ROYALS GET VERSATILE ZOBRIST FROM THE A'S
The Kansas City Royals acquired infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist and cash from the Oakland Athletics for pitchers Sean Manaea and Aaron Brooks.
What does it give the Kansas City Royals
The Royals continue to add major pieces for a potential second straight run to the World Series. After getting Johnny Cueto from Cincinnati, Kansas City was now able to get Zobrist from the A's for a pair of pitchers. Zobrist might play left field during Alex Gordon's absence due to injury, then settle in as the new second baseman (an upgrade from veteran Omar Infante).
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
For Oakland, this is all about selling off as many assets as they can in this wasteful 2015 campaign. Zobrist was not going to re-sign with the Athletics, so they did fairly well here to get some pitching in return for him. Manaea is a potential stud who was a first rounder in 2013 with huge upside. As for Brooks, he is a versatile 25-year-old right-hander who should be serviceable for the A's.
Fantasy impact
Zobrist should see a fairly significant spike in fantasy value for the rest of 2015, since he might see time towards the top of the Royals lineup. Manaea also has excellent value for keeper leagues because of his potential. Brooks has limited fantasy value but he should get better opportunities in Oakland.
