Trade Deadline Preview — relievers to add NOW

July 31, 2017

TLDR Shopping List

Tier 1: Kirby Yates, AJ Ramos if he’s available.
Tier 2: Matt Belisle, Brad Brach.
Tier 3: Cam Bedrosian, Michael Lorenzen.
Tier 4: Phil Maton, Darren O’Day, Mychal Givens.

 

San Diego Padres – Brad Hand is the hottest reliever on the market and is drawing interest from teams all around baseball. The Padres have a high asking price, but we’re betting that someone is willing to pay, meaning Kirby Yates could be closing for the Padres by this evening.

Fantasy spin: Pick up Kirby Yates. Consider Phil Maton, since Yates isn’t a lock to inherit the job, and could potentially be dealt as well.

New York Mets – It’s a near-certainty that Addison Reed will be dealt by 4 p.m. today, with the Red Sox being the most likely suitors. Even if he doesn’t go to Boston — apparently a handful of other teams are still bidding as well — Reed will see a significant drop in value, as he’ll likely be the set-up man wherever he lands. If someone in your league dropped AJ Ramos after he was dealt to the Mets, snag him now, as he should be the team’s closer by the end of the day.

Fantasy spin: Pick up AJ Ramos if he’s around. Find a sucker to trade for Addison Reed in the next few hours.

Minnesota Twins – The Twins have faded fast in July, and All Star closer Brandon Kintzler could be on the move as a result. Matt Belisle has been the best arm in the Twins bullpen lately, and is the most likely to benefit if Kintzler is dealt.

Fantasy spin: Pick up Matt Belisle. 

Baltimore Orioles – GM Dan Duquette has been exploring trades for all three of his top relievers. If he somehow manages to move all three of them, then look for the currently-off-hierarchy Mychal Givens to be closing for Baltimore tonight.

Fantasy spin: Pick up Brad Brach. In deeper leagues, add Darren O’Day. In super deep leagues, consider Mychal Givens.

Los Angeles Angels – The Angels are shopping Bud Norris, David Hernandez, and Yusmeiro Petit. Norris isn’t the most appealing acquisition for a variety of reasons (and he didn’t help his value by getting destroyed last night), but the Angels probably would take almost anything for him, so someone may bite. If he moves, he’ll be replaced in the 9th inning by Cam Bedrosian.

Fantasy spin: In deeper leagues, add Cam Bedrosian.

Cincinnati Reds – The asking price for Raisel Iglesias is high, but if someone is willing to pay it, Michael Lorenzen is your new closer in Cincinnati. We think a trade for Iglesias is unlikely, but he has been linked to the Nationals in recent weeks, who could surprise with a big offer today.

Fantasy spin: In deeper leagues, add Michael Lorenzen.