GOLDSCHMIDT GOES TO ST. LOUIS!
The St. Louis Cardinals acquired first baseman Paul Goldschmidt from the Arizona Diamondbacks for pitcher Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly, infielder Andy Young and a competitive balance round B draft pick in 2019.
What does it give the St. Louis Cardinals
This is a major move by the Cardinals, who now have the big, powerful right-handed bat in the middle of the batting order that they needed to help lefty slugger Matt Carpenter. The latter will likely shift from first to third base on a permanent basis now that Goldschmidt is on the team. The 31-year-old Goldschmidt could thrive with the Cardinals. This was a tremendous move by St. Louis management.
What does it give the Arizona Diamondbacks
The 25-year-old Weaver had some issues in MLB last season but could rebound with a Diamondbacks team that will almost surely use him in the rotation. Kelly was blocked by Cards legend Yadier Molina behind the dish but could wind up Arizona's No. 1 catcher immediately if he has a strong spring. Young is an infielder with an intriguing bat, and the D'backs also received a compensatory draft pick in this deal.
Fantasy impact
Goldschmidt's fantasy stock, which was already high, could reach new heights as a Cardinal. In non-keeper leagues, he is a first-round, top-10 talent in most draft formats. Both Weaver and Kelly should also be helped by this trade; Weaver has solid fantasy sleeper value, while Kelly could be a breakout candidate in 2019. Young's bat has some appeal but he needs to find his niche first with the Diamondbacks.
Player focus
Arizona Diamondbacks
competitive balance round B draft pick in 2019
