The fantasy baseball trade market often draws parallels to the stock market.
This analogy holds strong, as savvy fantasy managers can recognize ideal moments to trade players. Indicators for a trade can include poor underlying metrics, the risk of a role change, or concerns about prior injuries. Some players resemble a game of “hot potato” — it’s wise to trade them before their value drops sharply.
Five Players to Consider Trading
Jacob Wilson, SS, Athletics: Wilson has had an impressive rookie season, leading his peers in wins above replacement, home runs, runs scored, and RBIs. He ranks second overall in batting average, just behind Aaron Judge, and is the top contender for the American League Rookie of the Year. His current roster rate on ESPN exceeds 85%.
However, his contact style may not support the numbers he’s producing. With a 10% strikeout rate and a 50% ground ball rate, he is in rare company. Typically, hitters with such stats deliver underwhelming fantasy returns. Considering Wilson lacks the speed needed to sustain his average and has low hard-hit rates, he could be a trade candidate if you can land a star player in return.
Tyler Mahle, SP, Texas Rangers: Mahle has had a smooth comeback from Tommy John surgery in 2023. His ERA ranks 11th in the league, but he struggles with strikeouts, ranking low among starting pitchers in this department. Given his injury history and potential workload issues, trading Mahle for a top-notch starting pitcher could be beneficial.
Roman Anthony, OF, Boston Red Sox: Recently debuted, Anthony’s performance so far has been lackluster. Many top prospects have faced similar challenges at the start of their careers. While it’s too soon to trade him for a proven player, his current perceived value might yield a solid return, especially if you seek established stars like Riley Greene.
Robert Suarez, RP, San Diego Padres: Suarez is currently excelling despite a rocky spring training. He leads the league in saves, but a high luck factor is evident in his statistics. With an unsustainable BABIP and luck on his side, he could be a valuable trade asset if you have strong closing options.
Kris Bubic, RP/SP, Kansas City Royals: Bubic is putting together an incredible season, ranking high in ERA and quality starts. However, as he also returns from Tommy John surgery, concerns about his workload must be considered. Trading him for a pitcher likely to perform well in the second half could be a smart move for your fantasy team.
