MLB Trade Deadline: Fantasy Baseball Effect

The MLB trade deadline has come and gone with a lot of players switching teams. With the fantasy baseball season coming into the home stretch, it’s fair to ask if any of these moves will affect your fantasy teams.

While many of the players swapped may not be on your fantasy team or deserve fantasy consideration, there are several big name players who were dealt and could help your team win it all. Not to say that the value of these players will change entirely with their new respective teams; rather, that they at least alter it slightly enough to make it in worth acquiring or trading them in your fantasy leagues.

Matt Kemp:

Kemp is no longer the fantasy stud he once was. That does not mean he could not play a big part for your team down the stretch. Kemp has made no secret about how excited he is to join the Braves, promising Atlanta they will see the best version of himself. While I wouldn’t expect Kemp to return anywhere near his MVP form, it is very possible that a move to Atlanta is just what he needed to up his production just a bit. Now is the time to buy low on Kemp.

Rich Hill:

Hill has been a surprising commodity this season offering a low ERA and high strikeout totals. The move to the Dodgers should only increase these numbers. While Hill is on the DL currently, he will return in plenty of time to have an effect on your team. His move to a league without a DH and less overall offensive talent should only boost his numbers once he returns this season.

Andrew Miller / Aroldis Chapman:

No matter where Miller suits up he is an elite reliever. The move to the Cleveland Indians does little to increase or decrease his value. While he may receive a few more save chances down the road than he would have with the Yankees, the Indians balance that out by winning often by large margins. If you have Miller already, there is no reason to have any concern over how he will perform the rest of the season.

Chapman is fun to watch. It isn’t often you hear that about a reliever but for Chapman it is true. You never know how fast you will see him throw on a given day. His fantasy value took a bit of an uptick moving to a team that should use him a bit more. If you are in need of a reliever to help put you over the top, avoid paying high prices for either of these guys and look at the closer changes made recently with the Brewers, Braves and Mariners.

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Josh Reddick:

Josh Reddick is moving to the Dodgers along with teammate Rich Hill. Unlike Hill, though, the move does little for his fantasy value. Reddick is a player who is maddeningly inconsistent in fantasy. At times offering top production and then doing next to nothing. While that is somewhat true for all baseball players, it is magnified with Reddick. Avoid buying into Reddick despite him moving to an improved lineup.

Jonathan Lucroy:

The Rangers made one of the biggest splashes at the deadline, pulling off two huge deals in the last couple of hours. Adding Lucroy to their team was a good move that has helped make them division favorites. Lucroy’s price will not be any higher than it is right now this season, as consistent catchers are hard to come by in fantasy. Consistent catchers moving to an offensive-minded team surrounded by hype are even more difficult to come by. If you own Lucroy, now is the time to sell.

Carlos Beltran:

Much like Lucroy, Carlos Beltran is surrounded by hype as he heads to the Texas Rangers to help bolster their offense. Unlike Lucroy, however, Beltran is a player you should buy into. His age and moving from such a great hitter’s park may help his price just a bit. While most owners are likely to want the moon in return (much like Cashman received), if you are looking for that last offensive piece to help make a playoff run then you should at least inquire on Carlos Beltran.

Next: Cashman Has Monster Week

As most fantasy baseball leagues wrap up this month, be sure you make the needed moves to put your team in a position to win it all.

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