It is vital to look at important fantasy baseball storylines and aspects this week to be ahead of the curve and gain an edge on your league mates. We have 20 such fantasy baseball storylines for you to monitor. This guide will help you navigate the waiver wire, pinpoint potential streamers and more.
- Fantasy Baseball Research & Advice
- Fantasy Baseball Trade Analyzer
- Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Assistant
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
- Rest-of-Season Projections
20 Fantasy Baseball Things to Watch
1. Schedule Notes
- Zero teams play just five games this week.
- The following teams play seven games this week:
- Baltimore Orioles vs. TOR, at CHC
- New York Yankees vs. TB, at MIA
- Tampa Bay Rays at NYY, vs. LAD
- Toronto Blue Jays at BAL, vs. KC
- Seattle Mariners at ATH, vs. TEX
- Texas Rangers at LAA, at SEA
2. Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles appear to be one of the biggest trade deadline sellers. They have several players who could be moved to contenders. Cedric Mullins has been talked about all season as someone they could look to move, as well as Ryan O’Hearn. Both are free agents after this season.
They could also move pitchers like Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, Tomoyuki Sugano, Seranthony Dominguez, Yennier Cano and Andrew Kittredge since they are all over 30 and not a part of the team’s future.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks have already started to sell some of their pieces when they moved Josh Naylor last week. They are reportedly looking at trading 4-5 more players, including Eugenio Suarez, Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, Kendall Graveman and Kevin Ginkel. A number of these players could help shape playoff races.
4. Miami Marlins
The Marlins have been one of the hottest teams in baseball recently, but despite that, it seems likely they will sell at the deadline. Sandy Alcantara‘s name has been floated all season, but it’s Edward Cabrera who may be the most likely pitcher they move.
Anthony Bender is another player who could be moved, but their team is fairly young, so it would not be surprising if they do not make many major moves.
5. New York Yankees
The Yankees have already made a big splash in the trade market, acquiring Ryan McMahon last week for their hole at third base and Amed Rosario for infield depth. After losing Aaron Judge to injury, it won’t be surprising if they try to make another big move.
6. San Francisco Giants
The Giants have been reluctant to make big moves at the deadline the last few years, but with a new front office, they have already made a huge splash earlier this season with the Rafael Devers trade.
The question is now will they try and catch the Dodgers and Padres? They could use an upgrade at second base and right field, as well as another starter with the recent loss of Landen Roupp.
7. New York Mets
The Mets have been aggressive since they got a new owner, so it will be interesting to see what they do at the deadline. They could use an upgrade in the outfield and possibly in the bullpen. Would Luis Robert make sense or maybe Cedric Mullins?
8. Detroit Tigers
The Tigers have been one of the best teams in baseball all season, but have struggled lately. They desperately need some bullpen help and potentially an upgrade at third base or in the outfield. The division is almost wrapped up, but it will be interesting to see if they want to take a shot at making themselves the team to beat in the American League.
9. Will the Bubble Teams Buy or Sell?
There are a number of teams that are on the fence about whether they should sell or not. The Reds and Cardinals are falling behind in the division, but they could get themselves into the Wild Card race in the National League. However, it might make more sense to take advantage of a seller’s market.
The Angels have a lot of interesting pieces they could get something for, including Taylor Ward and Kenley Jansen, but they may decide to just stand pat. The Guardians, Twins and Royals are far behind the Tigers, but could be interested in chasing a Wild Card spot. Finally, the Rays are .500, but they may decide there are too many teams to battle this year and look to take advantage of the market and reset themselves for next season.
10. MLB Speedway Classic
On August 2nd, the Braves and Reds will face off at Bristol Speedway in Tennessee for the first-ever game at a racing venue. It will be a pretty cool backdrop for an MLB game and very fun to watch.
11. Dodgers Closer Chaos
The Dodgers have lost Tanner Scott to the injured list (IL) and will look to replace him in the ninth. They could go with Blake Treinen or Kirby Yates, or make a move for someone at the deadline.
12. Orioles Closer Chaos
The Orioles lost closer Felix Bautista to a shoulder injury. They will likely turn to Yennier Cano or Seranthony Dominguez, but as stated above, they are potential trade candidates as well. There may be a lot of movement in their bullpen this week, so it is very important to watch this.
13-15. Streaming Options
Taijuan Walker (SP, RP – PHI) at CWS
Taijuan Walker has been up and down this season, but this is a great matchup versus a team that could be worse by the time he faces off against them.
Jose Quintana (SP – MIL) at WSH
Jose Quintana has quietly been very good this season and is facing a Washington offense that has struggled and could sell some pieces at the deadline.
Zebby Matthews (SP – MIN) at CLE
Zebby Matthews is coming off his best start of the season and is facing a terrible Guardians offense that could be sellers at the deadline.
16-20. Two-Start Options
Slade Cecconi (SP – CLE) vs. COL, vs. MIN
Slade Cecconi has quietly pitched well since being called up and is facing a terrible Rockies team that struggles on the road and a Twins team that may sell pieces before their game against the Guardians.
Edward Cabrera (SP – MIA) at STL, vs. NYY
There is a good chance Edward Cabrera is traded before the second start, but that works in his favor a bit here, as the Yankees’ start is pretty risky. That said, he has been so good this year that you are using him until he regresses or gets hurt.
Mitch Keller (SP – PIT) at SF, at COL
Mitch Keller has quietly been really good this season. There is a chance he also gets moved at the deadline, but then he wouldn’t have to go to Colorado and pitch at altitude, plus he would be on a better team.
Frankie Montas (SP – NYM) at SD, vs. SF
Frankie Montas’ overall stat line doesn’t look good, but his last two starts have been solid. He is facing two struggling offenses in good pitching parks, so this is a great time to use him.
Logan Evans (SP – SEA) at ATH, vs. TEX
Logan Evans‘ surface stats look great this season, but the underlying numbers are pretty scary with a 5.51 xERA and a terrible strikeout rate. He does have two good matchups, but one is in Sacramento, which is a terrible place to pitch. This one is risky.
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