As the MLB trade deadline approaches, fantasy baseball managers have one last chance to shake up their rosters and gain a competitive edge. This is our final trade deadline buy/sell article of the season, and our featured experts have pinpointed the players you should be targeting – and those you should be moving – to maximize value before it’s too late.
By analyzing the latest player trends, performance metrics, and projections, our experts have identified key buy-low and sell-high candidates to help you make strategic, deadline-driven trades. Whether you’re looking to bounce back from injuries, bolster a playoff push, or cash in on a player’s hot streak, this is your last call to strike a deal.
With insights fueled by our exclusive fantasy baseball trade analyzer and expert rankings, we’ll guide you through the most actionable trade targets ahead of the deadline. Let’s break down who you should be buying and selling – and why – to help you close the season strong.
Players to Trade Now: Deadline Edition
With the trade deadline approaching in many leagues, who is your main target, and why? Also are you willing to “buy high” on that player?
Chandler Simpson (OF – TB)
“The best trade targets are the ones that help your team in the right categories. That being said, if you need stolen bases, I would target Chandler Simpson. He’s likely to lead the league in stolen bases in the 2nd half. Unlike most of the other people on that list (Elly, Jose Ramirez, CJ Abrams, etc.), he shouldn’t cost a fortune. If you need stolen bases, I’d be willing to pay more than any person likely ranks or any projection system has his value listed for.”
– Brandon ‘B_Don’ Myers (Razzball)
Corey Seager (SS – TEX)
“Corey Seager’s season totals don’t look great, but over the last 30 days, he ranks second in WAR among all hitters. He’s put up a .326 batting average with six of his 13 home runs coming during that time. The Rangers’ bats are starting to get hot, and right now is a fantastic time to buy, as his cost is likely 85-90 cents on the dollar. Even if the last 30 days have raised his cost, he’s also a great buy if you are looking at buying lower-cost, as we know he will be a high-four category player.”
– Chris Welsh (FantasyPros)
Luis Robert Jr. (OF – CWS)
“As the trade deadline approaches, the player that I have the most interest in acquiring is Luis Robert Jr. To me, it looks increasingly likely that the dynamic outfielder will be donning a new jersey when the calendar flips to August and with his immense talent, I truly believe that he’ll hit the ground running with a much-needed change of scenery. I’d absolutely be willing to buy high on him if that was the going rate. I feel like he’s going to make a major impact in the second half of the season.”
– Mike MacGregor (Draft Buddy)
Edward Cabrera (SP – MIA)
“In leagues where I need pitching, one of my top targets is Marlins SP Edward Cabrera. He’s been quietly excellent since a rough start to the season, and his name has been popping up in trade rumors. So I’m trying to acquire him NOW, before he lands on a better team with the opportunity to win more games. And even if he doesn’t, he’s still valuable in his current form. I’m not buying high because there is an innings limit concern here, and I’ll use that argument to try and buy low-ish on him (don’t you love when fantasy managers tell you why the player they’re trying to acquire isn’t that valuable?). The price has to be right, but I’d love to snag Cabrera if the price is somewhere in the range of Austin Hays, Marcelo Mayer, Ryan O’Hearn, Spencer Steer, Addison Barger, or Yandy Diaz. ”
– Mike Maher (FantasyPros)
With the trade deadline approaching in many leagues, what player are you hoping to unload, and why? Also are you willing to “sell low” on that player?
Paul Skenes (SP – PIT)
“We talked about this on the podcast this week, as the Pirates have announced they are going to limit Paul Skenes’ workload. He won’t miss starts, but they will manage each start. On the one hand, the Pirates are 20+ games back in the NL Central, but on the other hand, this feels like the Pirates not wanting to pay him the arbitration that comes with a Cy Young award. Please let him escape. Skenes hasn’t thrown 90 pitches in a game since June 19. On the last 30-day player rater, Paul Skenes is the SP38 even with his sparkling numbers. The Pirates don’t win, and he’s limited on innings. If you can get top-tier starting pitcher value for him, it’s probably a smart move that’s incredibly hard to make. And if not, I’ll happily sell oft-injured vets having great seasons like Jacob deGrom, Byron Buxton, and George Springer. ”
– Brandon ‘B_Don’ Myers (Razzball)
Eugenio Suarez (3B – ARI)
“Eugenio Suarez is about as hot as a player can get right now. Over the last month, he’s hit 11 home runs, ranking 2nd and having the most home runs of any player since returning from the all-star break. This is built around selling him at his absolute peak. If he doesn’t get traded, this is great for his value, but the teams that are looking at him might not be a great thing. Looking at ballpark factors for the top four teams tied to Geno, the Yankees, Brewers, Cubs, and Mariners all rank in the bottom 10 of overall ballpark factor for right-handed hitters, versus the Dbacks, who are second best in the bigs. The Yankees and Brewers might not be a huge downtick, as they are both top 10 for home run factors, but there is potential that he comes down off this high. There are some big names you may be able to move Geno for, and I am open to it. Here is the one caveat, though: I will not sell him low. This has to be getting a big return.”
– Chris Welsh (FantasyPros)
Will Vest (RP – DET)
“As the trade deadline approaches, the player that I’m trying to unload, where possible, is Will Vest. I know that he has been terrific as the Tigers’ de facto closer for the majority of the season, but they are in desperate need of upgrades to the back end of their bullpen, and my expectation is that they acquire a proven closer before the deadline, which would relegate Vest back into a setup role in the eighth inning. I’m not necessarily looking to sell low on him and flip him for anything I can get, just know that there’s a decent chance that by the end of next week, he’s no longer the front-runner for saves in the Tigers’ bullpen.”
– Mike MacGregor (Draft Buddy)
Brandon Woodruff (SP – MIL)
“I’m looking to move Brandon Woodruff as a sell high. The early returns have been excellent in his first three starts back. He’s been working in a new cutter, throwing his sinker more, and throwing his four-seamer less (though it is still his most-used pitch). My concern is the significant dip in velocity. In 2023, his four-seamer averaged nearly 96 MPH. Now, it’s a hair under 93 MPH. In 1995, a 93 MPH fastball was great. In 2025, it’s actually below average. And while he’s mixing in that cutter 16% of the time to offset things, opposing hitters are currently batting .667 against it, and its velocity is hovering around 89 MPH. So while I’m a Woodruff fan and he has been excellent since returning, I’m worried this is some small sample size success and that offenses are going to start to figure his new approach out. And when that happens, I’m not sure he has the stuff to overcome that anymore.”
– Mike Maher (FantasyPros)
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