With the second half of the 2024 MLB season underway, now is the time for players to compete for the championship. Fantasy Baseball We need to do everything in our power to get our roster in shape for the championship.
They need to assess their needs and fill any holes on their roster as soon as possible, because everything could get messy again when the MLB trade deadline arrives.
There are currently 19 teams vying for a wild-card spot, not including the division leaders.
That number will drop over the coming weeks, and we’ll see some big trade wins, none more upended than the closer position.
During the All-Star Weekend Home Run Derby, former general manager Jim Bowden of SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio’s “Fantasy Alarm Show” had the opportunity to interview Oakland closer Mason Miller, and to his surprise, Miller stated that he had no desire or intention to become a starting pitcher and would prefer to remain a closer.
That word quickly flowed into the ears of every current general manager, as Miller’s lack of development as a starter meant the Athletics had a golden opportunity to trade him for a future asset and turn around their struggling franchise before relocating to Las Vegas.
But would a new team use him as a closer or a high-leverage setup man?
And that’s where it gets tricky for fantasy managers.
Oakland isn’t the only team that could trade a closer to a championship contender, but if that player isn’t used in the ninth inning, his fantasy value plummets.
The Angels are likely to move Carlos Estevez, the Marlins are considering a trade for Tanner Scott, and the Nationals would have no problem parting ways with Kyle Finnegan.
If you roster any of them as a fantasy closer, you’ll be looking for saves in a hurry.
Teams that are currently in the running for a championship but could lose steam over the next month will also be looking for trade partners to bolster their minor league resources.
The Pirates have long been rumored to be willing to part ways with David Bednar, the Tigers would likely part ways with Jason Foley and even the Reds’ Alexis Diaz’s name has been in recent rumors.
The more teams that drop out, the richer the closed market becomes.
And they’re not just worried about their closer getting traded to another team to become a setup man.
If a team like the Orioles were to target Miller, incumbent Craig Kimbrel would almost certainly be passed over.
Even Clay Holmes’ job security is on the line, with the Yankees being one of the teams in the running.
Keep an eye on the MLB standings over the next few weeks and be proactive with your bullpen.
Let’s take action now while we can.
Do you bet on baseball?
Solidify your save before it’s too late.
Once the trade deadline arrives, the window of opportunity closes.
Howard Bender is Fantasy AlarmFollow him From @rotobuzzguy He is featured on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show,” which can be heard weekdays from 6-8pm on the SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Channel. Fantasy Alarm We bring you all the fantasy baseball news and advice.
