Solidify your fantasy saves now
AS THE second half of the 2024 MLB season gets underway, you have to assess your fantasy baseball needs and fill in roster holes as quickly as you can, because once the MLB trade deadline arrives, everything could get blown up all over again.
The number of contending teams will dwindle over the next several weeks, and once it does, we’re going to witness a trade bonanza, and no position gets upended more than the closers.
Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden, from the “Fantasy Alarm Show” on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, had the opportunity to interview Oakland closer Mason Miller, who, surprisingly, said he had no desire or intention to become a starter and wanted to remain a closer.
Those words immediately perked up the ears of all current GMs, as Miller not being groomed as a starter means the A’s have a fantastic opportunity to trade him for future assets and rebuild their dismal franchise before they relocate to Las Vegas. But would a new team use him as a closer or as a high-leverage set-up man? And that’s where it becomes difficult for fantasy managers.
Oakland is far from the only team that can trade its closer, and potentially tank their the fantasy value. Also be wary of trades involving Carlos Estevez (Angels), Tanner Scott (Marlins), Kyle Finnegan (Nationals).,David Bednar (Pirates), Jason Foley (tigers) and Alexis Diaz (Reds).
And you’re not just worried about your closer being traded to another team and becoming a set-up man. Should a team like the Orioles target Miller, their incumbent, Craig Kimbrel almost certainly would get bumped. The Yankees are another team on the prowl, so even Clay Homes’ job security is in danger.
Pay attention to the MLB standings over the next few weeks and be proactive with your bullpen. Try and make some moves now while you can. Solidify your saves before it’s too late. Once the trade deadline is here, your window of opportunity will close.
Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your fantasy baseball news and advice.