Trades are the lifeblood of fantasy baseball home leagues. The conversations around them help keep us connected, engaged, and make our league more fun. Striking deals isn’t always easy. There are often hurt feelings around lopsided proposals, league-mates who value players differently, and that one guy who wants to veto everything. We can improve our fantasy squads with the waiver wire, but our collective hit rates are low. Quite often, those pickups backfire in the form of a hitter’s cold streak or a pitcher’s blowup, which inevitably leads to dropping the player. The one facet we have control of in home leagues is trading.
Managers are often emotionally tied to certain players – specifically, ones they’ve drafted or ones they targeted in drafts and missed. Also, we’re not all great at zooming out for a long-term view and not being stuck in the moment. Good analysis can be washed away by recency bias and small sample sizes. No one can force us to make a deal, so it’s the one element of the game we have some control over and can use proper value assessment and negotiation techniques to our advantage.
This column will recommend hitters and pitchers to attempt to sell-high or buy-low, and touch on trade strategies. No two leagues or two managers are the same. You know your league-mates best: what kind of deal they’ll scoff at, which player type they’re willing to deal or acquire, and how good their player and market valuation skills are. I’ll do my best to dig deep and present realistic opportunities. If there’s someone in your league who will swap their Josh Naylor (0-19 through five games) for a red-hot Joey Wiemer, it’s probably time to find a new manager for their spot, or a more competitive league. Early in the season is usually a great time to take advantage of a good deal, as we can potentially lean into targeting players who are off to slow starts. We can also use fandom to our advantage, specifically when we know a league-mate is a diehard fan of a specific Major League team and may be blinded by subjectivity.
A couple of weeks ago, the Pirates acquired second baseman Brandon Lowe from the Rays as part of a three-team trade. The 31-year-old had spent his entire career in Tampa Bay, so it’ll take some getting used to seeing him don a new uniform and in a new league. He’s coming off the second best fantasy season of his career. Let’s dive into the park factors to determine how the park switch might impact his results.
Just before Thanksgiving, the Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract. He now returns to the American League, where he spent five seasons with the White Sox before joining the Padres for two seasons. Coming off the second worst ERA over a full season in his career, how might his new park affect his results? Let’s consult the park factors to find out.
Last Tuesday, the Red Sox acquired Sonny Gray from the Cardinals, allowing him to don his sixth uniform in 10 seasons. It’s pretty surprising to see a guy with a career ERA- of 87 to be constantly packing his bags to join a new team, but perhaps the positive spin is that so many organizations want him! After spending two seasons calling Busch Stadium home, let’s dive into the park factors to find out how the move to Fenway Park might impacts his results.
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.
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)
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)
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 CostanzaJason 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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
