Fantasy Fallout: Beltran's improbable resurgence gets a Texas-sized boost
Here are the fantasy repercussions following the Texas Rangers acquiring OF Carlos Beltran from the New York Yankees for Dillon Tate and two other minor-league pitching prospects:
Season-Long Redraft Leagues
Those who drafted Beltran this year did so hoping for fourth- or even fifth-outfielder numbers - and instead have been rewarded with top-20 OF totals overall. Beltran enters Monday slashing an absurd .304/.344/.546 in his age-39 season, belting 22 homers and adding 64 RBIs.
A move to Texas certainly won't quell his offensive numbers. Globe Life Park in Arlington remains one of the most hitter-friendly parks in baseball, and even with the Rangers boasting a logjam in the outfield, Beltran should see enough at-bats at DH to remain an elite mixed-league fantasy option.
Don't expect fatigue to be an issue, either, despite Beltran's advanced age. The Rangers will likely spell him heading into August and September in order to keep him fresh, enabling him to continue his tear through season's end.
Dynasty Leagues
Beltran has zero dynasty value, so we won't be discussing him here - but the prospect the Yankees receive in this deal is definitely worth a look.
Tate was the fourth overall pick in last year's draft, and remains one of the highest-regarded pitching prospects in baseball. That said, he has had his share of struggles this season, posting a 5.12 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP in 16 starts and one relief appearance with Hickory of the Sally League.
He may be a couple of years from reaching the majors, but is instantly one of the top Yankees' pitching prospects and should be on your dynasty radar in 2018. You may even want to nab him in next year's drafts to get the jump on your competitors.
News and Notes
- Beltran's departure should have a positive impact on Aaron Hicks, who could see a boost in at-bats (unless the Yankees decide to defer to Alex Rodriguez, which is unlikely.) Hicks has struggled this season but has sneaky double-digit HR-SB potential and is a decent speculative add in both AL-only and deeper mixed-league formats.
- Outfield prospect Aaron Judge should also factor into the Yankees' late-season plans once he returns from a knee injury. If he can prove himself to be back to full strength, he should move past Hicks on the depth chart and could be a terrific AL-only or deep mixed-league flier.