With the season now over halfway done, it is crucial to examine some important storylines and aspects this week to stay ahead of the curve and gain an edge on your leaguemates.
Here are 20 things around the world of fantasy baseball to watch for Week 19.
- Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Assistant
- Fantasy Baseball Trade Tools
- Weekly Fantasy Baseball Content
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Baseball 20 Things to Watch: Week 19
Fantasy Baseball Week 19 Schedule Notes
- The following teams have just five games this week:
- Tampa Bay Rays vs. MIA, at HOU
- Oakland A’s at SF, vs. LAD
- Los Angeles Dodgers at SD, at OAK
- San Diego Padres vs. LAD, vs. COL
- San Francisco Giants vs. OAK, at CIN
- The following teams have seven games this week:
- Tampa Bay Rays at NYY, at TOR, vs. CIN
- Chicago White Sox at TEX, vs. SEA
- Cleveland Guardians vs. DET, at PHI
- Los Angeles Angels at SEA, vs. OAK
- Texas Rangers vs. CHW, at TOR
- Atlanta Braves vs. CIN, at NYM
- Miami Marlins vs. NYM, vs. BAL, at MIL
- New York Mets at MIA, at NYY, vs. ATL
- Los Angeles Dodgers vs. SF, at HOU
- San Francisco Giants (eight games) at LAD, vs. COL
The MLB Trade Deadline
This year’s MLB Trade Deadline has already been fantastic, and we still have until Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET to see how everything unfolds. A number of teams appear to be big sellers but have yet to make moves, like the White Sox, and others that should sell but haven’t yet, like the Giants. Teams like the Braves, Dodgers and Astros are likely to be big buyers and haven’t made moves yet, either. It should be a really fun start to the week.
Devin Williams (RP – MIL)
Devin Williams has missed the entire season due to having back surgery in Spring Training but is finally back with the Brewers. He made his debut over the weekend, but it was in a non-save situation so we need to see if he will be taking Trevor Megill‘s closer role or if Williams moves into a setup role.
The Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles have already made some big moves, adding Zach Eflin from the Rays and trading Austin Hays to the Phillies for Seranthony Dominguez and Cristian Pache. However, more is expected in Baltimore. They still haven’t moved any of their top-100 prospects yet and have needs in their rotation and bullpen. They figure to be one of the major players at the deadline.
The New-Look Tampa Bay Rays
In spite of being two games over .500, the Rays have decided to be sellers and are moving pieces away left and right. This will open up a rotation spot for Jeffrey Springs (see below for more) and could open up more playing time for fielders like Curtis Mead, Jonny DeLuca, and maybe even top prospect Junior Caminero.
The Los Angeles Angels’ Bullpen
The Angels traded away closer Carlos Estevez and now are without a proven entity in the ninth inning. Luis Garcia received the opportunity and converted it on Sunday, but he is rumored to be on the block as well. Ben Joyce would likely be the next man up if the Angels trade away Garcia, but that remains to be seen.
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Bullpen
The Phillies did add Estevez from the Angels, but there is some question about whether he is still a full-time closer. The Phillies have used a committee for the last couple of seasons, so it is highly likely that it will continue.
The Oakland Athletics’ Bullpen
The A’s are without All-Star closer Mason Miller due to an injury and are now looking at Tyler Ferguson and Lucas Erceg as potential replacements. Both are likely to be on the block as the rebuilding A’s look to continue their roster turnover. We should have more clarity on this situation after the deadline.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Bullpen
Evan Phillips has struggled, and the Dodgers have recently used a committee in the ninth inning. The question is whether someone else will emerge or will they add a premium closer at the deadline.
The Red Sox’s Catching Rotation
The Red Sox traded for Danny Jansen over the weekend and designated Reese McGuire for assignment. The big issue for Jansen is that the Red Sox have Connor Wong, who has been pretty good this season. Jansen was the designated hitter over the weekend with Wong catching, so there is a chance that is how things shake out. However, with Masataka Yoshida as the team’s regular DH, it seems unlikely that Jansen can play there regularly.
Joey Cantillo (SP – CLE)
Joey Cantillo is a top pitching prospect for the Guardians, who is scheduled to make his debut this week. He has really good strikeout stuff but struggles with command and control. The Guardians have been great at developing pitchers but have struggled with their depth in the rotation this year. His ability to stick in the rotation may be answered if they go out and pick up a starter or two at the deadline.
Streaming Options
Trevor Rogers (SP – MIA) at TB
Trevor Rogers has pitched really well lately and gets a Rays team that is selling off assets left and right.
Tylor Megill (SP – NYM) at LAA
Tylor Megill has great stuff when he can keep the ball in the yard and is facing a bad Angels offense that may sell off more pieces before this start.
Robbie Ray (SP – SF) vs. OAK
Robbie Ray was great in his first start back from the IL and now faces a bad Oakland offense at home.
Jeffrey Springs (SP – TB) vs. MIA
Jeffrey Springs has looked great in his Minor League rehab assignments and faces a depleted Marlins squad at home.
Two-Start Options
Michael Wacha (SP – KC) at CHW, at DET
When healthy, Michael Wacha has been very good this season and for the last three seasons. He is healthy right now and is facing two bad offenses that may sell off more pieces prior to his second start.
Alec Marsh (SP, RP – KC) at CHW, at DET
Alex Marsh has struggled more as of late, but these two matchups are about as good as you can ask for, considering they’re both terrible offenses that could get worse after the trade deadline.
Griffin Canning (SP – LAA) vs. COL, vs. NYM
Griffin Canning is coming off a fantastic start versus the Mariners, but it is so hard to know what version of him you will get. He has a great beginning half of the two-step and a tougher second half. I would probably risk it in deeper leagues because the Rockies are so bad, but there is a fair amount of downside here.
Carson Spiers (RP, SP – CIN) vs. CHC, vs. SF
Carson Spiers is returning from the IL for a two-step. I would normally avoid him in his first start back, but these are great matchups versus two teams that are likely sellers at the deadline.
Andre Pallante (RP, SP – CIN) vs. TEX, at CHC
Andre Pallante has quietly been great this season. While the start against the Rangers is tougher, they have not been a powerhouse offense, and the Cubs flat out are terrible offensively. I think the risk is worth the reward here.
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