Fantasy Baseball Buy Low, Sell High: Players to Trade (2026)

We’re officially past the small-sample phase of the fantasy baseball season. One month of games is enough to shake confidence, inflate narratives, and most importantly, create trade opportunities. That’s exactly where sharp fantasy managers can separate from the pack.

Fantasy Baseball Buy Low, Sell High: Tatis Jr., Marte Headline Early May Trade Targets

Based on insights from this week’s fantasy baseball trade advice podcast, here are two players to aggressively target and two you should strongly consider moving while the market still cooperates.

Fernando Tatis Jr. (OF – SD)

The surface stats look ugly. Zero home runs through early May will make any fantasy manager uneasy, especially for a first-round caliber bat. That anxiety is exactly what creates a buy-low window.

Under the hood, there’s far less to worry about. Tatis is still posting strong hard-hit rates and a healthy barrel profile. His expected batting average sits notably higher than his actual mark, and the overall quality of contact suggests power regression is coming in a positive direction.

Yes, the expected slugging isn’t elite right now, but one cold stretch does not redefine a player with this track record. Fantasy players tend to overreact to early power droughts. If you believe in the talent, this is the exact type of situation to exploit.

The key takeaway: this is a timing play. Acquire now before the inevitable power surge corrects the stat line.

Ketel Marte (2B – ARI)

Marte’s slow start has pushed him far below preseason expectations, and that drop in perceived value is actionable.

A .200-range batting average and underwhelming slugging percentage stand out, but the underlying metrics tell a different story. He continues to make strong contact, isn’t striking out excessively, and still profiles as a hitter capable of impacting all categories.

One key detail: he’s significantly underperforming against fastballs, which tends to normalize over time. His expected batting average suggests a major rebound is coming.

Managers often panic when a steady veteran underperforms early. That’s your window. Marte is the kind of player who quietly posts top-tier numbers once things click.

Cole Ragans (SP – KC)

On the flip side, Ragans is a name that still carries weight, but the underlying profile is flashing warning signs.

The biggest issue is control. A walk rate approaching six per nine innings is not sustainable for success. It leads to shorter outings, elevated pitch counts, and constant traffic on the bases. Pair that with a rising ERA and poor supporting metrics like FIP, and you’re looking at a risky asset.

Even more concerning is the home run problem. Ragans has already had multiple outings where he’s allowed three long balls in a game. That kind of volatility can sink weekly matchups.

There’s still strikeout upside here, which is why the name carries value. But if your league mates believe a turnaround is coming, this is your chance to cash out before things potentially get worse.

Munetaka Murakami (1B – CWS)

Murakami is the classic sell-high case.

The power production has been undeniable. Early-season home run totals have boosted his value significantly, and many managers are now treating him like a top-tier first baseman.

But there are real concerns. The strikeout rate is extremely high, and despite the power, he’s still hitting in the low .220s. His expected batting average doesn’t suggest much improvement either.

This is a volatile profile. If the home run pace slows even slightly, you’re left with a low-average hitter who could become a liability in multiple categories.

The smart play is to leverage the current perception. Package him for a more stable bat or a combination of contributors that strengthen your roster overall.