Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice: MacKenzie Gore, Sandy Alcantara (2023)

Fantasy baseball managers are always looking for an edge in their leagues, and one strategy that can pay off is buying low on struggling players and selling high on those who have exceeded expectations. Below, our featured experts take a closer look at some players they’re targeting for these trades. Our experts have closely monitored the latest player trends and performance metrics to identify key players you should consider buying low and selling high to maximize your roster’s potential.

By leveraging our exclusive trade analyzer and relying on advanced metrics and our comprehensive player rankings and player projections, our experts have determined which players you should be targeting in trades and which ones you should be looking to move. So, whether you’re in need of a roster shake-up or simply looking to capitalize on a player’s hot streak, the Featured Pros are here to guide you through the process.

2023 Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice

MacKenzie Gore (SP – WAS)

“The big thing that I’ve noticed in Gore’s last two starts is that his zone percentage on his 4-seam has been much higher, and he’s not walking guys as a result, which is his Achilles heel more than anything – walks and command. Gore doesn’t tend to get knocked around, and he can definitely strike guys out, so walking three or more hitters in a game is really his only barrier to being a solid quality start pitcher with strikeout upside. His approach is solid, and he’s been executing a lot better lately, using fastballs early in the zone to generate strikes and then using his slider curve arsenal to finish off batters. Gore dropped his BB% from 14.8% in April to 8.8% in May and continues to waver around that sub-ten percent rate while maintaining his elite K% (29% [fifth in the MLB]). If anything, despite his elevated left OBP, he has been quite unlucky recently, as evidenced by his .340 BABIP and 16.5% HR/FB% this season compared to his career .304 BABIP and 9.8 HR/FB%. Yes, his ratios aren’t that great currently, as all of Gore’s metrics are close to in line with his ERA, with his xERA, FIP, and xFIP all hovering around the 4.00 range, but he has the stuff to be a great pitcher, and I see his inflated 1.4 WHIP cooling down soon alongside his BABIP. Someone I’d be happy to trade away for him would be Josh Naylor, who I see as an attractive sell-high while his numbers look great. ”
– Rex Rutchik (Left Turns)

Sandy Alcantara (SP – MIA)

“Last season, Sandy Alcantara was the best SP in the game, delivering a 2.28 ERA/2.99 FIP with 8.1K/9, and won the NL Cy Young award. This season, no one knows what’s going on with him. He is 2-6 with a 5.08 ERA, and his K rate has decreased slightly to 7.3 K/9. However, now is the ideal time to buy low on the Miami Marlins righthander. He is still surrendering a manageable 4.22 xERA and a reasonable 3.76 FIP. The decline in stats is apparent, but he has been better than those stats indicate. Alcantara is coughing up a .251/.310/.378 slash across his 15 starts compared to giving up only .212/.263/.324 last season. The FIP and the expected stats indicate that he is also dealing with some bad luck. Fantasy managers are feeling the pain as we are about to hit July and want to give up on the right-hander. I would gladly buy low and expect a turnaround this summer. The Marlins’ pitching staff has picked him up and is still winning. However, his turnaround will be what they need to push for a playoff spot this season. ”
– Dennis Sosic (Fantasy Six Pack)