Jeff Zimmerman: Here are the winning bids in the two 15-team Tout Wars Leagues.
7:31
Jeff Zimmerman:
7:32
Daniel: NL only. Injury to Acuna and deadline deals have messed up playing time in my OF. Starting Sheets and Andujar. Lile, Thomas, Lockridge, and Wagaman are best options on WW. Who’s the add and who is the drop? Need OBP, R, and SBs. Awful options…I know. Thx!
7:33
Jeff Zimmerman: Sadly, I think you stand still. Maybe drop Sheets for Lile
7:33
brushback33: Is Javier Sanoja (MIA) worth a flyer with 8 games this week?
In the article, I cover the players using CBS’s (about 40% or less initial roster rate) and Yahoo’s ADD/DROP rates. Both hosting sites have the option for daily and weekly waiver wire adds. CBS uses a weekly change while Yahoo looks at the last 24 hours. Yahoo is a great snapshot of right now, while CBS ensures hot targets from early in the week aren’t missed. The players are ordered for redraft leagues by my rest-of-season preference, grouped by starters, relievers, and hitters.
Batters
Ramón Laureano: Finally, he’s over the 40% so I don’t have put him on the top of the rankings again next week.
Andrew Vaughn: Continues to dominate with the Brewers while batting .386/.448/.772 with 6 HR in 67 PA.
Isaac Collins: A pleasant surprise with 6 HR, 12 SB, and .274 AVG in 279 PA.
Warming Bernabel: He never stops. Right now, he’s batting .500/.517/1.036 with a .500 BABIP and 30% HR/FB. Add to see if it’s real, but be ready to move on in a week or two once it all falls apart.
Jakob Marsee: Just promoted to the majors while batting .246/.379/.438 with 14 HR and 57 SB in AAA.
Alex Freeland: Started in three straight games (more than I expected). Balanced production in AAA (.253/.377/.421, 12 HR, 17 SB) and a top add if he continues to play.
Angel Martínez: Steady contributor (9 HR, 6 SB, .241 AVG) qualified at two positions (2B, OF).
Lenyn Sosa: Providing power (11 HR) and batting average (.282 AVG) while qualified at two positions (2B, 3B).
Jesús Sánchez: I’m not sure if he’ll be platooned, but he has started both games (vs RHP) while batting second or third in the order. Sanchez with 10 HR, 9 SB, and .259 AVG.
Mickey Moniak: Solid platoon bat (16 HR, 5 SB, .270) who needs to be in fantasy lineups when playing.
Colson Montgomery: Compared to AAA, his swinging-strike rate is up (13% to 17%), but his strikeouts are down (33% to 25%). He does have 6 HR in 85 PA.
Harrison Bader: He’ll start in a platoon with 12 HR and 10 SB so far this season.
Mike Tauchman: Started in three of the five games against a lefty. Hitting for average (.291 AVG) and power (7 HR).
Nathan Lukes: Solid strong-side platoon bat with 9 HR in 273 PA.
Daulton Varsho: Off the IL and should be getting most of the centerfield reps. Before going on the IL, he hit 8 HR but with just a .200 AVG (32% K%).
Joey Loperfido: Rarely starts against lefties but is riding a .475 BABIP to .386/.435/.579. He’s making more contact this year (68% to 77%). I’d prefer Lukes right now, but Loperfido is interesting.
Ryan Mountcastle: Continues to destroy AAA pitching (.391/.440/.783) and should return to the majors any day now.
Ronny Mauricio: Not a zero at the plate (112 wRC+) and only starting against righties (.256 OPS vs LHP, .908 OPS vs RHP).
Josh Jung: Something is constantly wrong with Jung (calf right now). His limited production is only worth the hassle in the deepest of leagues.
Tyler O’Neill: Decent power source (7 HR in 159 PA) if playing. Has never reached over 550 PA in a season.
Heriberto Hernandez: Should have taken over the centerfield role, but Jakob Marsee’s promotion quelled that dream.
Coby Mayo: Since the trade deadline, started twice at first base. He’s not contributing in any fantasy facet. Ignore Mayo and add someone who is hitting.
Ke’Bryan Hayes: The league’s worst qualified batter (57 wRC+). Unless your league counts defense, ignore.
Spencer Horwitz: Strong-side platoon bat who is not contributing to any fantasy category.
Tyler Locklear: Supposed to be the starting first baseman for the Diamondbacks. Over two seasons in the majors, he has a 42% K%. Ignore until he starts hitting.
Catchers
Francisco Alvarez: Since coming back from the minors, he is batting .280/.400/.560.
Batting Prospects
Jordan Lawlar: In AAA, the 23-year-old shortstop has hit .319/.410/.583 with 10 HR and 18 SB in 250 PA.
Spencer Jones: Across two minor league levels, the 24-year-old outfielder has hit .312/.407/.688 with 29 HR and 19 SB.
Dylan Beavers: In AAA, the 23-year-old outfielder has hit .304/.414/.502 with 14 HR and 22 SB.
CBS Batter Rostership Rates
Name
Previous Roster%
Current Roster%
Change
Mickey Moniak RF COL
37%
45%
8%
Josh Jung 3B TEX
37%
42%
5%
Tyler O’Neill RF BAL
36%
48%
12%
Kyle Manzardo DH CLE
31%
37%
6%
Francisco Alvarez C NYM
31%
33%
2%
Jordan Lawlar 2B ARI
30%
32%
2%
Ramon Laureano RF SD
29%
47%
18%
Angel Martinez CF CLE
29%
32%
3%
Spencer Jones CF NYY
27%
33%
6%
Colson Montgomery SS CHW
25%
42%
17%
Daulton Varsho CF TOR
25%
27%
2%
Coby Mayo 1B BAL
23%
27%
4%
Jesus Sanchez RF HOU
22%
24%
2%
Andrew Vaughn 1B MIL
19%
43%
24%
Ronny Mauricio 3B NYM
19%
22%
3%
Ryan Mountcastle 1B BAL
16%
17%
1%
Lenyn Sosa 2B CHW
15%
18%
3%
Ke’Bryan Hayes 3B CIN
14%
16%
2%
Isaac Collins LF MIL
13%
16%
3%
Harrison Bader LF PHI
13%
15%
2%
Spencer Horwitz 1B PIT
8%
12%
4%
Alex Freeland 3B LAD
7%
10%
3%
Tyler Locklear 1B ARI
4%
15%
11%
Mike Tauchman RF CHW
4%
7%
3%
Nathan Lukes RF TOR
4%
6%
2%
Dylan Beavers OF BAL
4%
6%
2%
Joey Loperfido LF TOR
3%
6%
3%
Heriberto Hernandez LF MIA
2%
3%
1%
Warming Bernabel 1B COL
1%
13%
12%
Jakob Marsee OF MIA
1%
3%
2%
Starting Pitchers
J.T. Ginn: Sorry, I missed him last week, but he’s a must-add and needs to be the guy at 57% rostered instead of Patrick Corbin. A 9.6 K/9, 2.1 BB/9, and 54% GB% are ace-like numbers.
Joey Wentz: With Atlanta, he has a 1.50 ERA (3.09 xFIP), 10.5 K/9, and 0.72 WHIP. Two reasons for the turnaround. First, the lower walk rate will always help. Second, he reworked his cutter since joining the Braves.
About a month ago, he said he tweaked the grip on his best pitch, a cutter, and it’s been more effective. A lot more.
His resurgence as a starter has come at a time when the Braves are desperate to fill spots in their injury-riddled starting rotation. He’s nailing down one of them.
Add now to see if the results continue.
Mike Burrows: Settling in to be a solid streaming option, maybe more. He added an elite sinker over his last two starts (80 botStf, 127 Stuff+). Solid add in all leagues.
Luis Severino: On a four-game stretch with a 2.49 ERA, 3.21 xFIP, 10.4 K/9, and 1.15 WHIP. The only reason for the strikeout increase is from gaining ~1 mph on his fastball.
Frankie Montas: He’s getting hit around a bit (1.8 HR/9, .326 BABIP), thereby pushing up his ratios (1.45 WHIP, 5.46 ERA). Otherwise, all signs point to a 4.00 ERA streamer.
Jack Perkins: Moving to the rotation. As a starter in AAA, the 25-year-old righty had a 2.86 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 13.9 K/9. He struggled with walks (4.1 BB/9). In the majors as a reliever, he posted a 2.75 ERA (3.83 xFIP), 0.92 WHIP (3.2 BB/9), and 8.7 K/9. While he has a ton of swing-and-miss, I’m worried about him walking too many batters.
Brad Lord: Became a streamable option as he got his walks under control. Over the first two months, he posted a 3.8 BB/9. It has been a 1.9 BB/9 over the last two months. If the walks stay down, he’s pitching like a high-3.00 ERA talent.
JP Sears: His 28% GB% has led to a 1.9 HR/9, leading to a 4.95 ERA (4.02 xFIP). Streamer until he gets the home runs in check.
Michael Soroka: All his struggles (4.87 ERA) come from not being able to get lefties out. His fantasy value will be determined by the Cubs solving that problem.
Chris Paddack: An up-and-down season with disappointing overall results (4.77 ERA, 4.48 xFIP, 1.24 WHIP, and 6.8 K/9). He’s on a hot stretch right now with a 9.5 K/9, but he’s seen similar stretches.
I’m betting on the season-long numbers to continue.
Justin Verlander: His walks (3.4 BB/9, 1.49 WHIP) are the only thing holding him back this season (4.53 ERA, 4.79 xFIP).
Charlie Morton: Now with the Tigers. The 41-year-old is productive when he keeps the walks down (2.9 BB/9 in June). The problem right now is his 4.3 BB/9 leading to 1.53 WHIP (equivalent to a 5.69 ERA).
Aaron Civale: Over his last two starts (CHC and PIT), he has a 9.8 K/9 and 0.8 BB/9. The starts coincided with throwing his curve (11% SwStr%, 56 botOver, 108 Pitching+) 10% points more. Overall, he’s not been decent, so I’d just monitor the change to see if there is a reason to buy in later.
Cal Quantrill: The 31-year-old is sort of streamable with the walks under control this year (4.2 BB/9 to 2.4 BB/9) with a 4.33 xFIP. I haven’t gotten to the point of rostering him just yet.
Carson Whisenhunt: While ranked as the Giants’ third-best prospect, the Pirates destroyed him in his debut (5 IP, 4 ER, 3 K, and 2 BB). By all accounts, his changeup is his best pitch, but no starter is successful with a 92-mph fastball and elite change. They don’t exist, and I’m not betting on Whisenhunt to be the first.
Ryan Bergert: While a .217 BABIP is keeping his ratios in check, his 4.5 BB/9 is well past the unrosterable level. I’ll monitor to see how his start next week goes.
Logan Evans: His 1.44 WHIP is doing as much ratio damage as a 5.16 ERA. His entire profile is below average. Steady high 4.00 ERA talent.
Kyle Hendricks He’s a solid high-4.00 ERA talent with no upside. At least he’s giving NAIA pitchers hope to make it to the majors with his 86-mph fastball.
Bailey Falter: Now with Kansas City and might lineup for two starts next week. All indicators point to him being a high-4.00 ERA talent with no pitch having a swinging-strike rate over 10%.
Colson Montgomery (9): His .257 AVG has come out of left field after struggling to hit for average for years. The biggest surprise has been him dropping his strikeout rate from 33% to 24%. I’m not buying the lower strikeout rate since his swinging-strike rate jumped from 13.1% to 17.2%. Here are some comps to similar swinging-strike rates that point to a 30% K%.
Batters Similar to Colson Montgomery’s 17.2% SwStr%
Josh Jung (7): The 27-year-old came off the IL this past Monday (July 21st), so his adds were a week behind. He’s not lived up to his prospect hype and is not a fantasy difference maker (10 HR, 4 SB, .249 AVG). At least he’s healthy … for now.
Gabriel Arias (6): While not much of a fantasy contributor (.234/.294/.381, 7 HR, 4 SB), he is off the IL and back to playing every day.
Joc Pederson (6): Pederson crushes right-handed pitching. Nothing more. One concern is that all his power metrics are at multi-year lows. Maybe bench him for a week or two as he builds up his strength (broken hand).
Warming Bernabel (6): The 23-year-old third baseman is on a Kyren Paris-like hot start. In the majors so far, Bernabel is batting .389/.421/.833 with 2 HR in 19 PA. In AAA, he hit .301/.356/.450 with 8 HR and 5 SB. While those numbers look great, it’s just a 90 wRC+ (10% worse than the average AAA batter) once run environment is taken into account.
His number one trait is his ability to put the ball in play with a just a 12% K% in AAA and a 5% K% so far in the majors. He doesn’t have much power. His AAA 84.2 avgEV ranks 862nd among 972 batters in AAA. He pulled both his home runs right down the line.
For now, he’s an add and monitor.
Ryan Mountcastle (5): Some reports had Mountcastle possibly coming off the IL this week, but it seems to be another week for him.
#Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle (hamstring) is eligible to return from IL tomorrow, but he’s unlikely to be back until series in Philadelphia next week
He’s been crushing AAA so far (253 wRC+) with good EV numbers (97 mph avgEV, 112 maxEV). Once he returns, playing time will not be an issue with some of his teammates traded away.
Tommy Pham (5): The Pham demand comes from his weekend games in Colorado. He’s been playing (starting regularly since July 1st) and hitting (.302/.373/.488 in June) for weeks, but no one seemed to care. He’s not doing anything new. It’s just one of the hot stretches he’ll go on. Ed. note: He did also get a new contact Rx that helped his vision which is particularly important as he does have a degenerative eye issue called keratoconus.
Coby Mayo (5): With several teammates likely to get traded (did happen), managers hoped Mayo (.225/.307/.382, 3 HR, 1 SB) would get more playing time. I’m just not sure Mayo is a good baseball player.
Starters
Troy Melton (11): So a 10.80 ERA can be ignored? While Melton gave up a ton of hits in his debut against the Pirates, he did strike out seven of them while walking two (3.28 xFIP). And on Monday, he went 7 IP with 5 K, 0 BB, and 0 ER over 7 IP (3.36 xFIP). I had the unknown ranked as my fourth-highest free agent starter this past weekend, and that might have been too low.
He’s example #48452 on why to ignore ERA when evaluating pitchers. Hell, just look at his AAA numbers: 2.72 ERA, 2.24 xFIP, 1.1b WHIP, 12.1 K/9. As for an arsenal, he has a 97-mph fastball (11% SwStr%), slider (23% SwStr%), sinker (75% GB%), cutter, curve, and splitter (14% SwStr%). Here are how the pitches did in AAA:
Ed. note: He did get moved to the bullpen after the deadline moves so now he’s the 6th SP.
J.T. Ginn (9): Time to keep it simple with Ginn. His stats are
9.6 K/9
2.1 BB/9
54% GB%
Pitchers who are better in all three categories this year:
None
The closest comp is Cristopher Sánchez (9.6 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, 58% GB%). By just continuing to pitch like he has so far, Ginn will be comparable to the top pitchers in the game.
Luis Severino (6): Severino is in the middle of a nice stretch to add as a streamer. This week he faced Seattle (5 IP, 6 K, 2 BB, 1 ER, 5 H) with a two-step lineup up next week at Washington and Baltimore.
Besides the decent stream, he has been better in July with a 3.81 ERA (3.42 xFIP) compared to a 5.09 ERA (4.76 xFIP) before that. The improvement is from more strikeouts and groundballs.
Stat: April to June, July
K%: 15%, 24%
FBv: 95.8, 96.8
Zone%: 54%, 56%
GB%: 39%, 51%
The only reasons I could find for the strikeout jump are increased velocity and more pitches in the strike zone. The more I write, the more I’m getting pissed that I didn’t emphasize him more this past weekend.
Justin Verlander (6): This add is almost entirely based on Verlander’s matchup against the Pirates this week (5 IP, 1 ER, 7 K, 1 BB) and two-step next week against the Pirates and Nationals.
He is showing no signs of improving, so I suspect Verlander will be dropped after the two-start week.
Joey Wentz (5): Like Verlander, Wentz was added for a decent two-start week. This week, he gets Kansas City (6 IP, 7 K, 0 ER, 3 BB) with two starts next week against the Brewers and Marlins.
Wentz is a career 5.59 ERA (4.74 xFIP) with no signs of improving this year (5.45 ERA, 4.47 xFIP). He’s been dropped by two other teams before joining the Braves. In 18 IP since joining the Braves, he has a 3.09 xFIP. With the Pirates, it was a 4.56 xFIP. A 7.95 xFIP with the Twins. The improvement he made was throwing more strikes.
Team: Ball%
PIT: 37%
MIN: 41%
ATL: 34%
A 34% Ball% usually points to a high-3.00 ERA talent. Not great, but way better than his previous results.
Relievers
Seranthony Domínguez (9): These adds coincided with Félix Bautista going on the IL, but all reports had the Orioles trading away Dominguez. And they did. Drop.
Phil Maton (5): Rumors had Ryan Helsley on the move, so fantasy managers bet Maton would take over the closer’s duties. Again, all reports also had Maton on the move. Maton is now a drop.
Blake Treinen (5): The Dodgers didn’t have a closer, and Treinen was coming off the IL. This add was perfect for those looking to add Saves.
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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).
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)
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.
Like the Fortes trade, which freed up more playing time for rookie catchers Agustín Ramírez and Liam Hicks to develop behind the dish, this might pave the way for No. 10 prospect Jakob Marsee’s first Major League callup. At Triple-A Jacksonville, the center fielder has an .817 OPS and an International League-high 47 steals.
Marsee is not on the 40-man roster, which has an open spot with Sánchez’s departure, so his contract will need to be selected. He was scratched from Thursday lineup. The Sánchez trade could also mean more at-bats for rookie Heriberto Hernandez (.868 OPS in 38 games).
Marsee started the last two games while batting sixth and playing in center field. Hernandez seems to be the DH on days when Agustín Ramírez catches.
As for Gusto, he is a solid arm, but there is no open rotation spot. He’ll likely start sometime this week since the team is playing eight games. (8/4)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
“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)
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)
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.
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.
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)
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+
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)
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 Martinezto 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)
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)
In the article, I cover the players using CBS’s (about 40% or less initial roster rate) and Yahoo’s ADD/DROP rates. Both hosting sites have the option for daily and weekly waiver wire adds. CBS uses a weekly change while Yahoo looks at the last 24 hours. Yahoo is a great snapshot of right now, while CBS ensures hot targets from early in the week aren’t missed. The players are ordered for redraft leagues by my rest-of-season preference, grouped by starters, relievers, and hitters. Read the rest of this entry »
Note: With the trade deadline coming up and some teams in buy or sell mode, I’m not going too deep into changes. I’m going to look for obvious moves that will likely stick.
While the NFBC Main Event garners most of the attention, there are a handful of leagues with even larger entry fees ($2.5K to $15K). They are named “High Stakes Leagues,” and there are eleven of them. With so much money on the line, these fantasy managers try to gain any advantage. Most of the time, these managers will be a week or two ahead of everyone else on their adds. Here are the players and some information on the ones added in five or more leagues. Read the rest of this entry »
In the article, I cover the players using CBS’s (about 40% or less initial roster rate) and Yahoo’s ADD/DROP rates. Both hosting sites have the option for daily and weekly waiver wire adds. CBS uses a weekly change while Yahoo looks at the last 24 hours. Yahoo is a great snapshot of right now, while CBS ensures hot targets from early in the week aren’t missed. The players are ordered for redraft leagues by my rest-of-season preference, grouped by starters, relievers, and hitters. Read the rest of this entry »
