RADIO
James Wood, Shane Baz, Ben Rice fantasy baseball trade targets for Week 17 (2024). Are James Wood, Shane Baz, Ben Rice fantasy baseball buy or sells? Read the trade analysis and advice.
BALLER MOVE: Sell James Wood
ANALYSIS: James Wood has had an interesting start to his MLB career with the Washington Nationals. In his initial stint, Wood has posted a .245 batting average with one home run and six RBIs over 49 at-bats. While these stats aren't particularly eye-catching, they show the potential that made him a highly regarded prospect. Before his call-up, Wood was tearing it up in Triple-A, hitting .353 with a 1.058 OPS.
However, the transition to the majors has been a bit rockier than hoped and his immediate impact is uncertain. If you're in a redraft league and need more consistent performance, now might be the time to trade Wood while his value is still buoyed by his prospect status.
BALLER MOVE: Buy Shane Baz
ANALYSIS: Shane Baz is on his way back to full form following Tommy John surgery in 2022. The Tampa Bay Rays' right-hander has made two starts in the majors this season, posting a 5.23 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 10.1 innings. His last five rehab starts at Triple-A Durham were excellent, going 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA and an impressive 35:10 K/BB ratio over 23 innings.
Baz's recent outings include a solid six-inning game against the Rangers, where he allowed three runs and struck out six, followed by a 4.1-inning performance against the Yankees with five strikeouts. As Baz continues to regain his pre-injury form, he could provide significant value for fantasy managers looking for pitching help. His strikeout potential makes him a high-upside addition.
BALLER MOVE: Buy Ben Rice
ANALYSIS: Ben Rice has made a notable impact since being called up to the New York Yankees. The 25-year-old catcher/first baseman has hit .230 with five home runs and 16 RBIs over 74 at-bats. Rice has shown flashes of brilliance, including a historic three-homer, seven-RBI game, becoming the first rookie in Yankees history to achieve such a feat.
Rice's ability to play multiple positions and his solid minor league track record, where he hit .324/.434/.615 across three levels in 2023, making him an intriguing fantasy option. With the Yankees dealing with injuries and lineup inconsistencies, Rice should continue to see ample playing time. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider stashing Rice, as his power and versatility could provide a valuable boost as the season progresses.
Visit Our Fantasy Baseball Trade Analyzer To Assist Your Trade Offers
These players offer various levels of potential impact. While fantasy superstardom looms in his future, for the rest of 2024, James Wood might be better used as trade bait for those needing immediate help, while Shane Baz and Ben Rice present valuable upside for fantasy managers willing to invest in potential breakout candidates.
More Fantasy Baseball Analysis
Chandler Simpson - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 12)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ team leagues CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: Unlike many players currently in the minor leagues, Chandler Simpson has proven he can be a valuable fantasy player at the MLB level. In his time in the majors, he hit .285 with 19 stolen bases in 35 games. Unfortunately, being a valuable fantasy player […]
Brady House - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 12)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-team leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: The Nationals went viral on social media this week for making a fun call-up. They called up their bat dog from Triple-A. While this was very cute and should improve the vibes a little bit in Washington, I don't think Bruce the Bat Dog will help […]
Samuel Basallo - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 12)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-team leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: Samuel Basallo might be the best hitter in the minors right now, and he has catcher eligibility. What more do you need to know (I know catcher is super deep this year, but still)? Basallo has been an age-to-level monster for the majority of his pro […]
Andrew Painter - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 12)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-team leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: Painter's last two starts don't give a ton of confidence that he is ready to be in the majors. It may not even be before the All-Star break before we see him, but that does not mean we are in stash territory. The good news is, […]
Colby Thomas - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 12)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ team leagues CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: The A's continue to lose, and Colby Thomas continues to hit homers in Triple-A. The A's just got swept by the Angels, bringing their record to 26-44. While plays like Denzel Clarke's HR robbery can generate a spark for a team, the A's might need […]
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
