RAYS, M'S SWAP SIX IN BIG TRADE
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired pitcher Danny Farquhar, first baseman Logan Morrison and infielder Brad Miller from the Seattle Mariners for pitchers Nathan Karns and C.J. Riefenhauser, plus outfielder Boog Powell.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
This deal is an interesting one for both sides. For the Rays, Farquhar should become an important piece in what has become an excellent bullpen, while Morrison could replace free-agent-to-be designated hitter John Jaso in the lineup. Morrison is also insurance behind regular first baseman James Loney. As for Miller, he is a candidate to play every day at shortstop or be in the mix at second base. His versatility is a bonus (Miller might become Tampa Bay's next Ben Zobrist).
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
For the Mariners, this deal lands them another potential starting pitcher in Karns (provided he is healthy again). Karns is a strong candidate to be in Seattle's rotation at the start of 2016. The M's also landed a solid left-handed reliever in Riefenhauser and decent outfield prospect in Powell (a table-setting type). Losing Miller means more opportunities at shortstop for both Ketel Marte and Chris Taylor, while outfielder/DH Mark Trumbo will likely replace Morrison at first base.
Fantasy impact
This deal should help all six players involved in terms of upgrading their fantasy value for 2016. The trade hurts Rays infielders such as Tim Beckham, Logan Forsythe and Nick Franklin because Miller will probably start (somewhere). Farquhar's arrival may affect relievers Jake McGee and Brandon Gomes in Tampa Bay.
