We have almost a month of baseball stats to digest. We have some stars that are putting up concerning numbers and some unknown players playing above their means. This week, I have six buy-low and sell-high candidates.
- Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Advice
- Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice
- Fantasy Baseball Start/Sit Lineup Advice
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice (Week 5)
Buy Low
Lane Thomas is currently struggling, hitting just .179 with two home runs and zero doubles. He does have 10 stolen bases and has been caught stealing just once. Some owners might be getting annoyed with Thomas, especially if they paid a high draft pick for him. A few things to consider about Thomas: Last year through April he had only two stolen bases, a .260 batting average, and he struck out over 26% of the time. His batting average is currently lower than last year, but he has more stolen bases and home runs, and his strikeout rate is also lower at 21.5%.
He took off last May and hit over .300 with eight home runs in that month alone. Perhaps Thomas is just a slow starter and will heat up as the season goes on. At least he’s stealing bases. I had Thomas listed here before he was removed with an injury. Hopefully, it’s not that serious. If anything, you might be able to acquire him at a better discount than before.
The No. 2 prospect is hitting .227, with four home runs and four stolen bases. He is striking out at over a 30% rate. For a prospect, these stats shouldn’t cause you to run away. However, some owners might be in prospect fatigue and looking for change. Jackson Chourio will still demand a price, even in a redraft league, but now could be the time to strike a deal. Once he takes off, which he probably will, acquiring him will be nearly impossible. Stir the pot and see if any owners are willing to talk.
Jack Flaherty has gone at least six innings in all four of his starts this year. He has over an 11.00 K/9 and a 1.11 WHIP. His ERA currently stands at 4.44 but that mostly comes from his second start where he gave up six runs against Oakland. His expected ERA is 3.82 and he is getting a higher chase rate with his fastball and slider.
Flaherty shouldn’t be your ace, but he’s a pitcher who will give you innings and solid strikeouts. He would be a perfect third or fourth starter in your rotation. He could be flying under the radar in your league. Acquire him now before he becomes a reliable starter for someone else.
Sell High
Kerry Carpenter has eight at-bats against left-handed pitching this year. He’s not always going to be in the lineup. In my opinion, you can’t rely on a player like that in any scoring league. He’s hitting .293 with three home runs and 7 extra-base hits. Outfield is still a position of need for owners, but I would be willing to move Carpenter now before his playing time concerns become more well-known and he turns into a streamer hitter in your league. You won’t get a big haul for him but something more reliable could be obtained.
Starling Marte is hitting .298 with four home runs, six stolen bases and an OPS over .800. He looks like a completely different player than last year when he hit .248 on the year and had only five home runs. He only played in 86 games, but we were all expecting more.
I would look at moving Marte because I’m not sold on a mid-30s player turning things around after a disappointing season. I doubt he can keep this up all year. Marte’s name still has some carry and owners might be feeling good about a comeback story. Perhaps I’m wrong about Marte and he returns to his past, but remember the light always burns the brightest before it goes out.
Reynaldo Lopez has gone six innings in his first three starts of the year. In those 18 innings, he has struck out 18 and given up just one earned run. He pitches for one of the best teams in the majors and his next two starts are against the Miami Marlins and Seattle Mariners. Lopez has been around for a while. He made his major league debut back in 2016. Since then, he has had some relative success.
Lopez has only pitched over 100 innings twice in his major league career. So, how long will the Braves let him remain in the rotation? In ESPN leagues, his roster percentage rose nearly 40% this past week. I wouldn’t blame you for holding onto him for these next two starts, but he won’t remain a starting pitcher all year. Get something now before he becomes a bullpen arm.
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