Fantasy Baseball 2019 Trade Deadline Reactions

The MLB trade deadline came and went. There were a few trades that will impact real baseball, but what about their fantasy baseball impact?

This season is the first with just one trade deadline. There will be no August waiver deadline in which we saw Justin Verlander join the Houston Astros. Some of these trades won’t have an impact on fantasy baseball but there were a few that will change how the final two months play out.

We saw players switch divisions and leagues. Some joined contenders while others will be a part of a rebuild. This all impacts how fantasy owners value their performances going forward.

There were a lot of teams within reach of a Wild Card spot so there weren’t as many sellers as years past. At the end of the day, not many of the World Series favorites made big moves to put them over the edge.

The Dodgers added two bench bats. The Yankees traded for a minor-league reliever. The Red Sox were quiet. The NL Central trio didn’t do much to separate themselves from each other. Maybe the contenders didn’t want to give up prospects or the seller’s asking prices were too high. All I know is that there were some big moves but only a few teams were involved.

The trades will be listed in order of fantasy baseball impact for the rest of this season.

Trevor Bauer traded to Cincinnati

Bauer has been rumored to be on the move for most of the season. While he was likely to get traded at the deadline, his tantrum before being pulled in his last start accelerated the process.

Bauer has a 3.79 ERA, 1.213 WHIP, 10.6 K/9, 3.6 BB/9 and a 9-8 record this season. He goes from facing the Royals, White Sox and Tigers to facing the Cardinals, Brewers and the Cubs. Plus, having to pitch in Great American Ballpark is not endearing.

More from Fantasy Baseball

• 5 fantasy baseball waiver wire pivots to replace Triston McKenzie
• Fantasy baseball mock draft 2023, 12-team: Aaron Judge over Trea Turner?
• 3 fantasy baseball sleepers being drafted too late
• NBA DFS picks December 25: Merry Bucking Christmas
• Fantasy Baseball: Hot pitchers worthy of starting this weekend

As of this writing, the Reds are 7.0 games back in the Wild Card. They are likely not contending but could flip Bauer next season if things don’t go the way they plan.

Bauer is a must-add for NL-only owners but the lack of wins will hurt his fantasy value.

Yasiel Puig, Franmil Reyes and Logan Allen traded to the Indians

The other part of the three-team trade was Cleveland adding two power bats and another piece to their bullpen. The Indians went from having one of the worst outfields to one of the best. They opened the season with Jake Bauers, Leonys Martin and Tyler Naquin in the outfield.

The addition of Oscar Mercado also muddies the outfield depth chart but they could have everyone in the lineup. Mercado stays in center, Reyes in left, Naquin in right and Puig at DH.

However, after Tuesday’s fight, Puig is likely facing suspension so that decision won’t be made for a couple of days.

This move also clears up the crowded outfield in San Diego. Manuel Margot, Hunter Renfroe and Wil Myers are the likely outfield trio going forward. With guaranteed playing time, all three gain a boost to their fantasy value.

Marcus Stroman traded to the Mets

For a team that was expected to be sellers, the Mets added another controllable arm to their rotation. This trade took place a couple of days before the deadline and started the conversation of the Mets moving one of their other pitchers. It turns out that pitcher was Jason Vargas.

The Mets rotation is now Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Stroman, Zack Wheeler and Steven Matz. For a team six games back in the Wild Card, that’s a solid rotation. The bullpen is the weak link for the Mets.

Stroman will have to face the Braves, Nationals and Phillies, three powerful offenses. The potential for wins is about the same between the Mets and Blue Jays. I think we see an increase to his ratios in the final two months but worth bidding on

Zack Greinke traded to Houston

This move was announced after the 4 PM deadline and was the big blockbuster everyone was waiting for. Many thought this wouldn’t happen because of the money owed to Greinke. That apparently didn’t matter to the Houston front office.

Going from Arizona to Houston boosts his potential for wins immensely. He is now the No. 3 starter behind Verlander and Gerrit Cole. Facing the Rangers, Mariners, Angels and A’s are good matchups for Greinke.

He’s another pitching switching leagues, but the first big name joining the American League. Those in AL-only leagues are going to be putting in huge bids to acquire Greinke for their teams and rightfully so.

Nationals acquire three relievers

It’s another trade deadline with the Nationals adding to their bullpen. They traded for Daniel Hudson, Roenis Elias and Hunter Strickland. They join Sean Doolittle and Fernando Rodney to make one of the deepest bullpens in the league.

Doolittle is still going to close for Washington. If you have any of the former Mariners relievers, they lose most of their fantasy value. They retain some if you use holds. The Nationals starters and offense are good enough to have a lead deep into games.

Looking at the Mariners, with Anthony Swarzak traded to Atlanta earlier this season and now these two traded, Anthony Bass and Cory Gearrin are the likely closer candidates. I wouldn’t race out to add them unless you’re in an AL-only league.

Braves add bullpen depth

The Braves have had bullpen struggles all season. They’ve had a revolving door in the closer role but have locked up the seventh, eighth and ninth innings at the deadline.

The current closer Luke Jackson will move into a setup role as Shane Greene will likely take over closing duties. Veterans Mark Melancon and Chris Martin will pitch in the middle innings. The Braves have a solid rotation and top offense.

Anyone who bought in on Jackson may have to put in a big bid for Greene in order to recoup the saves they lost as a result. If you use holds, then the move isn’t as devastating to your fantasy team.

The Giants also moved Sam Dyson to Minnesota. Will Smith is still the closer but the name to stash should he get hurt is Reyes Moronta.

Detroit could go with either Buck Farmer or Joe Jimenez as the closer but they haven’t had a save opportunity all month. A situation I’d stay away from.

Jose Leclerc is safe in the closer role for the Rangers but next season, when Nate Jones is healthy, could be a question mark.

Jesus Aguilar traded to Tampa Bay

The Brewers had an abundance of options at first base, Eric Thames, Travis Shaw, Mike Moustakas and Aguilar. The Rays are now in a similar situation with most of their infield.

So far this week, they’ve used two catches, three first basemen, two second basemen, two third basemen, two shortstops, four outfielders and three DHs. Adding Aguilar to the mix really doesn’t solidify any position.

Mike Zunino and Travis d’Arnaud will still split time at catcher. Aguilar likely takes over the majority of playing time at first base with d’Arnaud filling in. Aguilar could also start at DH. If you play in an AL-only league, I’d put in a hefty bid for Aguilar.

There are two months left to the fantasy baseball season. It’s crunch time. Make your bids, scour the waiver wire. Win that championship. Good luck from FanSided Fantasy!