In the exciting realm of fantasy baseball, trading players can make or break your season. Whether you're looking to strengthen your roster, balance your team, or take a chance on rising talents, knowing which fantasy baseball players to trade for could be the key to securing a championship. This article dives deep into the current landscape of trades, identifying undervalued assets and highupside players who could significantly enhance your roster.
Why Make Trades?
Making trades in fantasy baseball is not just about swapping players; it’s about strategy. Trades can help you:
Here are the top five fantasy baseball players to trade for, along with tips on how to approach each trade.
Why Trades for Him?
Luis Robert has shown flashes of brilliance this season. Despite battling injuries earlier in his career, his recent performance indicates that he’s now on a trajectory toward stardom. With a blend of power and speed, his potential for contributing across multiple categories is enticing.
How to Approach the Trade
Trade Value: If your league mates undervalue him due to his previous injuries, now is the time to act. Assess players in your league’s trade market who are struggling and offer them for Robert.
Trade Example: Consider trading a struggling star who is overperforming due to current circumstances. For instance, if you can move a player like Starling Marte, who has been dealing with inconsistencies, for Robert, you could come out ahead in the long run.
Why Trades for Him?
Having returned from injury, Tyler Glasnow is poised to be a toptier pitcher for the rest of the season. His K/9 rate is impressive, reflecting his ability to dominate on the mound.
How to Approach the Trade
Trade Value: Glasnow might be perceived as a risk due to his injury history, making him potentially undervalued. Target teams that are leading and might be seeking steadier options in the pitching department.
Trade ExampleFor managers with surplus pitchers, consider trading a midlevel starter and a bench player for Glasnow. If you have someone like José Urquidy providing solid numbers, look to make that trade to get Glasnow’s upside.
Why Trades for Him?
Jared Walsh's consistent power numbers position him as an excellent trade target. He may not be the flashiest name, but his potential to contribute home runs and RBIs at first base can bolster your offense.
How to Approach the Trade
Trade Value: Walsh's current performance might not reflect the full extent of his abilities. Target managers who might not value him due to their focus on name recognition or recency bias.
Trade Example: If you’re housing a more prominent name, like a slightly underperforming Freddie Freeman, consider flipping him for Walsh and adding depth elsewhere.
Why Trades for Him?
Jorge Soler has the potential to be a home run threat, and while he might have inconsistent streaks, his upside is hard to ignore. As a potential secondhalf breakout player, he can provide that muchneeded power boost in the home stretch.
How to Approach the Trade
Trade Value: Soler might be perceived as a risky option due to his volatile performance. Identify teams that need to upgrade their outfield and may be willing to part with a steady but less impactful player.
Trade Example: Consider trading a player who offers similar production but is older or less reliable, such as Andrew Benintendi. This way, you can acquire Soler and tap into his higher ceiling.
Why Trades for Him?
Shohei Ohtani is perhaps the most unique asset in fantasy baseball. His dual eligibility allows him to contribute in both batting and pitching categories. With his offensive prowess and valuable pitching innings – he’s an immediate gamechanger.
How to Approach the Trade
Trade Value: Ohtani is often viewed as a top asset, but his fantasy value might not always align with his reallife performance. Target teams that may be overrelying on one position and could benefit from Ohtani’s flexibility.
Trade Example: For a team with excess outfielders but lacking in solid pitching, a trade that swaps a dependable outfielder for Ohtani (perhaps packaged with a middle reliever) can help you maximize your talent spectrum.
Additional Trading Strategies
Always be on the lookout for players on the waiver wire who are emerging as potential trade fodder. Players who are performing well but might not have noticed by your league can provide excellent lowrisk trades.
Understanding the needs of the teams around you can give you leverage in negotiations. If a team is desperate for a shortstop or needs an extra pitcher, don’t hesitate to engage in trade talks.
Frequent communication with other managers can foster trust and lead to easier negotiations. A good relationship may get you a favorable trade.
Stay updated with player performances, injuries, and any news that might affect player value. Players coming off a hot streak might fetch a higher price, so timing your trade can be crucial.
Sometimes, it pays to take calculated risks on players with lower trade value. Trust your evaluations and take a shot on a player who, based on metrics and projections, shows potential for future success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Identifying trade targets requires analyzing players’ recent performances, health reports, and projections. Look for players with favorable matchups in the upcoming weeks and utilize advanced stats like BABIP, exit velocity, and strikeout rates to assess potential.
Evaluate the depth of your roster and consider whether you can afford to lose a star. If a trade can significantly improve several areas of your team and potentially yield better overall production, it might be worth the risk.
Not necessarily. Trading for players who might be slumping can also yield great rewards, especially if you believe in their longterm potential. Look for underlying metrics that suggest they are poised for a bounceback.
Stay active throughout the season. Continuously monitor your team’s performance and that of your competitors to determine the right time to make a move. The trade deadline can also intensify negotiations, increasing your options.
Generally, midseason is the best time for trades since players have accumulated statistics that could help gauge their future performance. However, don’t hesitate to make lastminute trades that align with your team’s goals just before the playoffs.
Present your trade as mutually beneficial. Point out how the trade could help address their specific needs, especially if they are struggling in crucial categories. Use stats and player comparisons to validate your offers.
In the dynamic world of fantasy baseball, making smart trades is pivotal in shaping your league standings. Leveraging your knowledge of player values, trends, and league settings enables you to create a winning roster. With the players highlighted in this article, you’re well on your way to pulling off impactful trades that can turn your season around!