RED SOX ADD BULLPEN HELP IN BRAD ZIEGLER
The Boston Red Sox acquired pitcher Brad Ziegler from the Arizona Diamondbacks for infielder Luis Alejandro Basabe and pitcher Jose Almonte.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
In Ziegler, the BoSox add a premier setup man for closer Craig Kimbrel. Ziegler had been closing himself this season in Arizona but has more value pitching the eighth inning. Ziegler will likely serve as closer if/when Kimbrel is unavailable or injured (he is currently dealing with a knee issue). Boston's bullpen was already strong, but it is now potentially dominant.
What does it give the Arizona Diamondbacks
For the Diamondbacks, this was supposed to be a season of contention in the National League West. Instead, they are trading away their closer prior to the All-Star break. In Basabe, they get a quality infield prospect who could eventually become their starting second baseman. Almonte is another solid pitching prospect with a bright future. Both are several years away.
Fantasy impact
Basabe and Almonte should be on the keeper-league radar now, but both need a lot more development time. As for Ziegler, his fantasy value should fall considerably without a lot of save opportunities in Boston (other than in leagues that use the holds category).
