Fantasy Radar Week 8: Trade Deadline

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As per usual, the league will see some significant movement leading up to the August 2nd trade deadline. While big trades can happen randomly, the players that are set to be moved at the deadline are all but clear. Big names like JD Martinez, Willson Contreras, Luis Castillo, and Juan Soto have drawn trade interest, but smaller deals will prove to be the biggest fantasy steals.

Detroit Fire Sale

The Detroit Tigers are in the midst of a downright agonizing season as they have failed to meet the high expectations spawned by heavy offseason spending. The level of disappointment surrounding this team somehow rivals that of the LA Angels. As a result of a 40-59 record, reports have surfaced that nearly “anyone” on their roster is available to trade, including budding star pitcher Tarik Skubal. With several talented pieces on this Detroit roster, be on the lookout for these guys:

Tarik Skubal (78-84% rostered)

Skubal, one of the lone bright spots on the Detroit Tigers, is the team’s most attractive trade piece. While a 3.88 ERA doesn’t look all that impressive, his 2.92 FIP and 3.23 xERA shows that Skubal could become dominant once he gets moved. With 4 years of team control left, expect Skubal to be a high-end starter on a young contending team like the Mariners. A quick note: be very careful not to overpay for Skubal unless you are in a keeper league.

Gregory Soto (60-76% rostered)

Soto has already racked up 18 saves so he’s already one of the league’s best closers. Similar to Skubal, Soto’s numbers should improve once he gets moved to a more competitive team. Make space for Gregory Soto if he’s still available in your league.

Joe Jimenez (0-1% rostered)/Michael Fulmer (6-25% rostered)/Andrew Chafin (1-10% rostered)

If Gregory Soto gets moved, set-up relievers Joe Jimenez, Michael Fulmer, and Andrew Chafin could quickly become fantasy relevant. As the only serious options to replace Soto, pay close attention to those Detroit Tigers in the post-deadline late innings. This is all predicated on the assumption that neither Jimenez, Fulmer, nor Chafin get moved at the deadline. However, it is becoming increasingly possible that all three of these guys get moved at the deadline. For that reason, I wouldn’t pre-emptively pick up any of these guys until the deadline passes.

Other Trade Deadline Adds

Daniel Vogelbach (3-4% rostered)

Vogelbach was the first domino to fall in this year’s trade season as the slugger got dealt from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the contending Mets. The Mets went into the month of July desperate for left-handed power hitters. Anybody who has ever witnessed a PA from the beefy Vogelbach knows that he’s a power hitter.

With Pittsburgh being in the bottom 3rd of Runners Left In Scoring Position, Vogelbach’s RBI numbers will surely balloon as his time with the Mets increases. At the very least, I’d consider keeping an eye on Vogelbach in your fantasy league.

Daniel Bard (73-83% rostered)

The Rockies closer should be moved at the deadline, whether that happens is yet to be determined. In the case that the Rockies start selling, Daniel Bard should be a priority trade candidate. Already holding 21 saves this season, Bard is a premier closer. He’ll convert at an even higher rate when he gets moved to a contender. Turn in a trade offer when Bard’s name starts heating up on the rumor mill.

In Other News

Jon Gray (76-84% rostered)

In a previous edition focused on the Rangers, I made a significant lapse in judgment and left Jon Gray off of the final list. Since that article, Gray has started in 5 games and produced back-to-back 34-point and 22-point outings (standard ESPN leagues). In his most recent start, Gray went for 6 innings; throwing his highest fastball velos of the year before being rocked on a 3-run Julio Rodriguez homer. Jon Gray’s stretch of positive fantasy outings likely won’t end in the near future. Try to sneak in an offer for Jon Gray if the person you’re dealing with is a bit inattentive.

Leody Taveras (35-65% rostered)

As the biggest riser in fantasy leagues (rostered rate has risen 20% in last week), Leody Taveras should be this week’s priority add. Since his season debut in mid-June, Taveras has posted an insane 162 WRC+ with a .346 BA.

After two poor stints in the majors and an unsustainable .442 BABiP, it’s worth questioning if Taveras is another flash in the pan. I’m sure he’ll regress as the season goes, but Taveras has actually put it together this year. His main problem in the past two seasons has been the strikeout and he’s put in serious work to fix that. Taveras’ SO ratio has dipped significantly from 32% in 20-21 to an average 24% SO ratio this year. With that improvement, Taveras should have extended success this season.

See the last week of fantasy baseball radar here