The trade deadline can have a massive impact on a player’s fantasy baseball value. It can be due to a change of role, a different home park, or the quality of the players around them.
These players have all seen their fantasy value either significantly increase or decrease as a result of their trades before this year’s deadline.
Seranthony Domínguez
Seranthony Domínguez’s save chances decrease, but the likelihood of holds increases. The former Oriole only had two saves in Baltimore, so it’s not a huge loss, but on the division-leading Blue Jays, he will be a regular seventh or eighth-inning setup man.
There’s a sneaky opportunity for Domínguez to grab saves if Toronto chooses to reshuffle its bullpen after the deadline. The high walk rate is a concern, but he’s posting his highest strikeout rate since his rookie season.
Michael Soroka
Standard leagues see Michael Soroka’s win chances skyrocket after swapping the lowly Nationals for the contending Cubs. Soroka is also a prime candidate for a fantasy breakout in the second half, as he’s underachieving relative to his expected metrics.
In the 75th percentile in xERA, Soroka also ranks in the 69th percentile or better in barrel rate, walk rate, and strikeout rate. If you can still trade, he’s a great player to target. The Stuff+ numbers aren’t particularly inspiring, but he’s been making it work so far this season, despite the high ERA.
Ryan McMahon
Leaving the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field usually dampens a player’s production. But Yankee Stadium is the next-best place for a lefty slugger to land, and Ryan McMahon is going to score far more runs and have more RBI opportunities in one of the league’s best offenses.
He’s in the 96th percentile in average exit velocity and has the best barrel rate of his career. The 18.6% rate of pulling the ball in the air also bodes well for Yankee Stadium. McMahon could be an elite hitter from a fantasy perspective through the rest of the regular season.
Ryan Helsley
The 2024 MLB saves leader was always a risk in fantasy baseball. Ryan Helsley was likely to be traded before the deadline, and there was a good chance he’d no longer be a closer once he changed teams.
That’s exactly what happened with his move from the Cardinals to the Mets. Edwin Díaz will remain New York’s primary closer. Helsley might get the occasional save opportunity, but fantasy managers will be hoping for holds in leagues where they’re valuable.
Randal Grichuk
Most of Randal Grichuk’s value comes from his power. His usage was inconsistent with the Diamondbacks, and it’s unclear how he’ll be deployed as a Royal. He was only used as a pinch-hitter in his third game with the new team.
Chase Field is also a far better place to hit as a right-hander, with a considerably higher wOBA on contact than Kauffman Stadium. Arizona also boasted more offensive talent than Kansas City, so Grichuk’s already limited fantasy value has dipped further.
Camilo Doval & Tyler Rogers
Does Camilo Doval become the Yankees’ closer? Tyler Rogers, one of MLB’s most consistent relievers over the last five years, could see more hold chances as a Met than he did with the Giants, based on San Francisco’s trajectory.
Most notably, these trades open up opportunities in the Giants’ bullpen. Randy Rodríguez becomes the full-time closer. Bob Melvin will need to test others in setup roles.
Carlos Correa
Carlos Correa had a 127 OPS+ as an Astro. This season marks the second time in three years that his OPS+ has dipped below 95, all three of those years coming with the Twins. Back in Houston, it might turn out that Correa has aged ungracefully. Or, a return to the Astros could help him get back on track.
Despite some injury issues, Correa was once one of the best fantasy shortstops. Since the start of 2023, he’s fallen down the rankings, but that could change quickly. His adjustment to third base will be worth watching.
Ryan O’Hearn & Ramón Laureano
Already enjoying strong seasons in Baltimore, Ryan O’Hearn and Ramón Laureano head to San Diego with the opportunity to boost the fantasy value of their new teammates. San Diego’s top-heavy lineup is suddenly deeper, which likely means more runs and RBIs for the players already on the roster.
The Orioles’ offense was productive, so it won’t be a huge shift for either of these players. Both are expected to go straight into the everyday lineup.
Twins Sell-Off
Jhoan Durán, Griffin Jax, Danny Coulombe, Louie Varland, and Brock Stewart were all dealt. That leaves a major gap at the back end of the Minnesota bullpen, with Cole Sands likely stepping in as the closer.
The Twins are still going to win games, so Sands becomes a sudden bullpen option in leagues where saves are highly valued. He’s also worth a look in dynasty leagues.
On the offensive side, plate appearances open up after Correa and Harrison Bader were traded to the Astros and Phillies, respectively. Brooks Lee, Luke Keaschall, and Emmanuel Rodriguez are in line to benefit. Newly acquired Mick Abel should go straight into the rotation.
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