3 New-look defenses that will impact their pitchers' fantasy value

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Seattle Mariners

This offseason, the Mariners brought in speedy OFs Jarrod Dyson, Mitch Haniger and utility man Danny Valencia to shore up the outfield full of defensive gaps. The first two had above average UZRs -- Ultimate Zone Rating -- in center field last season, while Valencia had some success in right. SS Jean Segura is a below-average middle infielder but is still an improvement over Ketel Marte.

These proactive moves should help extend the fantasy viability of RHP Felix Hernandez, who has seen a drop in velocity and strikeouts. They also set the table for a possible return to relevance for RHP Hisashi Iwakuma and recently-acquired LHP Drew Smyly.

In particular, Smyly's career 44.5 percent fly ball rate would have put him in harm's way. Knowing his outfielders can help bail him out of some balls put into play, the former Rays starter can take a few more risks in the strike zone, which could lead to a boost in strikeout totals.

LHP James Paxton, notably, had a 2.80 FIP, nearly a full run less than his 3.79 ERA. With a competent defense supporting him, Paxton goes from a 50-to-75-ranked pitcher to one with a top-40 outlook. He's one sleeper to watch.

Houston Astros

The Astros upgraded their offensive arsenal with the additions of C/1B Brian McCann, and OFs Josh Reddick and Carlos Beltran, and they should also get a full season of action out of last year's lightly-used rookies 3B Alex Bregman and 3B Yuli Gurriel. They do so at the expense of their defense, a unit ranked 11th in the league in UZR in 2016.

Making it all work is going to require some careful adjustments, particularly in centerfield and behind the plate. Gone is OF Colby Rasmus, who ranked sixth among all players with at least 100 innings in centerfield with a UZR/150 of 22.0. They acquired OF Norichika Aoki, a well-below-average defender, who should see time in the corner outfield, opposite Reddick.

This necessitates moving OF George Springer into Minute Maid Park's deep center field, a position which he has played just 142 2/3 innings at in his career. Throw in a downgrade behind the plate from middling defensive catcher in Jason Castro to McCann and Gattis and you have the makings of a much shakier defensive product.

LHPs Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers both ranked in the top-20 in terms of ground ball rate, which works to the strengths of an athletic infield, but there will be considerable risk with any ball put in the air. In the case of McCullers, who posted a 1.54 WHIP in 2016, putting men on base dramatically increases the risk of a big scoring play.

The changes to the Astros' defense have the potential to suppress the value of their entire pitching staff, regardless of their ground ball and fly ball splits, though the potential for vastly increased run support could balance the weaker rate stats with higher win totals.

Tampa Bay Rays

In terms of UZR/150 games over the past three seasons, the best defender in baseball has been Kevin Kiermaier in right field for the Rays, with a UZR/150 of 55.4. The third-best defender was Kiermaier in center field. Kiermaier is a defensive fulcrum.

With the addition of Rasmus, who can play either corner outfield slot with a high aptitude, and a full season from 3B/SS Matt Duffy, the top-ranked third baseman in terms of UZR/150 over the past three seasons, and the Rays could be looking at a defensive powerhouse -- with the right tweaks.

The question is how the infield will unfold. 3B Evan Longoria has held a tight grasp on third base duties but at 31 years old, a move to first base could be in the cards as his defensive abilities wane. While Duffy is a Gold Glove-caliber replacement at third base, he may be stuck as an above-average shortstop for now. 1B/SS Brad Miller and 1B/2B/SS/OF Nick Franklin have been average-to-awful infield defenders but can be hidden in the less challenging right side of the infield.

At the very least, the Rays' fly ball pitchers will enjoy what should be one of the league's best outfield defenses, especially at home at pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field. RHP Jake Odorizzi (44.4 percent FB rate) could be the biggest benefactor, but each of RHP Chris Archer, LHP Blake Snell, RHP Alex Cobb and RHP Matt Andriese should see their ERAs fall -- and their fantasy potential increase.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)