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 look closely at some players they’re targeting for these trades. They 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 fantasy baseball trade analyzer and relying on advanced metrics, comprehensive player rankings, and player projections, our experts have determined which players you should target in trades and which ones you should look to move. So, whether you need a roster shake-up or simply want to capitalize on a player’s hot streak, this article is here to guide you through the process.
Let’s examine these trade recommendations, analyzing the rationale behind each move and providing you with actionable advice to help you dominate your league. Don’t forget to check out our other fantasy baseball resources to help you stay ahead of the competition all season long. Happy trading!
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- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice: Buy Low/Sell High
What one MLB player are you trying to buy low and why? Also, who are you willing to give up for him?
Mitch Keller (SP – PIT)
“Did you know Mitch Keller is tied for the MLB lead in QS with 11? He’s tied with Logan Webb, Max Fried, Hunter Brown, Spencer Schwellenbach, Paul Skenes, and Zach Wheeler. Not bad company! The trouble is, he’s still just 1-9 on the year despite being so competitive every start; the Pirates are not. He should be a prime trade candidate for a contender in the weeks ahead, and that could convert those QS to Wins very quickly in the right environment. The 4 ERA and K/BB rate are all solid, and I would look to acquire Keller based on his disastrous record.”
– Joe Pisapia (FantasyPros)
“Mitch Keller has quality starts in seven of his last eight games pitched. He has 11 total on the year, but just one win. His 4.08 ERA is supported by a 3.88 ERA. Though his strikeouts are low, he’s walking a career-low 5.9% of batters. The biggest reason to look to acquire him, though, is that he is almost certain to be traded. Win those quality starts, start turning into wins, and his value is going to jump. Buy him on the cheap, anticipating a move.”
– Chris Welsh (FantasyPros)
Luis Garcia (2B – WAS)
“I have some interest in Luis Garcia from Washington. He is currently batting .259, but his xBA is .312, which is the same as Juan Soto‘s. Garcia is currently batting third in the (admittedly not great) Nationals lineup, directly behind CJ Abrams and James Wood, so the opportunity for counting stats is there, and he has an expected slugging percentage that is 111 points higher than his current percentage. If you’re in need of some help at second base, I think Garcia can probably be had for cheap, so I would start by offering someone like TJ Friedl.”
–Kelly Kirby (FantasyPros)
Cam Smith (3B,OF – HOU)
“The buy low window on Cam Smith isn’t necessarily closing, in part because he had such a rough start to the season that his rostership is very low (around 10% of Yahoo leagues). So, you might be able to simply pick him up off the waiver wire instead of actually having to trade for him. After batting .213 in April, he quietly hit .307 in May and just broke out for four hits and two home runs on Tuesday night. We’ve seen many young hitters struggle in their first taste of The Show in recent years, but we’ve also seen the best of those hitters turn things around after an adjustment period. Smith was never demoted to the minor leagues, but he did receive a bunch of days off while he was struggling to help him reset. The talent, power, and speed are real, and this might be the beginning of the breakout. Scoop him up now before someone else does. “
– Mike Maher (FantasyPros)
What one MLB player are you trying to sell high right now and why? Also, who would you try to get in return?
Marcell Ozuna (LF, DH – ATL)
“Marcell Ozuna has had a solid year, hitting 11 HR, driving in 35 with an OPS of .810. However, all season he’s been dealing with a hip injury that the Braves have openly been “trying to manage”. My fear is that injury is the cause of his recent decline (.243/.348/.423 over his last 30 games). If he ends up needing an IL stint with the All-Star break looming, the Braves may take that opportunity to get him right. That would be tough on your fantasy roster, and there’s no guarantee Ozuna will be healthy if and when he returns. I think now would be the time to look and move him for an arm like Mitch Keller.”
– Joe Pisapia (FantasyPros)
Drew Rasmussen (SP – TB)
“Drew Rasmussen has been pretty fantastic this year. He has a mid-2.00 ERA on the year and is picking up wins in five of his last six starts. What I don’t love is the incredibly low K rates. He has a 21% K rate on the year, and since May 1st, just a 6 and a half K per 9. His xERA is a full run higher, and the xBA is .258, which would be the highest of his career. What his regression looks like is still a solid pitcher, but if you can sell the low two ERA pitcher now, you might be able to get a big return.”
– Chris Welsh (FantasyPros)
Luis Castillo (SP – SEA)
“I will admit that I have never been the biggest fan of Luis Castillo, but either way, I’d be looking to shop him right now. His current ERA of 3.29 is a mirage, with his xERA sitting at 4.51. His Statcast page is pretty blue, and his 20% strikeout rate is the lowest of his career. He is also getting hit hard in 2025 (45.6%), which is only in the 19th percentile of MLB. Castillo still has some name recognition, so I would target a league mate struggling with pitching and ask for someone like Bryan Reynolds or Riley Greene.”
–Kelly Kirby (FantasyPros)
TJ Friedl (OF – CIN)
“TJ Friedl has been a Top 40 player in fantasy baseball through the middle of June, according to FantasyPros VBR. I’ve always been intrigued by Friedl, but he’s dealt with some injuries and inconsistent performance since his 2023 season that looked like a breakout. Right now, he’s batting .288 with a .250 xBA, and, more importantly, an xSLG, average exit velocity, barrel %, and hard hit % that are all 10th percentile or worse. He makes up for that with elite chase, whiff, strikeout, and walk numbers, but it’s an odd overall profile that will likely lead to some regression even if he stays healthy. I’d see if I could flip him for Kris Bubic, Nick Pivetta, Robbie Ray, Shota Imanaga, or Cristopher Sanchez. “
– Mike Maher (FantasyPros)
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