Navigating the Fantasy Baseball Trade Market: Pitcher Edition
As we approach the midpoint of the fantasy baseball season, managers are starting to feel the pressure to make moves to improve their teams. With only 12% of the full schedule completed, it’s important to remember that one good or bad week can completely change the outlook on any player. This week, the focus is on pitchers who may be undervalued or overvalued in trade talks.
For those looking to buy low, Seattle Mariners’ Luis Castillo is a prime target. Despite a rough start to the season, Castillo has shown signs of turning things around with a solid performance in his last outing. His underlying stats suggest that he is still a valuable fantasy asset, making him a potential steal for savvy managers.
Another buy-low candidate is Houston Astros’ Josh Hader. Despite a slow start in the saves department, Hader remains one of the top relievers in baseball and is likely to see his fortunes improve as the season progresses. Acquiring him now could pay dividends down the road.
On the flip side, Washington Nationals’ Kyle Finnegan is a buy-high candidate for those in need of saves. While his value may not be sky-high, Finnegan is currently the closer for the Nationals and is racking up saves for fantasy managers.
Conversely, Cleveland Guardians’ Triston McKenzie is a sell-low candidate. After a breakout season in 2022, McKenzie has struggled to recapture that form and may continue to disappoint fantasy managers moving forward.
Lastly, St. Louis Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley and Philadelphia Phillies’ Aaron Nola are sell-high candidates. Helsley’s hot start may not be sustainable, and Nola’s underlying stats suggest that his performance could decline in the near future. Capitalizing on their current value could help bolster your roster in the long run.
As the fantasy baseball season progresses, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and make strategic moves to improve your team. By targeting the right players in trade talks, you can set yourself up for success in the weeks to come.