It is not surprising that Seattle’s Jerry Dipoto started off the hot stove season by trading Emilio Pagan (RHP) and Alexander Campos (SS) to Oakland for Ryon Healy (1B/3B). For fantasy purposes, Healy’s value improved the most. With Matt Olson and Matt Chapman emerging as Oakland’s future at first and third baseman, respectively, the 25-year-old Healy didn’t have a full-time job. Now he does.
Seattle used Danny Valencia at first base last season, so Healy looks to be a step up. Last year he hit .271/.302/.451 with 25 homers and zero steals in 605 plate appearances. While not great, nothing stands in the way of him repeating those numbers in 2018. Additionally, he played 34 games at third base, so he will have dual eligibility for the 2018 season (though that’s unlikely to continue in 2019 with Kyle Seager manning third). Healy’s fantasy value increased with the move, but because he has limited power at traditionally power positions, he may not be relevant in shallower leagues. At least he’ll have a job with the counting stats that go with it.
Emilio Pagan becomes an intriguing arm in a weak Oakland bullpen. The 26-year-old right throws a 94-mph fastball for strikes, posting a 10.0 K/9 and 1.4 BB/9 in 50 innings of work last season. He’s an extreme flyball pitcher with the lowest GB% of all pitcher with 50+ IP. He will give up a few extra home runs (1.3 HR/9) but will post a low BABIP (.258) as most flyballs will be easy outs. It might be tough to move a home run prone pitcher into the closer role, but Santiago Casilla and Brake Treinen aren’t lockdown closers and could struggle. Don’t be surprised if Pagan ends up with a handful of saves by season’s end.
The 17-year-old Alexander Campos is just starting to play in the Dominican Summer League but is not considered to be a top prospect. He’s years away from the majors.