Fantasy Baseball 2015: 7 Players Who Will Be Rejuvenated by Trades
The MLB trade deadline featured a barrage of moves around the league. Former All-Stars moved from pretenders to contenders, and some players who were not involved in trades benefited greatly from key deals.
This list features players affected by moves made before the trade deadline, whether they switched teams or stayed put.
Here are seven players who will be rejuvenated by moves made before the trade deadline who will make an impact during the stretch run of 2015.
Jose Reyes, SS, Colorado Rockies
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The Rockies acquired Reyes in a deal that sent All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to the Toronto Blue Jays.
The 32-year-old joins a Rockies team that is full of offensive promise. Third baseman Nolan Arenado and second baseman DJ LeMahieu lead a unit that ranks second in MLB with a .273 team batting average.
The former All-Star shortstop is in the midst of a hot streak that should continue in hitter-friendly Coors Field. Reyes is hitting .328 over his past 15 games and has recorded five multi-hit games over the current span.
While he isn’t the same shortstop he was during his time with the New York Mets, Reyes can still be highly productive for an offensively charged ballclub.
Ben Revere, OF, Toronto Blue Jays
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Revere was one of the biggest surprises of last season with a .306 batting average in 2014. After a trade in which Toronto acquired the 27-year-old in exchange for two prospects, he is in a great situation to produce at a high level.
Revere was the bright spot for an awful Phillies team for a majority of this season. He has hit .330 over his past 30 games and has recorded a .360 on-base percentage over the current span.
The Lexington, Kentucky, native is also a force on the basepath with 49 runs scored this season, a statistic which should increase dramatically with the Blue Jays. Toronto has recorded a team batting average of .289 with runners in scoring position, which ranks second in MLB.
Revere is on the right path for continued success with his new team, which makes him a viable fantasy option.
Joakim Soria, P, Pittsburgh Pirates
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Soria has digressed since his 43-save season in 2010 with Kansas City, but he will now be the top setup man for one of the best closers in baseball after his recent move to the Pirates.
The Detroit Tigers traded the veteran closer to Pittsburgh in exchange for highly touted prospect JaCoby Jones. Although Soria won’t be in a closer role for the Pirates, he is sure to see a lot of action while setting up Mark Melancon, who has recorded a MLB-leading 33 saves this season.
Soria has recorded 23 saves and a 2.79 ERA so far this season and will bolster an already talented Pirates bullpen. The 31-year-old is a great relief pitching option that is sure to earn a lot of opportunities in Pittsburgh.
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John Jaso, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
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Jaso has solidified himself as the starting left fielder for the Rays after the team traded incumbent starter David DeJesus to the Angels before the trade deadline.
The Chula Vista, California, native is hitting .339 this season with an impressive .412 on-base percentage. He has emerged as one of the team’s hottest hitters after being sidelined with a left wrist injury he suffered on Opening Day.
Jaso continues to prove he can perform at a high level and should help a Rays offense in need of a boost. He is a low-risk, high-reward player for the rest of the season in all fantasy leagues.
Jonathan Papelbon, P, Washington Nationals
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The Phillies cut ties with their closer via a trade to the Nationals before the July 31 deadline. Now, Papelbon joins a Washington team that is at the top of the National League East but desperately needed help for its bullpen.
The six-time All-Star closer has recorded 18 saves this season despite having played with the worst team in MLB. He has also left nearly 88 percent of runners he’s faced on base while posting a 1.55 ERA.
Papelbon joins a Nationals bullpen that needed a legitimate setup man for closer Drew Storen. The veteran pitcher has the opportunity to be an excellent setup pitcher for Storen and might split the closing role with him down the line.
Rajai Davis, OF, Detroit Tigers
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Davis has seized control of a starting outfielder role after the Tigers traded Yoenis Cespedes to the New York Mets on Friday.
The 34-year-old is hitting .261 this season with a .729 OPS. He has also proved to be a threat on the basepath despite his age with 14 stolen bases this season. The veteran outfielder is still a solid contact hitter with a .311 batting average on balls in play in 2015.
Davis brings a veteran presence to a young Tigers team and should make an impact for the rest of the season. Detroit has a league-leading .277 team batting average, and Davis should play a big role in the team's success for the rest of 2015.
Franklin Gutierrez, OF, Seattle Mariners
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Since Gutierrez was promoted by the Mariners on June 24, he has earned his spot in the starting lineup. After the team traded outfielder Dustin Ackley to the New York Yankees, the 34-year-old earned an everyday starting role in Seattle’s outfield.
The veteran outfielder is hitting .267 this season including a .808 OPS. He is also a consistent contact hitter with a .317 batting average on balls in play. Arguably the most impressive component of Gutierrez’s game is that he has recorded three straight games with at least one double.
The former Cleveland Indian has flourished in his long-awaited return from a series of intestine-related issues. Gutierrez is back and ready to make an impact for the Mariners as they hope to rally back into the American League playoff picture.
Follow Curtis on Twitter: @CalhounCurtis
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