As we approach the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline, the biggest storylines will focus on the Tigers and Tarik Skubal, a possible Mets’ fire sale and all the rumors and speculation surrounding the game’s top contenders. Relief pitching is often overlooked as an impactful part of the trade deadline. Fans want to see blockbuster deals, but smart teams know that bullpen depth is critical in the playoffs when tensions run high, and starters get pulled earlier and earlier.
Here at the Bullpen Report, we’re only concerned with which closers could be traded out of their jobs, and who steps in to fill their shoes. The saves category accounts for 10% of the points in a standard rotisserie league. Stashing the right reliever ahead of the trade deadline can help swing the category standings when he ascends into a newly vacated ninth-inning role.
For these next two weeks, we’re really going to ramp up the deadline rumor mill. Let’s try to unearth some diamonds in the rough before they become cut-and-polished closers in August.
Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report
Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona is above .500 and a half-game out of a playoff spot, so they’re unlikely to be deadline sellers if that holds. Closer Paul Sewald is pitching on a $1.5 million expiring contract and would make an excellent trade candidate if Arizona falls out of the race, but that’s not on the table as of now.
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