As the Major League Baseball (MLB) trade deadline approaches on July 31, fantasy baseball managers have a unique opportunity to enhance their rosters for the final stretch of the season. With the trade deadline for many fantasy leagues set for August 15 at noon ET, managers have just a few days to identify key players who can make a significant impact.
In the coming weeks, standing positions in rotisserie leagues will begin to solidify, making it increasingly difficult to climb the ranks. Fantasy managers looking to shake up their standings must consider acquiring high-impact players. Here are six players who have historically excelled in the late-season months and should be prioritized for trade proposals.
Key Players to Target
Julio Rodriguez, outfielder for the Seattle Mariners, has consistently demonstrated impressive late-season performance. Over the final 48 games of his first three MLB seasons, he averaged 3.30 fantasy points, ranking seventh among hitters with at least 50 games played during that period. Rodriguez has recently shown signs of a statistical uptick, posting a .295 batting average alongside nine home runs and six stolen bases in his last 21 games. With the Mariners making significant roster moves and facing one of the softer schedules remaining, he is a prime target for managers aiming to bolster their teams.
Another strong option is Blake Snell, pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Snell has recorded 490 fantasy points over the last 48 games in each of the past three seasons, making him the leading pitcher in this category. His return from the injured list has been promising, and with an average fastball speed of 95.0 mph and a 36% whiff rate on non-fastballs, he remains a high-risk, high-reward acquisition.
For power-hitting needs, Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies should be on every manager’s radar. Schwarber has hit at least 10 home runs in each of the last three Septembers, placing him in an exclusive group alongside legends like Hank Greenberg and Mark McGwire. Currently, he boasts a .282 batting average with 15 home runs since July 1, making him a valuable asset for teams in search of offensive firepower.
Pitcher Max Fried of the New York Yankees offers another potential trade opportunity. Although his recent performance has been lackluster, with a 5.81 ERA in his last six starts, his historical stretch-run success cannot be overlooked. Fried’s 16.29 fantasy points per start from game number 115 onward over the past four seasons ranks second among all pitchers. This might be the perfect time to acquire him at a discounted price, given the Yankees’ current struggles.
Another consistent performer is Matt Olson, first baseman for the Atlanta Braves. Olson has accumulated 616 fantasy points across his team’s final 50 games over the last four seasons, ranking third overall. Despite the Braves facing a challenging season, Olson’s historical performance in late seasons makes him a valuable target for fantasy managers.
Lastly, Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks presents a wildcard option. Despite a challenging year, Gallen’s extensive track record of late-season success could make him a worthwhile investment. With 424 fantasy points across his team’s final 48 games from 2022 to 2024, he ranks third among pitchers.
As the trade deadline approaches, fantasy baseball managers should consider these six players to maximize their chances of success in the final weeks of the season. With the right moves, a championship run is within reach.
