Fantasy baseball enthusiasts are always looking for an edge in their leagues, and one strategy that can pay off is buying low on struggling players and selling high on those who have exceeded expectations. Below, our featured experts take a closer look at some players that they’re targeting for these types of trades. Our experts have been closely monitoring the latest player trends and performance metrics to identify key players you should consider buying low and selling high in order to maximize your roster’s potential.
By leveraging our exclusive trade analyzer and relying on advanced metrics and our comprehensive player rankings and player projections, our experts have determined which players you should be targeting in trades, and which ones you should be looking to move. So, whether you’re in need of a roster shake-up or simply looking to capitalize on a player’s hot streak, this article is here to guide you through the process.
Let’s dive into these trade recommendations, analyzing the rationale behind each move and providing you with actionable advice to help you dominate your league. And don’t forget to check out our other fantasy baseball resources to help you stay ahead of the competition all season long. Happy trading!
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Players to Buy Low and Sell High
Which one MLB player are you trying to buy low and why? Also, who are you willing to give up for him?
Kyle Schwarber (OF – PHI)
“The batting average is going to scare people off, but his strikeout rate is nearly identical to last year, and he’s walking more, which suggests his approach hasn’t changed. He’ll never hit for a high average, but it should improve from here, as he’s logged a .183 BABIP to date. He’s already hit 12 HRs, and the RBIs should improve. I’d gladly part with someone like Anthony Rizzo or even James Outman for Schwarber, who tends to go on streaks.”
– Scott Youngson (Pitcher List)
Manny Machado (3B – SD)
“San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (hand) was placed on the 10-day injured list after X-rays revealed a fracture in his left hand. The 30-year-old struggled before the injury, slashing .231/.282/.372 with five home runs, 19 RBI, 18 runs, and two stolen bases across 40 games in 2023. Machado is expected to come off the injured list soon, and now is the time to buy low on the star third baseman. The veteran blasted 32 homers, collected 102 RBI in 2022, and should bounce back when he comes off the injured list. I would look to trade a couple of players ranked within 50-100 in the latest ECR to acquire Machado, as this will likely be the lowest price point you can acquire him this season.”
– Brad Camara (RotoBaller)
Tim Anderson (SS – CWS)
“Tim Anderson is an easy answer given his history and the fact that he possesses one of the biggest differences between his wOBA and expected wOBA, according to StatCast. Anderson stole five bases during the first 10 games of this season prior to a hamstring injury and has stolen just one in the 20 games since activation. His slump can be traced to the injury and a BABIP which sits 40 points lower than usual. Despite this, Anderson continues to bat atop an improving lineup thanks to Jake Burger‘s breakout and Eloy Jimenez‘s impending return. Potential sells for Anderson could include Alex Bregman or Kris Bryant if you need speed.”
– Kev Mahserejian (RotoBaller)
Trea Turner (SS – PHI)
“If you’re selling Trea Turner, I’m buying. He hasn’t been good, his advanced numbers don’t look great, and he hasn’t even been running that much, considering the explosion of stolen bases around the league. But here’s the thing. I don’t care. We have a long track record of success to fall back on with Turner. I think his strikeout and batted ball numbers are going to normalize, and he’s going to settle in and get hot. I already have an offer of Dylan Cease and Jeremy Pena out in a trade for Turner, and you might be able to get him for less depending on how desperate the manager is in your league.”
– Mike Maher (FantasyPros)
Sandy Alcantara (SP – MIA)
“Sandy Alcantara hasn’t been quite as dominant in 2023 as he was the last few seasons. However, over his last five starts (32 IP), he boasts a 3.68 WHIP and a 9.46 K/9. His 4.73 ERA over that period is largely due in part to a high .322 BABIP against. It’s not often you get a shot at an ace on a discount, so I would shoot my shot and offer Eduardo Rodriguez (who’s pitched so far past expectations) and a bat to see if I could land Alcantara.”
– Joe Pisapia (FantasyPros)
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What one MLB player are you trying to sell high right now and why? Also, who would you try to get in return?
Austin Hays (OF – BAL)
“He’s been much better than expected to this point, but the .311 average probably isn’t going to stick, as he’s rocking a .396 BABIP and is striking out in over 25% of his plate appearances. As the average drops, so will the runs and RBI, and he hasn’t done much with the long ball this year. Consider yourself lucky if you drafted him late or picked him up early in the season and try to move him while you can. I’d trade him for someone like Michael Conforto or Josh Naylor, who should hit for a similar average from here on with more power.”
– Scott Youngson (Pitcher List)
Christopher Morel (2B,3B,SS,OF – CHC)
“This is the perfect opportunity to sell high on Chicago Cubs utilityman Christopher Morel. The 23-year-old has been on absolute fire, hitting .367 with nine home runs, 15 RBI, 16 runs, and a stolen base across 12 games, including homering in five straight. He is also striking out a lot, evidenced by his 37.5 K%. Morel continues to rake and has shown no signs of slowing down, but the strikeout rate will eventually catch up to him. Fantasy managers should continue to ride Morel’s hot streak, but there’s an excellent opportunity to acquire a top 50 player in the latest expert consensus rankings.”
– Brad Camara (RotoBaller)
Shane McClanahan (SP – TB)
“Shane McClanahan is performing much better than his peripherals suggest. His 2.05 ERA and even 1.19 WHIP look incredible in the current pitching landscape but may be short-lived. McClanahan’s SIERA and xFIP sit at a career-worst 3.86 and 3.64 respectively. While these are still the numbers of a very good pitcher McClanahan’s due for regression if his nearly doubled walk rate sustains (good news for anyone holding is that the strikeouts have not gone away). Sell McClanahan while he’s putting up ace ratios in an attempt to acquire a struggling first-rounder like Julio Rodriguez or Trea Turner. ”
– Kev Mahserejian (RotoBaller)
Mickey Moniak (OF – LAA)
“I refuse to believe Mickey Moniak is good. I REFUSE. His strikeout rate is astronomical, his hard hit numbers are absurd (in a good way), his BABIP is hovering around .600, and a third of his fly balls are going over the fence right now. That isn’t real life. Sure, he has prospect pedigree as a former No. 1 overall pick. But the Phillies gave up on this guy because, on top of some injuries, he just wasn’t ever that good in the minors and struggled mightily when he was promoted. He’s a fun story. Good for him. Claps and back slaps all around and all that. But this is a screaming sell-high for a guy with zero job security who might not even play against most lefties. Stream if you must, but sell if you can.”
– Mike Maher (FantasyPros)
Bryce Elder (SP – ATL)
“Bryce Elder has been quite helpful to the Braves and fantasy managers alike. However, the league may be starting to catch up to him. Over his last five starts, Elder has an ERA of 2.83 , but his FIP is 4.08. Not to mention his K/9 is now sitting at just 6.91 over those starts. Because he’s been strong YTD and pitches for a good team, Elder will have value. If you could flip him for Tanner Bibee or a Bryan Reynolds-level bat it may be a good time to move on from him.”
– Joe Pisapia (FantasyPros)
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