Valuation Changes (Players #6 to #10)

I’m continuing to analyze the valuation changes for players who may be on the move at the trade deadline. I’m using MLBTraderumors.com’s list 50 players most likely to be traded. I’m going over #6 to #10 today.

#6 Wilson Ramos

While any team, besides the Astros and maybe the Dodgers, could use a decent second catcher. For this reason, Ramos isn’t likely headed to be the #1 guy for many of the top teams. While his new team’s offense may be better, the possible lost plate appearances will keep his value relatively constant.

Jesus Sucre gains the most fantasy value as he becomes the fulltime catcher. Sucre is nothing special but in AL-only leagues, the extra plate appearances help. As for the new backup catcher, either Adam Moore or Nick Ciuffo will likely get the call from Triple-A.

#7 Tyson Ross

The 31-year-old Ross has returned to pitching like his old self and looks to be a nice trade chip for the Padres. While Ross has no obvious destination, he’ll only be going to a better offensive team since it’s going to be tough to improve on his current home park and bullpen. I see his fantasy value as stable.

While Ross could help any team’s rotation, I could see teams being hesitant to buy. Ross’s fastball velocity has dropped consistently this season until it popped back up in his last start.

As his velocity has dropped, his FIP and xFIP have increased.

Month: FIP, xFIP
Apr: 2.99, 3.27
May: 3.45, 3.59
June: 5.05, 4.08

I think teams will be a little cautious when it comes to acquiring Ross unless he turns around his current downward trend.

As for Ross’s replacement, there really isn’t an obvious called up. The Padres are hurting for starting pitching depth and have gone to using some bullpen days.

#8 Brad Hand
#9 Raisel Iglesias

As I noted in my last article with Kelvin Herrera, not many contending teams are looking for closers, just setup men. The odds are that if either of this pair is traded, they will no longer be in line for Saves. As for now, both their values are down until their final destination is known.

The key will be finding their replacements for their team’s Saves.

Kirby Yates is the obvious choice to replace Hand in San Diego but there’s an issue. Yates and the next in line, Craig Stammen, may also get traded as Stammen is #13 while Yates is #21 on the trade list. Both should be rostered by those owners digging for Saves but for those in NL-only leagues, Adam Cimber and Matt Strahm maybe relievers to roster.

While I doubt his long-term viability as a closer, Jared Hughes (#47 on the list) looks to the guy in Cincinnati. Hughes doesn’t have the lofty strikeout numbers desired by a closer (6.5 K/9). His 63% GB% will make sure it will take three singles for a team to score.

#10 J.T. Realmuto

Trading for Realmuto is going to take some legit prospects as he is under control for the two seasons after this one. Since the Marlins didn’t move him this winter, they may not now.

Unlike Ramos, his fantasy value should jump as the buying team will not pay the Marlins cost and make him a backup. The extra cost does limit his suitors with the Nationals being the most interested.

It seems like the Marlins and Nationals are in a standoff on a trade from Realmuto for months. The Nationals have the pieces to get him if they really want him but will they pay up.

As for the Marlins catcher situation, it seems like Bryan Holaday and Chad Wallach will be the beneficiaries’ of the extra playing time. Neither is rosterable except in two-catcher NL-only leagues.