Archive for Trades

Beat the Shift Podcast – Trade Deadline Episode w/ Eric Cross

The Trade Deadline episode of the Beat the Shift Podcast – a baseball podcast for fantasy baseball players.

Guest: Eric Cross

Injury Guru’s Trivia of the Week

Trade Deadline Deals

  • Players traded
  • Prospect return analysis
  • Lineup changes
  • New closer roles
  • Fantasy impact
  • Fantasy strategy

Prospects

  • Top impact prospects to know for 2025

Waiver Wire

Pitcher Preview

Injury Update

 

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2025 Trade Deadline Fantasy Movers: AL Edition

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Link to NL Edition

Jeff will handle the NL and I’ll be running the AL. We’ll be analyzing the big moves throughout the Trade Deadline period and updating these posts through August 1st (the day after the deadline in case we Thursday brings a ton of action we need some time to sort out!) the weekend.

Updates:

I’ll have my annual Trade Deadline Show with Nick Pollack starting at 3PM CT! My write-ups on today’s trades and their potential fantasy fallout will be sparse until tonight/tomorrow AM. With so many moving pieces, I just don’t want to get caught doing some through write up on some potential winners/losers from a trade only for another trade to completely upend that commentary. (7/31)

I’m updating throughout the day on Friday and into the weekend as things shake out. Please feel free to ask about specific players in the comments. I’m putting together a Winners/Losers kind of board but that won’t be out until the weekend because I want at least one slate of lineups to see how some things shake out. (8/1)

American League

Angels

Traded for Andrew Chafin (LHP) and Luis Garcia (RHP) from the Nats.

I wonder if this is a one foot in, one foot out situation where they backfilled the bullpen so they can trade Kenley and still be on the fringes of contention. They are only 4 games back in the wildcard as their high-powered offense — I’m not joking, they’re 4th in HRs — has given them juice. (7/31)

Traded for Oswald Peraza (INF) from the Yankees. 

The 25-year-old utility infielder brings some depth to the Angels. The one-time top prospect has struggled massively this year, posting a 26 wRC+ in 170 PA. He’ll be on their bench and likely bounce around the diamond giving everyone a day off. (8/1)

Astros

Traded Twine Palmer (RHP) to Orioles for Ramón Urías (INF). 

Twine Palmer is an amazing name! I’m watching Twin Peaks for the first time, so my brain dropped the “e” and saw Twin Palmer  😂

Urías jumps right into the 3B spot (until they get Correa later today 😎) with Isaac Paredes out for a substantial period of time. In fact, literally as I write this there is an update on MLB Central that Paredes is out for 6-7 mos. with the torn hamstring! This ends being a bat-for-glove trade as Urías brings an 89 wRC+, compared to Paredes’ 133, but Urías is a former Gold Glove winner who can play all over the infield and morph into a super-utility guy if they do in fact get someone like Correa to replace Paredes’ bat. (7/31)

Traded Ryan Gusto (RHP), Chase Jaworsky (INF), and Esmil Valencia (OF) to the Marlins for Jesús Sánchez (OF). 

I love this move for Houston as a long-time fan of Sánchez. He is a strong-side platoon outfielder who made the most of being in Miami, posting a career .812 OPS at LoanDepot Park (jeezus, that name suuucks, lol). I was shocked to learn that Miami’s home park is pretty solid for lefties, posting a 103 Park Factor the last 3 seasons which is tied for 3rd-best with Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia, trailing only Colorado (112) and Boston (108). Houston’s park is tied with a cluster at 101, though it does hold a 9-point edge in HR factor over Miami. That’s not enough to move the needle and expect some sort of surge from Sánchez, but I am eager to see him in the midst of a playoff race. Miami was playing much better of late as an offensive unit, but this is still an undisputed lineup upgrade for him. I’d be looking to pickup Sánchez where available (I imagine he’s not universally rostered in 10s and 12s) in shallower mixed leagues and I think he has real impact potential in AL-Only leagues.

Losing Gusto does cut into their pitching depth a bit as he’d been a solid swingman for them this year. Three Duds account for 20 of his 47 ER this year meaning he’s been mostly good across his 24 outings, including four starts with at least a 60 Game Score (anything 60 and above on Game Score is an unquestionably strong start). George Costanza Jason Alexander is currently penciled into the 5th role right now, though Spencer Arrighetti is on rehab right now. (8/1)

Traded cold hard cash to the Twins for Carlos Correa (*3B*)!

Obviously, Correa is still just a SS for our purposes in fantasy, but he’s agreed to play 3B and will add that eligibility in a couple weeks. The Correa reunion is a fun one. It was part of a maaaassive sell-off in Minnesota and comes at a perfect time for Houston as they were looking for impact bats, but short of prospect capital to trade for top end bats. With Sánchez and Correa, they had an amazing day deepening their lineup, especially with Jeremy Pena slated to return today, too. Correa’s only been a league average-ish bat this year (97 wRC+), but if he can stay healthy I wouldn’t be surprised to see him more in the 115-120 wRC+ range the rest of the way. Non-prospect Matt Mikulski (26 y/o in A+) was also sent to Minnesota. (8/1)

Athletics

Traded Mason Miller (RHP) and JP Sears (LHP) to Padres for Leo DeVries (SS) and a prospect package.

This is obviously a massive deal, but it doesn’t really create any actionable fallout for the A’s. They’ll almost assuredly split their remaining SVs which won’t be plentiful and Sears himself was barely streamable so a replacement isn’t going to be all that appealing. (7/31)

I will say that if San Diego can somehow help Sears with his homers, there is some upside. I liked him as a prospect, but his career 1.6 HR9 and 1.9 mark this year make him a remarkably scary stream in even the best of situations. (8/1)

Traded Miguel Andujar (4C) to Reds for Kenya Huggins (RHP). 

Andujar appeared in all four corners for the Athletics this year (1B/3B/LF/RF), spending the bulk of his time at 3B and LF, posting a solid .298/.329/.436 line and 107 wRC+. His playing time evaporates with this move, though, as he’ll likely be limited to some starts versus lefties unless injury opens a spot somehow. He can safely be cut anywhere he was being rostered. (8/1)

Blue Jays

Traded Juaron Watts-Brown (RHP) to Orioles for Seranthony Dominguez (RHP). 

Dominguez was traded in the middle of a doubleheader between the Jays and Os which is just amazing. I already love when a guy traded within a series, but in the middle of a DH is next level! Dominguez adds depth to the pen, strengthening the bridge to Jeff Hoffman. Dominguez has been able work around a 14% BB so far this year (3.09 ERA/1.28 WHIP) as he’s difficult to square up (6.6 H/9) and has cut his home run rate drastically from 1.6 the last two seasons to just 0.8 this year. There’s no fantasy relevance here unless something happens to Hoffman. (7/29)

Traded Khal Stephen (RHP) to Guardians for Shane Bieber (RHP).

Huge name but it’s hard to say how impactful he will be this year. He’s returning from TJ and currently 4 starts into his rehab — he’s looked fantastic, but it’s been at RK/A+/AA and is all of 12 IP so far — so they are probably hoping he can give them some innings for final 5-6 weeks of the season and into October, but he’s a maaaaassive wildcard. He’s already been getting stashed in some formats and this trade will only add to the interest.

Stephen ranked 17th in our Jays list back in April. The 2024 2nd rounder has enjoyed a strong pro debut, primarily at A/A+ and he had just made his AA debut prior to the trade. He would almost assuredly move up in a re-rank after his 23% K-BB in 92 IP and landed 5th on MLB.com’s updated list prior to the trade. (7/31)

Small moves with little fantasy impact right now:

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2025 Trade Deadline Fantasy Movers: NL Edition

Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

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:

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. Heriberto Hernandez (MIA, increased OF playing time)
  11. Liam Hicks (MIA, increased C playing time)
  12. Luis Matos (SFG OF replacement)
  13. Daylen Lile (WSN, increased playing time)
  14. Orlando Arcia (COL, increased playing time)
  15. Tristin English (ARI 1B replacement, struggling in majors)
  16. Ryan Gusto (MIA, better chance to make the rotation)
  17. WSN rotation candidate, unknown and likely irrelevant
  18. PIT rotation candidate, unknown and likely irrelevant
  19. Mason Miller (SDP, slight team context upgrade)
  20. Freddy Fermin (SDP, possible uptick in playing time)
  21. Jhoan Duran (PHI, better team context)
  22. Logan Henderson (MIL, closer to the MLB rotation)
  23. Brock Stewart (LAD, closer candidate)
  24. Ryan Walker (SFG, closer candidate)
  25. Tyler Kinley (ATL, closer candidate)
  26. Ryan O’Hearn (SDP, slight team context upgrade)
  27. Ramón Laureano (SDP, slight team context upgrade)
  28. Kevin Ginkel (better hold of the closer’s role)

Down (biggest movers first)

  1. Willi Castro (CHC, bench bat)
  2. Brandon Marsh (PHI, bench bat)
  3. Someone(s) on the Mets (McNeil, Vientos, Baty) – not clear yet, will investigate.
  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, decrease 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)

I almost ignored this trade, but with pieces of the Braves’ bullpen possibly on the move, Kinley might slide into the closer’s role. Or get traded himself. (7/30)

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. (7/31)

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. (8/1)

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. (7/31)

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. (7/31)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 seen the most time in the outfield compared to the others, but he’s not a good hitter. I’d be interested in Jerar Encarnacion (oblique) if he were healthy.

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.

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).

And he’s coming up.

MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors.bsky.social) 2025-08-01T13:11:10.502Z

As for Gusto, he is a solid arm, but there is no open rotation spot. (8/1)

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. Those will take a few games to figure out.

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.

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

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).

I’m going to come back to the Padres with them making so many moves. The point of contention for playing time will be O’Hearn and Gavin Sheets battling for playing time as the DH, and will that battle spill over into the outfield or first base? I don’t see anyone’s playing time headed up, and if anything, possibly down because of the role uncertainty.

I’ll check in with team quotes as they become available.

The Padres have been searching for a left fielder all season, with Laureano filling that need.  (7/31)

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. None of the trio is fantasy-relevant except in 15-team two-catcher leagues or deeper. (7/31)

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. The addition of Miller destroys Robert Suarez’s fantasy value in leagues with Saves.

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 Save. 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. (7/31)

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. In CBS leagues, Bader is only rostered in 14% of leagues so he’s a nice upgrade over some other outfielders. (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. (7/30)

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. (7/30)

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. (7/31)

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.

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)


The Ottoneu “player to be named later” Clause

<a href=
Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Sometimes you have to shake things up, especially when you find yourself rostering four “1B only” players. I updated my trade block and hoped someone out there needed help at the position. “Ding!” went my laptop from across the room a few minutes later, indicating I’d received an email. It had an extra sharp sound to it like it had come straight from Ottoneu’s automated system with intent.

hey, i’d be interested in Vientos. Let me know what you’re looking for or if you see a fit.

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Kyle Tucker Moves From Space City to Windy City

There have been a flurry of trades and signings over the last week, including many involving impact fantasy players. Perhaps the most significant development was the Astros trading Kyle Tucker to the Cubs. It’s a pretty shocking trade considering that Tucker will be entering his age 28 season, has been a consistent 5 WAR player, and is departing a team that won the AL West. Let’s now consult the park factors to find out how the park switch might affect the left-handed hitter’s performance.

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Blake Snell Switches Team, Remains in Division & in California

A week ago, Blake Snell signed a massive five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers. Incredibly, that means that Snell will now play for a third team in the NL West division and remain a Californian the entire time. Has this ever happened before?! He’s got two teams in the NL West and two teams in California to join before sweeping the division and the state. Perhaps he could do it by the end of his career.

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Beat the Shift Podcast – Deadline Recap Episode w/ Patrick Davitt

The Deadline Recap episode of the Beat the Shift Podcast – a baseball podcast for fantasy baseball players.

Guest: Patrick Davitt

Expert League Update

Strategy Section

  • Fantasy Trades
    • Reuven trade in GDD – Logan Webb for Josh Hader
    • It is all about the categories!
    • Excess stats
    • When should you look to trade vs. working the waiver wire
    • Is there a cost to NOT making a fantasy trade?

Injury Guru’s Trivia of the Week

Trading Deadline Recap

  • First impressions / reactions
  • Go after Marlins replacements?
  • Garrett Crochet controversy
  • Closer situations
  • Players traded that gained value
  • Players traded that lost value
  • Players not traded that gained value
  • Players not traded that lost value
  • How much FAAB should you spend now on replacement players?

Waiver Wire

Pitcher Preview

Bonus Injury Guru’s Trivia of the Week

Injury Update

Insurance in Fantasy Baseball

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Pitcher Fantasy Value Changes From Trades Part 2

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

OK right out of the gate I gotta say that Lucas outshined me here! His fantastic charts were a great addition to his pitcher breakdowns. I do not have charts… but I do have thoughts!

Upgrade

  • Jack Flaherty to LAD: The team context improvement is a massive upgrade and easily dwarfs any sort of park/division difficulty losses.
  • Erick Fedde 페디 to STL: An even bigger team context improvement than Flaherty’s that also comes with a little park upgrade in terms of HR suppression (99 in CHW to 93 in STL), though it is worth noting that Guarantee Rate plays to a 99 composite Park Factor while Busch Stadium is at 101.
  • Lucas Erceg to KCR: Breakout RP star lands in KCR at just the right moment with James McArthur toting a 5.31 ERA (including 9 ER in 8 appearances this month) and recently acquired Hunter Harvey nursing a back injury. The former hitting prospect sits 99 mph, has a healthy 19% K-BB, and probably deserves better than his 3.58 ERA (3.08 SIERA). A worthy SVs spec this weekend.
  • Trevor Rogers to BAL: Team context alone lands Rogers here in the upgrade portion. He hasn’t been the 2021 stud we saw, but I’m certainly not out on him and excited to see what Baltimore can do with him. This might pay bigger dividends in 2025, but I like it. He hasn’t allowed more than 3 ER in any of his L9 which is nice but still comes with a meager 9% K-BB rate in 48 IP of work.

Neutral

  • Alex Cobb to CLE: Cobb’s just too much of an unknown to say this an upgrade as he’s yet to throw a major league pitch this year. Team improvement is mitigated by the park downgrade He is slated to make a rehab start on Saturday, August 3rd and he could join Cleveland after that. I’m OK speculating on Cobb in 15-teamers for the stash, but keep your expectations tempered with the oft-injured-but-talented righty.
  • Frankie Montas to MIL: Yes, it’s a team context upgrade for sure but will Montas actually be able to leverage it while eating up some innings? His 9% K-BB is half what it was during his 2019-22 run (3.67 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 18% K-BB in 480 IP) and his 1.4 HR9 won’t get a total reprieve in Milwaukee as American Family Field still sits 8th in HR Park Factor (Cincy is 1st, so it is a noteworthy park boost).
  • Jake Bloss to TOR: There is more opportunity in Toronto as they aren’t contending, but he won’t yet be able to take advantage of it as he was sent to Triple-A after the trade and of course, it’s a worse team context. GM Ross Atkins has suggested this demotion might be temporary, though, giving Bloss a chance to breathe and process the trade before being thrust back into a big-league rotation. Stay tuned for his return as he could be a worthy streaming option in deeper formats. That said, I’m more excited about his 2025 and beyond outlook.

Downgrade

  • Paul Blackburn to NYM: Better team and better overall park, but it’s worse for HRs (83 OAK, 99 NYM) which is Blackburn’s biggest issue this year (1.4 HR9). Maybe it’s more neutral than downgrade because while I am already out for next week with a trip to COL on the docket, I love the OAK/MIA 2-step at home (yes, even w/the elevated HR outlook) that sets up for the following week. It’s still only a deep league play but not a bad downballot pitcher play this weekend as that Coors start should temper prices.
  • James Paxton to BOS: Worse team, worse ballpark, and still running just a 5% K-BB this year. On the other hand, he’s back with pitching coach Andrew Bailey and was moderately successful in Boston last year (17% K-BB, 4.50 ERA, 1.31 WHIP). Could be streamable, but I don’t want his at KCR/v. HOU 2-step next week so I’ll pass on bidding this week in anything but maybe AL-Only where anyone breathing has some intrigue.

Closers No Longer Closing… At Least For Now

Essentially just a subset of the downgrade category

  • Carlos Estévez to PHI: He is the best positioned amongst this group because while he joins a deep bullpen, they do not currently have a locked in A-tier closer. Jeff Hoffman is having a brilliant season and could no doubt handle the role, but they like having flexibility to bring him in whenever they want so adding another stud in Estévez could push Hoffman to a more permanent fireman role with Estévez getting the bulk of the SVs. José Alvarado isn’t going anywhere and leads the team with 13 SVs, but I think Hoffman/Estévez are the plays for SVs. Even still, he was the full-time close in LAA so this is a loss.
  • Tanner Scott to SDP: Fantasy folks really wanted him to head to LAD and take over their shaky closer’s role, instead he joins arguably the strongest pen in baseball. He should still garner occasional SVs when a throng of lefties are due up in the 9th, but Robert Suarez is pretty locked in as the guy.
  • Yimi García to SEA: Stuck behind Andrés Muñoz, but having a truly brilliant season (2.45 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, 30% K-BB in 33 IP) so should be the first man up should something open up. This one stings a lot less because he wasn’t the full-time guy with Toronto anyway so not many were banking on his limited SVs (5 so far this yr).

Pitcher Fantasy Value Changes From Trades Part 1

Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

It’s difficult to predict how a trade will impact a pitchers fantasy value, but we’ll try to do it anyways. It mostly seems that relievers lose value because they tend to shift out of the high leverage roles that made them a trade target in the first place. Starters provide a little more support thanks to measurable park factors, team defenses and winning percentages. In this article, I’ve provided a comparison of those statistics from one team to another and attempted a best guess at whether the trade was an upgrade, a neutral move, or a downgrade.

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Roto Riteup: July 31, 2024

Make this a thing please.

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