Dynasty Trade Targets: Riley Greene, Matt Mervis, Ke’Bryan Hayes (2024 Fantasy Baseball)

There are six players that should be targeted in dynasty leagues before the 2024 season – three hitters and three pitchers – who could likely be obtained at discounted prices. These players come with some concerns but with their potential and decreased current value, now is the time to make deals.

Dynasty Fantasy Baseball Players to Target

Riley Greene (DET – OF)

Garrett Whitlock is entering a pivotal year in fantasy. All owners who had or currently have shares of Whitlock would probably agree this is the final year of hanging onto those shares. He has to show more than he has in the past. Also, will we get bullpen Whitlock or starting rotation Whitlock? I believe we will get the starter this year. Or at least that’s currently the plan. He will have to earn that spot in spring training, though. Whitlock had a 5.23 ERA as a starter last year. He did suffer a hip injury during the season and came back in a relief role, but that was most likely to ease him back in. I don’t see the addition of Whitlock as a gamble because he shouldn’t cost anything. He still has the makeup of a good sinker, slider and changeup. That’s a good repertoire to have for a back-end rotation starter.

Matt Mervis (CHC – 1B)

Matt Mervis was a highly touted prospect going into the 2023 season. A quick promotion in early May 2023 did not go the way most wanted. With just 99 plate appearances before being sent back to the minors (and then not getting called back up last season), Mervis hit for a .167 average with just three home runs. Not close to the 20+ home run projections we all expected. He did hit minor league pitching well with a .282 batting average and had 22 home runs. Mervis has good power and I would love to see a full season at Wrigley Field. He will have to take the opportunity he gets, though, and run with it. With the Cubs acquiring projected starting first baseman Michael Busch, Mervis has to show power and not slow down. Starting slow or going through periods of lackluster production will increase the chances of him being sent back down and/or becoming another cautionary tale of a ‘what could have been’ prospect. You wouldn’t want him as your starter this season but he’s worth an add for future potential. His value is much less now than it was this time last year. You could wait until spring training and see how everything is playing out with Mervis, however, if he does show progress, don’t wait too long to acquire him.

Ke’Bryan Hayes (PIT – 3B)

How about a guy with a .283 batting average, 24 home runs and 21 stolen bases? Well, that’s my hot take for hot corner third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes for the 2024 season. He is only two years removed from having 20 stolen bases and he hit 15 bombs last season — numbers he could reach this season.

He’s projected to bat third in the lineup, which is creating some buzz, but he could probably still use some help. Like Riley Greene, Hayes could find himself being the anchor of this Pittsburgh lineup. Hayes was one of only three third basemen that finished with double-digit home runs and stolen bases. This could be the year Hayes takes another step. If he does, his value will balloon. Even if he stays where he’s at with his production, Hayes still has fantasy value. Try to acquire Hayes based on his current value before Opening Day.