Lane Thomas (OF-CLE) was traded from the Nationals to the Guardians for a trio of prospects. The 28 year-old represents a significant upgrade near the top of the Cleveland lineup as he should serve as the #2 hitter between OF Steven Kwan and 3B Jose Ramirez. The 29 year-old OF started the season slowly, but has his average up to .253 to go with 8 homers, 40 RBI, 42 runs scored, and 28 steals (in 40 opportunities) through 341 PA, with an above-average wRC+ of 108. Since returning from the IL on May 27th, Thomas has batted .282 with 6 dingers, 30 RBI, 36 runs scored, and 17 steals (albeit in 28 tries) across 245 PA, with a healthy wRC+ of 134 during that span. As for the Nationals, one can't help but think that Dylan Crews could get the call sooner rather than later.
Erick Fedde (SP-STL) will join the Cardinals as part of a seven-player, three-team trade completed on Monday. The 31 year-old is in the midst of a breakout campaign in which he's compiled a 3.11 ERA, 8 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, and 3.96 xFIP across 21 starts (121.2 IP). While Fedde's 9% swinging-strike rate is nothing to write home about, he's done a good job of limiting hard contact this season (36% hard-hit rate and average exit velo of 88 mph per Statcast) while posting a career-low walk rate. The gap between the xFIP and ERA does suggest that an 81% strand rate and .265 BABIP are suppressing his ERA a bit while it's also worth noting that his move from Guaranteed Rate Field (Statcast Park Factor of 99) to Busch Stadium (Park Factor of 101) does represent a slight downgrade in terms of park friendliness to a pitcher.
Miguel Vargas (2B/OF-CHW) was acquired by the White Sox on Monday as part of a three-team, seven-player trade that also involved the Dodgers and Cardinals. The 24 year-old has logged only 80 PA at the MLB level this season, logging a .239 average to go with 3 homers, 9 RBI, and 11 runs scored, with a wRC+ of 108. His prospect grades and minor-league track record indicate that there's limited power upside here, but he has the potential to record a plus average while drawing some walks. Vargas struggled to carve out a regular role in LA, but will now have a chance to do so in the Windy City while the move is pretty lateral in terms of Park Factor (100 for both Dodger Stadium and Guaranteed Rate Field for righty hitters).
Justin Turner (1B/3B-SEA) was dealt from the Blue Jays to the Mariners on Monday as the latter seeks offensive help for a playoff push. The 39 year-old's ability to help much is, however, questionable, as his .253 average, 6 homers, 31 RBI, and 37 runs scored through 348 PA entering Saturday's action aren't exactly exciting. The average, his .720 OPS, and 109 wRC+ are all his worst figures in those departments since 2013. While Turner still doesn't strike out a lot (17%), his Statcast profile - which includes a 33% hard-hit rate, 3.5% barrel rate, and average exit velocity of 86.5 mph - is easily his worst of the Statcast era (since 2015). Father Time comes for us all, and it has for Justin Turner. Oh, and he's going from the 8th-ranked stadium in Rogers Centre with a Park Factor of 101 for right-handed hitters to T-Mobile Park, which ranks dead last in MLB with a Park Factor of 92.
Michael Lorenzen (SP-KC) was traded from the Rangers to the Royals on Monday and the expectation is that he'll move to the bullpen as a middle reliever or swingman. The 32 year-old righty owned a 2.86 ERA through 66 IP through the first half of June, but a 6.4 K/9, 4 BB/9, and 4.69 xFIP warned fantasy owners that regression was coming. Sure enough, he's compiled a 5.55 ERA, 7.1 K/9, 4.8 BB/9, and 5.31 xFIP through his last 35.2 IP. Although the anticipated move to the bullpen may help him become more effective as he'll be able to focus on doing more in fewer innings, Lorenzen has little fantasy value at this point.
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