New York was known to be pursuing Ackley for a significant amount of time, and will likely use him as a versatile option at second base and in the outfield. He’s hitting.215/.270/.366 for the year, .218/.265/.376 against right-handers.
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Dustin Ackley has been sent from the M’s to the Yankees for prospects Ramon Flores and Jose Ramirez.
After a strong second half in 2014, Ackley, 27, was expected to split duties in left field this season with Rickie Weeks. But the Yanks do like left-handed bats, so they’re hoping that Ackley can turn himself around on their short porch.
In five big league seasons he has 42 home runs and a. 243 average. Last year, his power numbers were up by his standards, hitting 14 homers with 65 RBIs.
Fantasy Impact: The Yankees have had woeful performances from both Brendan Ryan and Stephen Drew at second base and add instant offense with Ackley.
Ackley responded to news of the trade, saying it was “crazy” but that he was “excited for what the future has to bring”, per MLB.com’s Greg Johns. Unlike years past, the Yankees seem to put a premium on young talent.
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Despite being drafted second overall out of North Carolina in 2009, Ackley has largely been unable to live up to his first-round status. 192 this season, so it’s not the worst idea around to see what Ackley can do there. 802 OPS in 18 games (nine starts), but his playing time has continued to decrease following the recent emergence of Franklin Gutierrez. He can also backup the Yankees outfield trio of Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran.
