For the Royals, this deal lands them a capable backup receiver for talented starter Salvador Perez. With Cruz in the fold, look for Perez to get a little more rest in 2016. This is a solid move by the World Series champs.

The Cardinals deemed Cruz expendable after signing veteran backup catcher Brayan Pena recently. Pena is a slight upgrade, so the team is happy with this deal even if Jose Martinez is a long, long way away from MLB.

Cruz will continue to serve as a backup catcher in Major League Baseball, so his fantasy value is completely tied to Perez' health. Martinez isn't on the fantasy radar yet but perhaps in a few years he will be.