Nearly one week in and now it’s time to panic. This is the fun part of the season when we all overreact to the good, bad and ugly stats after six games. Here are the buy-low and sell-high candidates in fantasy baseball for Week 2.
- 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 2)
Buy Low
It would’ve been nice to have Royce Lewis healthy for more than two games before being injured. I don’t think he is in the category of an ‘always injured’ player yet. Lewis is a young and extremely talented player. He was projected to hit close to 30 home runs with 90 RBIs and double-digit steals. He’s now projected to be out for at least a month. It’s not a terribly long time but it’s a huge blow to Lewis’ owners. You won’t get him dirt cheap, but if you wait another week or two and then make an offer, you could get a solid bat for the rest of the season. Don’t wait until just before he comes off the injured list (IL) — owners will keep him at that point.
A.J. Puk was probably drafted in most leagues for the bottom of rotations or as a reserve pitcher. He had a good spring with 23 strikeouts in 13.2 innings. Unfortunately, he had a terrible start to the season. He lasted two innings, striking out one and walking six batters. Not great but it was more nerves than ability. Some owners might be willing to move on from him now after that first start. I would still take a chance on him.
I debated putting Jared Jones here but I believe this could be the best chance to buy low on him. His next two starts are against Baltimore and Philadelphia, so that will be a tough test. What if he passes that test with flying colors? The door to obtain Jones will close for some and/or the price will skyrocket. He had 10 strikeouts in 5.2 innings in his first start this season, so the sky is the limit, right? Jones was a fun late-round draft pick and didn’t cost much. I wouldn’t overpay but kick the tires to see what owners want for him.
Luis Campusano was a late pick in most drafts, especially for owners who were punting the catcher position. He has started this season with a hot bat, hitting .346 with six RBIs and one home run. I would not overpay for the catcher position, but if that position is a need and you are overstocked in another position, I would take my chances on Campusano. Kyle Higashioka is the backup catcher for the Padres and doesn’t strike me as a threat to take the starting position. If you need a catcher, look no further than Campusano.
Sell High
It’s not like Byron Buxton is tearing up the majors. He’s hitting .300 with three RBIs and zero home runs. What is happening? Buxton is healthy. The longer he plays and performs, owners will start believing the legend he was supposed to be. I hope it happens but we have seen this story. Unlike teammate Royce Lewis, Buxton has a long history of being hurt and disappointing fantasy owners. As long as Buxton is healthy, he has value and, more importantly, value for some other owner. Move him now before it’s too late.
Four innings, five strikeouts and only one walk against the Dodgers — not bad at all. More importantly, do you remember Lance Lynn last season? Quick refresher: 6.47 ERA and 28 home runs allowed. Don’t trust Lynn. He’s listed here because this might be the high selling point for him this season. You won’t get a king’s ransom for him but getting something of value before flat out dropping him isn’t a bad choice.
Until last season, Blake Snell looked like his best years were behind him. The 2023 National League CY Young winner had 234 strikeouts in 180 innings with a 2.25 ERA. Why sell high? From 2018 to 2023, he was an underperforming ace. He never had more than eight wins in a season, didn’t pitch more than 129 innings and maxed out at 171 strikeouts.
Owners who punted the pitching categories or have had injuries could be looking for a replacement. Snell has looked good this spring but can he repeat last season’s performance? Unlike Lance Lynn, you could ask for a king’s ransom in return and potentially get that from some owners. I would use caution this season with Snell and move him while the value from last season is still there.
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