X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Getting Into Contention - Preparing For the Stretch Run

Ellis Canady recommends players to buy or target before the trade deadline of the 2018 fantasy baseball season to help your team contend.

While some teams are in full rebuild mode, other teams are consolidating and improving for the big push at the end of the season. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of a fire sale and acquire some useful players. Use your assets to contend now by managing your draft picks and minor league players smartly. While you don’t want to sell the entire future for a small chance, it also isn't wise to horde your stockpile and let opportunities pass you by. The 2018 season is not over so let’s make the right moves to get you over the tipping point and into contention.

Improving your team for the stretch run is very important and can be done in a couple of ways. You either find gems on the waiver wire or trade for players that have fallen from grace enough to give you a buying opportunity. In this article, we will discuss players with an impact that can be acquired to improve your team’s ability to contend for the top spot. Also, look to our waiver wire articles to find players on hot streaks, whose performance can help cover any categorical holes.

In the previous two articles, we identified players that dynasty rebuilders will be selling.  Part 1: Rebuilding Off The Waiver Wire/Part 2: Rebuilding Using Veterans To Your Advantage. In addition to the players suggested below, peruse these articles to identify other players that can help you down the stretch.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Get Off The Bubble (Players To Buy)

Daniel Murphy (1B/2B, WAS)

Murphy had a .322 batting average with 23 HR and 93 RBI in 2017. Despite that all-star season, he might be obtainable from a discouraged owner. He missed 63 games to start 2018, recovering from knee surgery he had in October 2017. When he returned in mid-June, Murphy struggled and hit .200 in 52 plate appearances. He bounced back to hit .347 in July. Murphy now has four homers, 23 RBI, and .280 AVG In 127 plate appearances. Even at 33 years old, Murphy continues to crush righties with a .303 average. He still has work to do to raise his batting average against lefties (.206) closer to his career average of .279. Murphy has yet to start driving the ball like he normally does with a hard-hit rate at a meager 16.8%. Since returning from the injury, he has geared his approach more toward contact (90.8% ) with a 4.4% swinging strikes and an excellent strikeout rate of 8.9%. He continues to be reliable in high leverage situation, hitting .333 with 10 RBI. Murphy has a demonstrated track record of superior performance. Bet on that and acquire him so he can help your situation, either competing for a title in head-to-head leagues or moving up the roto standings.

Rougned Odor (2B, TEX)

Odor is batting .271 with 14 homers, 44 RBI, and nine stolen bases. The numbers look mediocre, but what they do not tell you is the hard work Odor had to put in to get them to this level. He had a rough start to the season, hitting only .239 in the first half. However, Odor has turned into a beast, hitting .377 with eight homers and 20 RBI in the second half already. He seems to have left his early season troubles behind and it is likely his fantasy owners have taken notice so a buy-low opportunity won't be available. However, with the rollercoaster performances of Odor, it shouldn't be too expensive.

As with most hitters, Odor enjoys the hitter-friendly confines of Globe Life Park with a .298 average at home compared to a .239 on the road. He is so comfortable at home that he hits the ball harder there as well (50.1%). Additionally, Odor will probably not get much credit for his improved plate discipline this year, which is made even more impressive considering his early season struggles. He has increased his walk rate to 8.5%, up from 4.9% in 2017. Odor has reduced his swinging strikes to 10.4% and he is chasing fewer pitches outside the zone (35.7%). Barring some explosive increase in performance, don’t expect Odor to hit 30 homers for his third consecutive season though. There are 20 home games left for the Rangers, providing plenty of opportunities for Odor to increase the productivity of your roster even if you're unable to get him at an extremely discounted rate.

Chris Archer (SP, PIT)

Chris Archer is having another disappointing season and one that makes some wonder what he displayed to make people think he was an ace. Well, everything may not be pretty, but I will tell you exactly why you should look to acquire Archer. This season, he is 3-5 in 18 games with an underwhelming ERA of 4.49. The positive is that his fielding independent pitching (FIP) sits at 3.76. Archer is having real issues against left-handed hitters with a .291 batting average allowed compared to his career average of .242. Righties, on the other hand, are hitting .262 against Archer this year. Also, his BB/9 remains elevated at 3.09 and he is allowing a 40.3% hard-hit rate.

Even with all his stumbles, Archer has consistently provided big innings and even bigger strikeouts. His 9.69 K/9 isn't where it normally sits but it has been improving the last couple of months, with an 11.90 K/9 in July. Archer's strikeout rate will likely continue to increase now that he is in the National League and gets to face a pitcher spot instead of the DH. Archer has other stats that point toward the positive; he has a career-high 13.7% swinging strikes and is getting hitters to chase outside the strike zone quite frequently (32.4%).

Archer's substandard performance earlier this year likely represented a point of frustration with his owners and an opportunity to buy. The trade to the Pirates likely brought awareness and lifted the hopes and expectations of some managers. His performance in his debut soured some of those expectations to create another buying opportunity for you. With that in mind, send an offer to find out the price.

Robbie Ray (SP, ARI)

Robbie Ray has not been the dynamite ace-to-be he was in 2017 when he dominated opponents and ended up 15-5 with 2.89 ERA and 218 strikeouts. In 2018, he is 3-2 in 14 starts with a 4.92 ERA. Even the humidor could not work its magic for Ray; he has been better on the road (2.57 ERA) than he has at home (7.18 ERA). Ray also has 95 strikeouts in 71 innings. The strikeouts (11.99 K/9) are always a benefit of owning Ray, but this year it is accompanied by a terrible 4.67 BB/9. Another concern is he is also allowing more contact than last year, both inside (85%) and outside (51.1%) the zone.

Ray has made some improvements as the season progressed. He has a 43.9% hard-hit rate on the season but has lowered it in the second half (37.7%) compared to the first half (47.3%). Even his first pitch strikes (62.3%) are an increase from 2017. Also, Ray has been deadly against same-sided hitters, allowing only a .136 batting average against left-handed hitters. However, righties are batting .282 against him.

Similar to Archer, Ray provides plenty of strikeouts but currently is issuing too many walks. The disappointing numbers that Ray has put up give an opportunity to buy at a discounted rate. There is no doubt that he can help guide your team to success.

Yu Darvish (SP, CHC)

Let's be upfront about Darvish. He is working his way back from injury and is feeling more confident. But, Darvish is reserved more for the manager that is already near the top and is willing to take a risk that could pay off exponentially. Yu Darvish just signed a six-year, 126 million dollar contract and the first year has been filled with injuries and uncharacteristic performance, which is not a good sign for Cubs fans. Fortunately enough, the fantasy community doesn't worry about contracts in most leagues, just the performance. Darvish has been on the disabled list since 23 May and is currently recovering from a right elbow impingement. He is already throwing bullpen sessions and if he doesn't have any issues, should return soon.

When he has been on the mound this season, it hasn't been what we always expect from Darvish. He has a record of 1-3 in eight starts with a 4.95 ERA. If you look at his FIP (4.85), you won't find promising signs either. Darvish is having a mediocre season and when we look at the underlying numbers we can clearly see some of the items that are causing problems. He had success against right-handers; they are batting .192 against him. However, Darvish was worse against left-handed batters (.273). Even his BB/9 (4.73) is abnormal for Darvish. The hope is that his subpar season is a result of the injury. Once that is rectified, Darvish can return to provide a serious jolt to your fantasy roster.

 

More Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Corey Heim

Does Not Qualify for Cup Race at Chicago Street Course
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF