Diamondbacks deal for J.D. Martinez: Fantasy fallout

The Arizona Diamondbacks have traded for J.D. Martinez from the Tigers. What is the fantasy fallout from the news?

The Diamondbacks are right in the thick of things in the NL West. As the trade deadline methodically nears, they have fired their first salvo, by dealing for slugger J.D. Martinez from the Tigers.

But, what is the fantasy fallout of the news?

Since taking on a flier on him off the waivers in 2014, Martinez had been nothing short of a godsend for the Tigers.  Prior to the 2017 season, he had notched three straight seasons of 30+ 2B,  22+ HR, at least a .280+ AVG, and .879 OPS. He is easily one of the best sluggers in the game, and even though the injuries have slowed him this season, the move to Arizona will only further boost his fantasy value.

More from Fantasy Baseball

• 5 fantasy baseball waiver wire pivots to replace Triston McKenzie
• Fantasy baseball mock draft 2023, 12-team: Aaron Judge over Trea Turner?
• 3 fantasy baseball sleepers being drafted too late
• NBA DFS picks December 25: Merry Bucking Christmas
• Fantasy Baseball: Hot pitchers worthy of starting this weekend

Martinez will take over in left field for the Diamondbacks and will add even more thunder in the middle of a loaded lineup. Arizona has not yet said where he will slot in the lineup, but it would make the most sense to have him bat fifth. That would put A.J. Pollock, David Peralta, Paul Goldschmidt, and Jake Lamb in front of him.

The counting stats opportunities are going to be in abundance and the move to Chase Field is a tremendous move. Chase Field ranks second in MLB in terms of HR, surrendering 1.4 per game. Look for Martinez to continue his power display to all fields in the friendly confines of Arizona.

Looking at the return the Tigers received, it seems to be a tad bit underwhelming considering how good Martinez is. Detroit notched three infield prospects in the deal, Dawel Lugo, Sergio Alcantara and Jose King, but none rank on the top-100 consensus prospect lists.

Lugo is the centerpiece of the deal, ranking as the D’Backs fourth best prospect. He had a tremendous 2016 season, .311/17 HR/62 RBI, and was following that with a .282/7 HR/43 RBI performance during his first full season of AA. In terms of fantasy, he is still some years off but could turn into a solid producer if he can continue to grow into his power.

Next: Astros: Carlos Correa out 6-8 weeks

Alcantara and King are both some ways off too but are intriguing players. Alcantara is already a pro-ready defender and would be the first to make it to the big leagues if the bat continues to come along.