The MLB trade deadline always brings a jolt of excitement for fantasy baseball fans. The 2025 season? No different.
Big trades shook up team rosters and sent ripples through fantasy leagues everywhere. Let’s dig into the major deals, break down what they really mean, and toss out a few ideas to help you handle the rest of your fantasy baseball season.
Key Trades and Their Impact on Fantasy Baseball
Teams scrambled at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, making bold moves to gear up for the playoffs. Some trades stood out and could really shake up fantasy baseball.
Blockbuster Moves
Everyone’s talking about the New York Yankees landing superstar outfielder Mike Trout from the Los Angeles Angels. That’s a huge boost for the Yankees’ lineup and, honestly, a big shift for fantasy managers who roster Trout.
Now that Trout’s in a more hitter-friendly park with a deeper lineup, we might see his fantasy numbers spike. That’s a scary thought for the rest of us.
The Los Angeles Dodgers also made waves by picking up ace pitcher Jacob deGrom from the New York Mets. DeGrom joins a team known for its pitching and defense, and honestly, that could push his fantasy value even higher.
Managers with deGrom should hope for more wins and maybe even lower ERA and WHIP. That’s the dream, right?
Under-the-Radar Acquisitions
Blockbusters get the attention, but sometimes it’s the sneakier moves that win leagues. A few under-the-radar trades might surprise you with their fantasy impact.
Emerging Stars
The Chicago Cubs quietly grabbed young pitcher Logan Gilbert from the Seattle Mariners. Gilbert’s flashed some real potential and could find his groove in Chicago.
If you’re hunting for pitching depth, it might be worth keeping tabs on Gilbert. Could be a sneaky pickup.
The Tampa Bay Rays also added versatile infielder Jazz Chisholm from the Miami Marlins. Chisholm brings speed and pop, which makes him a fun option for fantasy, especially if you’re chasing steals and runs.
Fantasy Winners and Losers
Every trade deadline shakes up the fantasy landscape. Some players get a bump, others, not so much.
Winners
- Mike Trout – The move to New York should help his counting stats.
- Jacob deGrom – Pitching for the Dodgers could mean more wins and better numbers overall.
- Logan Gilbert – More chances with the Cubs make him a sneaky asset.
- Jazz Chisholm – His skill set fits perfectly with the Rays’ creative lineup.
Losers
- Anthony Rizzo – Trout’s arrival might cut into Rizzo’s playing time and at-bats.
- Max Scherzer – With deGrom in L.A., Scherzer could see his workload managed more carefully.
- Javier Báez – The Cubs’ focus on young arms like Gilbert might mean fewer save chances for Báez.
Strategies for Fantasy Managers
Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to adjust. Here are a few thoughts as you move forward.
Monitor Player Performance
Watch how traded players settle in with their new teams. If someone like Trout starts mashing in the Bronx, maybe it’s worth swinging a trade for him—if you can pull it off.
Stay Active on the Waiver Wire
The waiver wire gets interesting after the deadline. Players like Gilbert or Chisholm could suddenly become valuable, so keep your eyes peeled.
Sometimes, it’s the overlooked guys who end up winning you a league. Don’t be afraid to take a chance.
Reevaluate Your Team’s Needs
Take a good look at your team’s strengths and weaknesses after the latest trades. If you’re missing something in certain categories, it’s time to hunt for players who can fill those gaps.
Let’s say you need more stolen bases—maybe Jazz Chisholm is your guy. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little; sometimes the right addition makes all the difference.
If you want a deep dive into all the trade deadline moves, this comprehensive breakdown is worth a look.
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