The MLB trading deadlines stir up a mix of excitement and anxiety, especially for players involved in fantasy baseball leagues. Back in the early days, many didn’t play in leagues restricted to one league, and it was a concern that trades could impact players’ performances. It’s particularly troubling when a player, especially a closer, gets traded unexpectedly.
We’ve often seen players move to competing teams, which can change their roles entirely. Instead of closing games, they might end up as setup men. This season has certainly followed that pattern. For instance, the Yankees have been active in reshaping their bullpen, acquiring both Kamilo Doval and David Bednar.
Doval was a closer for the Giants, while Bednar held the role for the Pirates but found himself behind Devin Williams, who is now established in that position. If your league counts “Saves Plus Holds,” there’s still some value to be had here, though unless there’s a shift with Williams, it feels a bit underwhelming for now.
A similar scenario has unfolded with Kyle Finnegan from the Nationals and Ryan Helsley from the Cardinals. Each provided their fantasy managers with 21 and 20 saves, respectively, but both are unlikely to have further save opportunities moving forward. While Helsley might still have some value as a strikeout potential player, Finnegan probably isn’t worth holding onto anymore. The real setback comes when your team trades for a stronger closer.
Currently, Robert Suarez of the Padres is leading the league with 30 saves, but he’s now vying for a setup role due to the presence of Mason Miller, who has a blazing fastball. This kind of shift can be jarring for fantasy teams trying to compete.
Philadelphia has seen its own changes, too, with Jordan Romano replaced in favor of his old teammate Joan Duran. Losing someone like Suarez definitely poses a challenge for competing fantasy teams, but sometimes there’s a silver lining. With Bednar gone, the Pirates may turn to Dennis Santana, who could provide some fresh opportunities.
The Twins may look to Cole Sands or potentially bring in Jack Perkins and Michael Kelly, while the Giants might utilize Randy Rodriguez and Ryan Walker, and the Nationals could leverage a left/right split with Josepheller and Cole Henry.
The Cardinals are employing a committee approach to find their next standout closer, with options like JoJo Romero, Riley O’Brien, and Gordon Gracefo on the table. While none of these situations seem ideal, when fantasy managers lose their preferred closer, they often look for any glimmer of hope.
Winning in fantasy requires a blend of intelligence, skill, and timely decision-making. Sometimes, opportunities arise where you least expect them, even if one door closes on your previous save options.
