias was a player Cleveland needed to protect from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, so they essentially received a very raw catching prospect for nothing.
What does it give the Milwaukee Brewers
Mathias is an older prospect (25), so he needs to make his mark with the Brewers relatively quickly. His best position is second base, where Keston Hiura figures to reside for several years to come. Therefore, Mathias will probably compete for a utility infielder role in spring training. Obviously, Milwaukee likes his overall upside.
Fantasy impact
Both Melendez and Mathias should now be on the keeper radar, but neither is a draft option just yet. Both need to be monitored in 2020 to see how they progress with their new organizations. Melendez is far more of a long-range prospect with more upside, but Mathias may have a better bat throughout their baseball careers.
