Tricks of the trade
Crazy dealings may make or break fantasy dreams
NOW THAT’S what a trade deadline is supposed to look like. Several players who were thought to be on the move (namely Trevor Story) stayed put, while there were many unexpected moves, like Eddie Rosario to Atlanta, or the Cubs landing Nick Madrigal and Codi Heuer for the services of closer Craig Kimbrel, or the Phillies snagging Ian Kennedy and Kyle Gibson and giving up on longtime top prospect Spencer Howard.
The Dodgers also put the final touches on their own fantasy team by striking a deal for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner, two top 25 fantasy talents. Though this was by far the most impressive and shocking deal of the deadline, and both players should continue to thrive down the stretch for fantasy owners, Roto Rage will focus on some deals featuring hitters who will benefit from a change of scenery, as well as those who may have trouble (or find nothing changes) in their new home.
It’s Miller time!
One of the best moves of the deadline was Milwaukee moving the versatile Eduardo Escobar away from humidor-hell Chase Field.
Coming off a disappointing 2020 season (.212, 4 HR, 20 RBI, .665 OPS) for Arizona, Escobar bounced back by hitting .246 with 22 homers, 65 RBIs, 50 runs, a stolen base and a .778 OPS over his first 98 games. He also became an All-Star for the first time in his 11-year career.
Though he’s striking out a career-high 21.3 percent of the time and walking in just 7.2 percent of his at-bats, Escobar entered Friday ranked 17th in the majors in RBIs (third-most among third basemen) and 18th in homers (tied for the second-most among third basemen).
The biggest factor for his success will be hitterfriendly Miller Park. Escobar may not be the most dynamic player moved at the deadline, but the switch-hitter’s move from the cellar-dwelling Diamondbacks to the firstplace Brewers should make him very valuable for fantasy owners.
Kris cross country
In 17 career games at the Giants’ AT&T Park, Kris Bryant has hit .324 with five homers, 15 RBIs and a 1.004 OPS, so the move from Chicago to a contender in San Francisco should be great for the 29-year-old.
Monster mash?
Kyle Schwarber is moving to Boston, despite the fact Fenway Park doesn’t favor lefty power hitters, the Red Sox don’t seem to have openings in the outfield or at DH and Schwarber is still on the IL. He had a historic run from June 12-29, (.348, 16 HR, 27 RBIs, 1.446 OPS) before suffering a hamstring injury that has kept him on the shelf since July 2. There’s no timetable for his return, so fantasy owners will have to wait and see if he can continue to pound the ball upon his return (it won’t happen, as hot streaks don’t last forever — especially after lengthy IL stints).
Citi sticker
In 22 games at his new home, Citi Field, Javier Baez has hit .257 with seven homers,
14 RBIs,
31 strikeouts, six walks and a .907 OPS. Outside of (eventually) playing alongside Francisco Lindor, there shouldn’t be much difference in the former Cub’s game. The streaky veteran is going to strikeout a ton (36.3 percent this year, the worst mark in the majors) and rarely walk while hitting for power and a respectable average.
Bronx elixir
Anthony Rizzo was awful last year (.222, 11 HR, 24 RBI, .755 OPS), and wasn’t exactly smashing the ball for the Cubs (.248, 14 HR, 40 RBIs, .792 OPS) before being dealt to the Yankees. Despite his mediocre stats, the 31-year-old is still striking out in just 15.7 percent of his at-bats (a top 25 mark in the majors) and hitting the ball hard, and he will play in ballpark that favors lefties. The move to Yankee Stadium might just be the antidote to revive his fantasy career.