The MLB is one week away from its trade deadline, and absolutely nothing has happened yet. Many thought that transitioning this season to a hard deadline on July 31 would make the dominoes start falling early and often, but that definitely has not been the case. For fantasy owners waiting on pins and needles to see what potential trades will actually come to fruition, the wait continues. In the meantime, Burning Questions is here to help.
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Who are some players set to see their stock rise with a potential trade?
Marcus Stroman (SP – TOR)
What does Stroman have to show for a 3.06 ERA in 20 games started this season? A measly six wins. He can thank the Blue Jays for that, a team he certainly won’t be playing for come next week. Whether Stroman goes to the Yankees, Astros, A’s, or anyone else doesn’t particularly matter to fantasy owners. He’ll be on a much better team than the Blue Jays and could easily double his six-win total.
Mike Minor (SP – TEX)
Minor has already told us his pitching has been affected by the swirling trade rumors around him. Come to think of it, it’s surprising we don’t see players admit this more often. Regardless, Minor’s on a sinking ship with Texas and will soon be able to join a much better squad. Hopefully that will put his mind at ease and end his recent shaky streak, let alone get him a few more wins than the Rangers have.
Tanner Roark (SP – CIN)
With the lack of action thus far, the Reds could probably get a decent enough return to warrant trading Roark. He’s pitched relatively well this season for fantasy owners, and a move outside Great American Ball Park should only help improve those numbers. More wins and an even better ERA could be on the way for Roark.
Will Smith (RP – SF)
At this point, it would be tough for the Giants to go into full-on selling mode. My guess? They keep Bumgarner, knowing they’ll resign him, and they’ll trade Smith.
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again; if Will Smith gets traded, the odds he closes on his new team are still better than not. If that’s indeed the case, then Smith stays with the surging Giants or becomes the closer on an even better team. Either way, Smith owners will take it.
Who are some players set to see their stock fall at the trade deadline?
Ken Giles (RP – TOR)
Giles is a lock to be traded, and there’s almost no chance he’ll be the closer on his new team. There isn’t much else to say. Sorry owners. Trade him now if anyone will take him on.
Charlie Blackmon (OF – COL)
Call me crazy, but I’m on the “Blackmon gets traded bandwagon.” Okay, it might be a little crazy, but the Rockies are in the worst position in sports right now. They aren’t bad enough to rebuild, but they aren’t good enough to win anything meaningful. Maybe this is the year management finally realizes that and takes steps to rebuild (because let’s be honest, that’s the only real option for most teams in that scenario).
If Blackmon does get traded, it will truly kill his value. Just take this as proof. Blackmon’s hitting to an otherworldly .415 AVG at home with 16 home runs. On the road, those numbers drop all the way down to a .237 AVG and five home runs. That’s Coors Field baby. Owners better hope and pray Blackmon stays put.
Carlos Martinez (RP/SP – STL)
The Cardinals can’t exactly be thrilled with Martinez’s performances over the past couple weeks. But while Martinez has struggled, the Cardinals find themselves in the playoffs if the season ended today. For a team that already wants to improve their bullpen, it would be anything but a surprise to see the Cardinals grab a new closer and move Martinez back to a multi-purpose role, all but destroying his value.
Shane Greene (RP – DET)
Greene seems like just about as much of a lock to get traded as Ken Giles, and he’s in the exact same scenario closing wise. His days as a quality closer this season are probably numbered.
Who are some diamonds in the rough to potentially help fantasy teams down the stretch?
Alex Wood (SP – CIN)
After a long, long, long – did I say long? – rehab, Wood seems ready to rejoin the Reds’ rotation this week. While we can’t expect the mid-threes ERA he posted last season for a few reasons, Wood’s career numbers are probably much better than you’d ever guess. He needs to be owned in all fantasy leagues sooner rather than later.
Aledmys Diaz (1B/2B/3B/SS – HOU)
If you’re a member of the Houston Astros’ lineup, you rake. Period. It seems like Diaz is going to get some serious playing time now that he’s off the IL. Hitting in that Astros’ lineup, you could do much worse than plugging and playing Diaz when needed off your bench. If nothing else, he should provide some counting stats while eligible at premium positions.
Sean Manaea (SP – OAK)
Keep Manaea’s name in the back of your head down the stretch if you need pitching help. Manaea is making his way back from shoulder surgery, but had a very successful season last year. If he does come back and pitches for the A’s in a few weeks, he should most definitely be worth a roster consideration.
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Alex Altmix is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Alex, check out his archive or follow him @Altmix_23.