2025 Trade Deadline Fantasy Movers: NL Edition

Note: I’m setting my NFBC lineups and will come back to try to find any team reports on these players. I’ll keep updating the article over the weekend as news and lineups come out. The final update will be on Monday.

Link to AL Edition

Updates:

• 7/26: Josh Naylor, Ryan McMahon, David Robertson
• 7/28: Nick Fortes, Danny Jansen
• 7/30: Tyler Kinley, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Ryan Helsley, Jhoan Duran
• 7/31: Michael Soroka, Eugenio Suarez, Tyler Locklear, Zack Littell
• 7/31: Mason Miller, JP Sears, Brock Stewart, Kyle Finnegan
• 7/31: Harrison Bader, Freddy Fermin, David Bednar
• 7/31: Ryan O’Hearn, Ramon Laureano, Cedric Mullins, and Jesús Sánchez
• 7/31: Merrill Kelly, Bailey Falter, Willi Castro
• 7/31: Nestor Cortes, Shelby Miller, Dustin May
• 8/1: Phil Maton, Mike Yastrzemski , Alex Call , Camilo Doval
• 8/1: First mover rankings.
• 8/4: Mason Miller misread,

Movers for 2025 only (players still in the National League)

Up (biggest movers first)

1. Dennis Santana (PIT closer)
2. JoJo Romero (STL closer)
3. Randy Rodríguez (SFG closer)
4. Jakob Marsee (MIA OF replacement)
5. Jose A. Ferrer (WSN closer, like it matters)
6. Anthony DeSclafani (ARI, likely in the rotation)
7. Jordan Lawlar (ARI, left side of IF replacement)
8. Liover Peguero (PIT, SS replacement)
9. Tyler Locklear (ARI 1B replacement)
10. Robert Hassell III (WSN, OF replacement) 8/4 Update
11. Grant McCray (SFG OF platoon bat) 8/4 Update
12. Jared Triolo (PIT 3B replacement) 8/4 Update
13. Heriberto Hernandez (MIA, increased OF playing time)
14. Liam Hicks (MIA, increased C playing time)
15. Daylen Lile (WSN, increased playing time)
16. Orlando Arcia (COL, increased playing time)
17. Tristin English (ARI 1B replacement, struggling in majors)
18. Ryan Gusto (MIA, better chance to make the rotation)
19. WSN rotation candidate, unknown and likely irrelevant
20. PIT rotation candidate, unknown and likely irrelevant
21. Freddy Fermin (SDP, possible uptick in playing time)
22. Jhoan Duran (PHI, better team context)
23. Logan Henderson (MIL, closer to the MLB rotation)
24. Brock Stewart (LAD, closer candidate)
25. Ryan Walker (SFG, closer candidate)
26. Tyler Kinley (ATL, closer candidate)
27. Ryan O’Hearn (SDP, slight team context upgrade)
28. Ramón Laureano (SDP, slight team context upgrade)
29. Kevin Ginkel (better hold of the closer’s role)

Down (biggest movers first)

1. Mason Miller (lose of closer’s role) 8/4 Update
2. Willi Castro (CHC, bench bat)
3. Someone(s) on the Mets (McNeil, Vientos, Baty): At first glance, looks to be Baty 8/4 Update
4. Shelby Miller (MIL, further away from closing)
5. Danny Jansen (MIL, second catcher)
6. Ben Brown (CHC, further away from starting)
7. Michael Soroka (CHC, bullpen move likely)
8. David Robertson (PHI, no chance of closing)
9. Orion Kerkering (PHI, no chance of closing)
10. JP Sears (SDP, possible future bullpen move)
11. Gavin Sheets (SDP, decrease in playing time)
12. Martín Maldonado (SDP, decreased playing time)
13. Elias Díaz (SDP, decrease playing time)
14. Johan Rojas (PHI, bench bat)
15. Alex Vesia (LAD, more bullpen competition)
16. Blake Treinen (LAD, more bullpen competition)
17. Ke’Bryan Hayes (CIN, bat could struggle and get benched)
18. Zack Littell (CIN, team context)

Braves

Traded Austin Smith (RP) to the Rockies for Tyler Kinley (RP)

None of the bullpen got traded and in his first appearance with the Braves, Kinley set up Raisel Iglesias. (8/4)

Brewers

Traded Nestor Cortes to San Diego for Brandon Lockridge and Jorge Quintana

With Cortes out of the way, Logan Henderson and Chad Patrick should be the next starters to use if someone is hurt or demoted.

One note on Brandon Lockridge (.232/.278/.273, 0 HR, 9 SB), he started in two of three games since the trade with  Sal Frelick sitting. Someone(s) will need to head to the bench when Jackson Chourio comes off the IL.  (8/4)

Traded Jadher Areinamo (SS) to the Rays for Danny Jansen (C)

Areinamo is in High-A and a non-factor this season. As for Jansen, his fantasy value takes a major hit unless the Brewers make some changes. Jansen (.204/.314/.389, 11 HR) was starting about two-thirds of the time in Tampa, but William Contreras (.242/.342/.340, 6 HR, 5 SB) will be the regular catcher. Conteras can’t be the DH with Christian Yelich entrenched in the position. Sadly, Jansen might be a drop in all but the deepest of leagues where he’s rostered. (7/28)

Cardinals

Traded Ryan Helsley (RP) to the Mets for Jesus Baez (SS), Nate Dohm (SP), and Frank Elissalt (RP)

Traded Phil Maton (RP) to the Rangers for Skylar Hales, Mason, Molina, and international bonus pool money

With both Helsley and Maton being traded, focus on adding  JoJo Romero in leagues that count Saves. Even the team’s GM states Romero is the closer.

The Cardinals are still deciding who will take over the closer role, but president of baseball operations John Mozeliak indicated Thursday that left-hander JoJo Romero was the top candidate.

(8/3)

Cubs

Traded Ryan Gallagher and Sam Armstrong to the Twins for Willi Castro

This trade likely kills Castro’s fantasy value. Unless there is an injury (e.g. Ian Happ), there is no everyday spot for him. In the real baseball world, Castro is a huge safety value, but that doesn’t matter for the fantasy game. In three games so far, Castro started in two of them at second and third base. Maybe he’ll rotate positions, giving everyone a day off. It’s too soon to know for sure. (8/4)

Traded Christian Franklin (OF) and Ronny Cruz (SS) for Michael Soroka

Soroka is a solid 4.00 ERA talent this season and for his career. While Soroka throws a changeup and sinker, he’s a two-pitch guy, a four-seamer and a curve. With just two pitches, he struggles the third time through the order.

TTO: xFIP
1st: 3.49
2nd: 3.48
3rd: 7.49

He provides length to the rotation, with Ben Brown the obvious choice to exit the rotation. Additionally, Jameson Taillon (calf) is about off the IL, so one of Soroka, Colin Rea, or Cade Horton will also head to the bullpen. It could be Soroka since he thrived in the role last year with the White Sox (2.75 ERA, 15.0 K/9, 1.22 WHIP). (7/31)

Diamondbacks

Traded Jordan Montgomery and Shelby Miller to the Brewers for a PTBNL or cash

The only useful news here is that Kevin Ginkel will remain as the team’s closer. Ginkel doesn’t have to worry about Miller coming off the IL to reclaim the closer’s role. (8/1)

Traded Merrill Kelly to the Rangers for Kohl Drake, David Hagaman, and Mitch Bratt

I haven’t read anything, but it seems like Anthony DeSclafani will take Kelly’s spot in the rotation. (7/31)

Traded Josh Naylor (1B) to the Mariners for Brandyn Garcia (LHP) and Ashton Izzi (RHP)

The 25-year-old Garcia threw 2 IP in the majors this season with 1 K, 3 BB, and 2 ER. At this point, he a fantasy non-factor. Ashto Izzi is too far away from the majors (high-A) to be of help.

Someone has to play first base for Arizona, but Naylor’s replacement isn’t obvious. Tristin English got the first start at first base. In AAA, the 28-year-old hit .340/.389/.578 with 13 HR and 0 SB in 294 PA. I wonder if Pavin Smith will move to first base once he returns from the IL. (7/25)

English started at first in every game since the trade. (7/28).

Traded Eugenio Suárez (3B) to the Mariners for Tyler Locklear (DH), Juan Burgos (RP), and Hunter Cranton (RP)

Locklear could become the starting first baseman with Josh Naylor traded away. Calling Locklear a first baseman is generous since he probably should just be a DH.

While Locklear’s top-notch power is intriguing (16 HR in ’24, 19 HR in ’25), his 41% K% in the majors last season is a huge red flag. He’s struggled against all pitch types except sinkers.

While I expect Jordan Lawlar and Geraldo Perdomo to eventually start at short and third, Lawlar’s hurt (hamstring). In the first two games without Suarez, one option. Blaze Alexander (57 wRC+) started at third base. Tristin English (-33 wRC+) played a few games at third in AAA, so he’s another option.

All the corner options project to be replacement-level players, so managers in deeper leagues shouldn’t speculate right away. Just wait for the dust to clear to determine the regulars.

Update: Over the weekend, Blaze Alexander (.633 OPS) remains at third base and Locklear (1 SB) at first base. Another player starting more is Alek Thomas with six starts in seven games. (8/4)

Dodgers

Traded Eriq Swan and Sean Paul Linan to the Nationals for Alex Call (OF)

Call moves from being the short side of a platoon with the Nationals to one with the Dodgers. Even with the team upgrade, he’s remains fantasy irrelevant. (8/1)

Traded Dustin May to Boston for James Tibbs and Zach Ehrhard

While May was in the rotation, he was headed to the bullpen because of his struggles (4.85 ERA, 4.32 xFIP, 1.35 WHIP, 8.4 K/9) with Blake Snell coming off the IL. (8/1)

Traded for Brock Stewart (RP) to the Twins for James Outman

While Stewart (2.38 ERA, 3.71 xFIP, 10.9 K/9, 1.09 WHIP) has never been a closer (two career Saves), he might with the Dodgers since he could be their best reliever. In his first appearance, Stewart pitched the eighth inning with Blake Treinen starting the ninth for a Save. (8/4)

Giants

Traded Camilo Doval to the Yankees on Thursday for Jesus Rodriguez, Parks Harber, and Trystan Vrieling

With Doval gone, the closer’s role opens up, with Randy Rodríguez (1.20 ERA, 2.40 xFIP, 0.84 WHIP, 12.4 K/9) and Ryan Walker (4.12 ERA, 3.56 xFIP, 1.12 WHIP, 8.9 K/9) the most likely replacements. Just looking at the stats, Rodriguez should have a lead, but over the last two weeks, both have been used equally in high-leverage situations (1.1 gmLI). Also, Walker has 21 career Saves while Rodriguez has just one.

Rodriguez was deemed the closer and got the team’s first trade since the deadline.  (8/4)

Traded Mike Yastrzemski to the Royals for Yunior Marte and Mark Feinsand

The move opens up an outfield spot, but there isn’t an obvious replacement. Luis Matos (.164/.207/.355, 5 HR, 3 SB) has spent the most time in the outfield among the others, but he’s not a strong hitter. I’d be interested in Jerar Encarnacion (oblique) if he were healthy.

Since the deadline, Grant McCray (44% K% in 140 career MLB plate appearances) started against both righties. (8/4)

Marlins

Traded Jesús Sánchez (OF) to the Astros for Ryan Gusto, (SP), Chase Jaworsky (SS), and Esmil Valencia (OF)

With Sanchez gone, there is now a void in the outfield. Kyle Stowers’ playing time seems set, so Dane Myers (82 wRC+), Heriberto Hernandez (141 wRC+), and Javier Sanoja (73 wRC+) will fight over the other two outfield spots. For obvious reasons, I’d target Hernandez.

Additionally, there are reports that Jakob Marsee may be promoted.

Traded Nick Fortes (C) to the Rays for Matthew Etzel (OF)

Etzel (OF) is in AA with 17 SB in 239 PA. Most likely not a fantasy factor this season.

With Fortes gone, Liam Hicks‘ value jumps. Hicks was already a nearly a must-roster in two-catcher formats, but extra playing time will push him higher. He started in seven of the last 10 games (5 at 1B, 2 at C) while batting .270/.364/.395 with 5 HR on the season. (7/28)

Mets

Traded Raimon Gomez (RP), Anthony Nunez (RP), and Chandler Marsh (RP) to the Orioles for Cedric Mullins (OF)

Mullins will at least be on the strong side of a center field platoon and possibly have the job for himself. The move destroys Tyrone Taylor’s fantasy value and could do the same for Jeff McNeil. Sure, there will be instances where the team faces several lefties, but either should be immediately dropped.

The effects could be felt at different points in the lineup, like who’s playing second base or is the designated hitter. Since the trade, Brett Baty season to have drawn the short straw with only one start.

The only change over the weekend is Mullins starting against a lefty; maybe his fantasy value heads up. (8/4)

Traded Jesus Baez (SS), Nate Dohm (SP), and Frank Elissalt (RP) to the Cardinals for Ryan Helsley (RP)

Edwin Diaz is still the Mets’ closer, so Helsley’s fantasy value in leagues with Saves is close to zero. Huge move down (7/30).

Nationals

Traded Alex Call (OF) to the Dodgers for Eriq Swan and Sean Paul Linan

Daylen Lile (.240/.287/.373, 2 HR, 4 SB) could start a few more games since he might no longer be in a platoon. Robert Hassell III was promoted from AAA and started the last two games in the outfield. (8/4)

Traded Michael Soroka to the Cubs for  Christian Franklin (OF) and Ronny Cruz (SS)

Soroka’s replacement is not obvious. The one thing this move does is cement Brad Lord into the rotation. As a start, Lord has a 3.79 ERA, 3.97 xFIP, 6.1 K/9, and 1.23 WHIP (7/31/25). While his 95-mph four-seamer is solid (12% SwStr%), his other pitches are below average. (7/31)

Traded Kyle Finnegan (RP) to the Tigers for Josh Randall (SP) and R.J. Sales (SP)

The closer’s job reopened with Jose A. Ferrer (4.78 ERA, 3.21 xFIP, 7.5 K/9, 1.22 WHIP, 61% GB%) as the leading Saves candidate. Possibly Cole Henry or Konnor Pilkington could get the job. In the big pitcher, I’m not sure it matters with the team only having 21 Saves for the season, the fifth-lowest total. (7/31)

Padres

Traded  Brandon Lockridge and Jorge Quintana to the Brewers for Nestor Cortes. 

Once healthy, Cortes will join the rotation, likely pushing J.P. Sears to the bullpen. A depth add. (7/31)

Traded five made-up players  (Cobb Hightower, Victor Figueroa, Tyson Neighbors, Tanner Smith, and Brandon Butterworth) to the Orioles for Ryan O’Hearn (1B) and Ramón Laureano (OF).

Since the trade, Laureano has started every game, O’Hearn started against both righties, and Gavin Sheets sat out all three games.  (8/4)

The Padres traded Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolekare to the Royals for Freddy Fermin

Here is how the Fermin (.255/.309/.339, 3 HR in 208 PA) and the two San Diego catchers, Martín Maldonado and Elias Díaz, hit this season.

Name: wRC+
Fermin: 78
Maldonado: 62
Diaz: 67

Of the three, Fermin has hit the best this season, so maybe he’ll get the most playing time. In the three games since the trade, Fermin started in two of three games. None of the trio is fantasy-relevant except in 15-team two-catcher leagues or deeper. (8/4)

Traded Leo De Vries (SS), Braden Nett (SP), Henry Baez (SP), and Eduarniel Núñez to the Athletics for Mason Miller (RP) and JP Sears (SP)

“Miller goes from being the best closer in the American League to the best closer in the National League.”

Oops … my bad.

The Padres are going to stick with Robert Suarez as the closer, and Miller will set him up. Miller’s value drops.

As for Sears, he’s a little more interesting. He likely slots in as the Pardres’ fourth or fifth starter. The trade should increase the chance Sears gets a Win. Additionally,
Randy Vásquez (3.65 ERA, 5.97 xFIP, 1.37 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 4.2 BB/9) gets knocked out of the Padres rotation. He had almost no fantasy value to begin with. (8/4)

Phillies

Traded Hendry Mendez (OF) and Geremy Villoria (SP) to the Twins for Harrison Bader (OF) 

Bader ( .258/.339/.439, 12 HR, 10 SB) steps right into the center field role after the combination of Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas failed at the job this year. As a team, the centerfielders have hit .247/.312/.345  with just 6 HR.

Bader hit at the bottom of Minnesota’s lineup but should slot into the middle of the Phillies’ lineup. One problem is that the team plans on platooning him.  (7/31)

Traded Eduardo Tait (C) and Mick Abel (SP) to the Twins for Jhoan Duran (RP)

The Phillies lose a little bit of rotation depth in Abel, but gain their closer in Duran. This trade is a small move up for Duran who moves to a better team. This move kills the fantasy value of David Robertson and Orion Kerkering. I could see Matt Strahm get a handful of Saves if several tough lefties are due up in the ninth.

Duran is for sure the closer.

Jhoan Duran intro at Citizens Bank Park

— John Foley (@2008philz.bsky.social) 2025-08-02T01:34:32.831Z

Signed David Robertson

Robertson agreed to a short minor league stint before joining the major league team. He hasn’t thrown yet in AAA, so there are no velocity readings to see where he stands. While Robertson will pitch in high-leverage situations, the team will likely add more and/or better bullpen arms, placing Robertson in a setup role. (7/25)

Pirates

Traded Bailey Falter (SP) to the Royals for Evan Sisk and Callan Moss.

Someone has to take Falter’s rotation spot so maybe the team will call up one of their top prospects (Chandler, Ashcraft, Harrington). Most likely, it’ll be some quad-A talent they find off the waiver wire.

Traded David Bednar (RP) to the Yankees for Edgleen Perez (C), Brian Sanchez (OF), and Rafael Flores (C)

With Bednar gone, Dennis Santana (1.36 ERA, 6 Saves, 7.4 K/9) is now the closer. (8/1)

The Pirates traded Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B) to the Reds for Taylor Rogers (RP) and Sammy Stafura (SS)

Hayes started at third base in 91 games this year, with all others starting in 17 games. Someone will need to take over with the first opportunity going to Isiah Kiner-Falefa, with Liover Peguero (124 wRC+) now at shortstop. Peguero got his strikeouts (24% K% in ’25, 31% K% for his career) under control. Additionally, most of his power metrics are up. Peguero is one of the guys, if he stays at shortstop, who has seen his fantasy value jump the most.

A little more clarity after the weekend. Jared Triolo (.525 OPS) started at third base. None of these guys are even average major leaguers but in leagues where nearly every player is rostered, they have some value. (8/4)

Reds

The Reds traded Taylor Rogers (RP) and Sammy Stafura (SS) to the Pirates for Ke’Bryan Hayes  (3B)

The only fantasy-relevant player in this trade is Hayes, and his value takes a hit going to the Reds. While there is a park upgrade, the Reds have decent third base options like Santiago Espinal, who has outperformed Hayes over their careers.

Are the Reds tanking?Career numbersSantiago Espinal: .263/.318/.352, 66 wRC+Ke'Bryan Hayes: .236/.279/.290, 57 wRC+

— Jeff Zimmerman (@jeffwzimmerman.bsky.social) 2025-07-30T19:14:54.900Z

Reports have Hayes taking over that third base with Noelvi Marte moving to the outfield

For a team that is three games out of the third wild-card spot and was in search of an outfield bat and bullpen help, it might sound odd that the team added an infielder and a starter, but both moves have ripple effects that fill the outfield and bullpen. Hayes moves third baseman Noelvi Marte to the outfield …

Marte started in right field on Monday, Jake Fraley on the bench.

A couple banged up players is obscurring the team’s intention. We’ll need a few more games to know for sure. (8/4)

Traded  Brian Van Belle (SP) and Adam Serwinowski (SP) to the Rays for Zack Littell (SP)

Littell (3.58 ERA, 4.59 xFIP, 6.0 K/9, and 1.12 WHIP) adds rotation depth for the Cubs, with his fantasy value staying relatively constant. The plan is to move Nick Martinez to the bullpen.

“We looked at the relief market where we could add to the bullpen, and this was the best of both worlds where we got to add starting depth and add to the bullpen by putting Martinez there,” said Nick Krall, the Reds’ president of baseball operations. (8/1)

Rockies

Ryan McMahon (3B) traded to the Yankees for Griffin Herring (LHP) and Josh Grosz (RHP).

Both of the pitchers coming to the Rockies are in High-A and are non-factors this season. As for the void McMahon creates, it’s tough to know right away who will take over. Besides McMahon, Orlando Arcia saw the most time at third base with five games. (7/25)

Arcia started at third base in every game since the trade. (7/28)