We define the trade deadline winners and losers a bit differently on the fantasy side of things. In real life, you know the winners were the A’s and Tigers. In fantasy, the winners are a bit harder to identify. They can be players that weren’t even involved in a deal!
Today we will take a look at which players “lost” at the fantasy deadline. Adjust your own trade targets accordingly!
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Martin Prado, Yankees: He goes from a regular role with Arizona into a crowded situation in New York. It’s anyone’s guess as to how the playing time will be sorted out, but for now, Prado is on the losers list. He likely will end up in a platoon with Ichiro in right. Which brings us to…..
Ichiro Suzuki, Yankees: He has attained a semi-regular role again with the Yanks despite only hitting for average. The arrival of Prado will likely trim down his at bats to the point that he will no longer be worth owning.
Jesse Chavez, Athletics: With the additions of Jeff Samardzija, Jason Hammel, and Jon Lester, someone doesn’t have a job in the rotation anymore. That someone is Chavez, who will move back to the bullpen despite his success in the rotation. He can be dropped in all standard scoring leagues.
Chavez will be headed back to the bullpen with Jon Lester on the way to Oakland. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Fuld, Athletics: He was playing every day in Minnesota. That will not be the case in Oakland.
Emilio Bonifacio, Cubs: He was starting for the Cubbies. He won’t be for the Braves. Are you detecting a theme here?
Danny Espinosa, Nationals: The arrival of Asdrubal Cabrera will move Espinosa back to a bench role. The Nationals are likely better off, but those of you that took a flier on Espinosa again can’t be pleased.
Addison Russell, Cubs: Surprised to see him on here? Don’t be. Russell went from being the top position prospect in the Oakland system to the ninth in the Cubs’ system. Not only that, but Russell is now blocked not only by All Star Starlin Castro, but by highly touted Javier Baez as well. How long do you really think Jed Lowrie was going to keep Russell in the minors? Russell likely would have made his MLB debut this season. Now, he is facing two huge roadblocks unless he changes positions or is traded. At any rate, he definitely will not be in line for a September promotion.
Brian Roberts, Yankees: Roberts was actually having a decent season with the Bombers, but the acquisition of Stephen Drew made him expendable. So much so that the Yankees released him rather than pay his vesting option which would have kicked in after just two more at bats. Who said the Yankees didn’t care about money?
Enrique Hernandez, Marlins: He went from starting center fielder in Houston to bench fodder in Miami. The Marlins are loaded in the outfield, and don’t use a DH, so Hernandez is going to have a really tough time getting at bats.