With around a month left until the MLB trade deadline, savvy fantasy baseball managers should start making moves to free up roster space. As deadline deals start to happen, new fantasy factors will emerge, and those with room on their benches can quickly add these players. To stay ahead of the curve, managers should consider making 2-for-1 or 3-for-1 trades this month to acquire difference-makers. Here are a few players who could be involved in potential trades:
Sell High
Ryan Helsley (RP, St. Louis Cardinals)
There is likely a strong market for trading Helsley to a team in need of saves. Leading baseball with 31 saves and boasting a 2.54 ERA, Helsley has been walking a fine line in securing close wins lately, with 10 walks in his last 11 appearances. While it’s not certain that his season is due for a major downturn, managers can capitalize on his success by trading him for a premium return and finding a suitable replacement either through trade or waivers. Helsley’s success has been tied to the Cardinals generating the most save opportunities, so there are teams with similar records that have seen fewer save chances.
Buy Low
Josh Hader (RP, Houston Astros)
Despite his strong performance this season, Hader ranks 16th in baseball with 13 saves. With a remarkable strikeout total of 60, he has the potential to be one of the most valuable closers in the second half. Another buy-low option is Ha-Seong Kim (2B/3B/SS, San Diego Padres), who provides a unique combination of power and speed that is hard to find in today’s game.
Buy High
Marcell Ozuna (OF, Atlanta Braves)
Ozuna has emerged as a standout hitter in the Braves lineup, showcasing impressive power numbers and a high average. With a strong exit velocity and potential for increased power in the second half, Ozuna is a player worth investing in. Another player to consider buying high on is J.D. Martinez (OF, New York Mets), who ranks high in expected slugging percentage and could be a top power hitter in the coming months.
Sell Low
Alex Bregman (3B, Houston Astros)
While Bregman hasn’t had a terrible season, his numbers have been below his usual standards. With lower-than-expected statistics based on Statcast metrics, Bregman’s value may be lower than usual, making him a sell-low candidate for fantasy managers looking to make a trade.