LA STELLA FOR BARRETO
The Oakland Athletics acquired infielder Tommy La Stella from the Los Angeles Angels for infielder Franklin Barreto.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
The Athletics are strong contenders in the American League in this shortened 2020 campaign. So, they decided to move the younger Barreto for a more proven player in La Stella. While the latter is versatile, expect him to play consistently at second base for Oakland. He is an upgrade over Tony Kemp and Chad Pinder, who were sharing the job this year.
What does it give the Los Angeles Angels
For the Angels, who are mired in last place in Oakland's division, the '20 season has not gone according to script. So, the team decided to sell off one of their pending free agents in the versatile La Stella. In Barreto, the Halos add a middle infielder with plenty of tools. The 24-year-old Venezuelan has looked overmatched in MLB but remains a talented prospect.
Fantasy impact
La Stella's stock should rise in the short term if he becomes Oakland's everyday second baseman down the stretch. The free agent probably needs to hit well enough to keep the gig beyond 2020. As for Barreto, he too is worth picking up as the Angels' potential new second baseman (although David Fletcher has played well this season and may keep the job for the foreseeable future).
