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Carlos Beltran will no longer be a bright spot on the Yankees' roster. In heading to the Rangers in a deadline deal, he leaves the team that ranks eighth from the bottom in runs scored for one that is tied for sixth for the most runs scored. The change of scenery should be a boon to Beltran's run production. He has scored just 50 runs hitting in the heart of one of the majors' least productive lineups, though he has managed to drive in 64 runs despite batting only .217 with runners in scoring position.
But before our heads start spinning with the run-producing possibilities, we need to temper our collective enthusiasm. Beltran may not miss the Yankee lineup, but he is going to miss Yankee Stadium. In his three seasons in pinstripes, Beltran has clubbed 35 of his 56 homers at his home park, including 14 of his 22 home runs this season. While Yankee Stadium is one of the majors' best home run parks, Globe Life Park in Arlington is distinctly neutral for power. While Beltran has been a decent power hitter away from Yankee Stadium this season (.189 Isolated Power), the likely decrease in his home run rate will cut into some of the expected gains in run production.
As he heads to Texas, Beltran is a top 15 outfielder in Rotisserie formats and a top 25 outfielder in Fantasy points. There is no reason to expect that he will lose overall value with this move, so Beltran remains a must-start option.
The deal almost certainly puts a huge dent in the Fantasy value of Joey Gallo, who appeared to be settling in as the Rangers' primary designated hitter. Perhaps, Gallo could see some time in left field, but that would come at the expense of Jurickson Profar and Delino DeShields. The future playing time for each of these players is now clouded by the Beltran acquisition, so if you own any of them, this situation bears careful watching. It also means you should start targeting potential replacements.
The DH situation in the Bronx is just as cloudy, though the stakes aren't as high, at least in the near-term. Beltran's departure could mean more playing time for Rob Refsnyder or maybe even Alex Rodriguez. Fantasy owners and Yankee fans alike will probably start clamoring for Aaron Judge to make his major league debut, but first he has to come back from a knee injury and get activated off the minor league DL. In deeper mixed and AL-only leagues, now would be a good time to stash Judge, who could get the call in the coming weeks.
Heading to the Yankees are a trio of right-handed minor league pitchers. Dillon Tate is the most notable of the group, having been drafted fourth overall by the Rangers last June. He has struggled at Class A Hickory, posting a 5.12 ERA and dealing with mechanical issues. The Rangers also acquired Erik Swanson and Nick Green, who are currently pitching in Class A and Short Season Class A, respectively. Both can be ignored in dynasty formats.
