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The MLB trade deadline has come and gone. We saw some significant names on the move as teams pushing for playoff spots tried to fortify their rosters.
Fantasy managers have continued to wheel-and-deal since the deadline as many fantasy league trade deadlines have yet to pass. The deadline for many leagues is likely coming up this week, allowing for one final push to improve teams.
Let’s discuss two players to consider buying low on in fantasy, as well as two to consider trading away with their values possibly peaking.
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Undervalued Fantasy Baseball Players to Trade For
Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves (1B)
Olson had the best season of his career last year, batting .283 with a .321 ISO and a .413 wOBA. He was aided by his improved eye at the plate, posting a 14.4% walk rate and a 23.2% strikeout rate. He also had a 16.4% barrel rate and a 55.1% hard-hit rate, both of which were the highest marks of his career.
This season has been a disappointment for Olson with him entering Wednesday batting .228 with a .190 ISO and a .314 wOBA. His strikeout rate has ballooned to 28.2%, while his walk rate has declined to 9.0%. While his 10.8% barrel rate and 47.7% hard-hit rate aren’t bad in the grand scheme of things, they are both below his career marks.
Matt Olson - Atlanta Braves (14)
pic.twitter.com/ca7xzOH2mB— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) July 27, 2024
The thing with Olson is, when he gets hot, he tends to hit home runs in bunches. Across his last 10 games, he has hit five home runs. Fantasy managers looking for batting average should stay away from Olson, but those in need of power might be able to buy low for his services.
Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves (OF)
The Braves have dealt with a lot of injuries this season. Harris has been no exception as he has not taken the field since the middle of June because of a hamstring injury. The good news is, he is now on a rehab assignment. He is currently on the 60-day injured list, but is eligible to be activated August 14.
After finishing with a .184 ISO, a .345 wOBA, and 20 stolen bases last year, Harris had disappointed this year before getting hurt. Through 67 games, he has a .108 ISO, .285 wOBA, and eight stolen bases. Still, he is a talented hitter who has a career .340 wOBA and 46.3% hard-hit rate. Now is the time to try and acquire him for a lesser return than he might actually be worth.
Overvalued Fantasy Baseball Players to Trade Away
Colton Cowser, Baltimore Orioles (OF)
Cowser is locked in at the plate, hitting 27-for-74 (.365) with four home runs and three doubles over his last 20 games entering Monday. He posted a 10.7% walk rate during that stretch and even stole two bases.
Colton Cowser and Zach Eflin are quickly becoming friends.
Cowser makes his second impressive catch of the inning! pic.twitter.com/pzfjJ1i1Qt
— MLB (@MLB) July 29, 2024
We have seen Coswer get hot before. He had an OPS over 1.000 heading into May. However, from the beginning of May into the middle of July, he had a span of 58 games in which he registered only a .604 OPS. He’s grabbing headlines right now as part of a loaded Orioles lineup, so float him out in trade offers before he cools off again.
Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres (2B/SS)
Bogaerts has been a different player since being activated from the injured list. Over his last 17 games entering Wednesday, he is 29-for-69 (.420) at the plate. After a disappointing start, his batting average is up to .273 for the season.
As good as Bogaerts has been lately, he’s still not hitting for power. He hit just one home run over that 17-game span. He also had just two steals, despite being on base so often. For the season, he has a .105 ISO that is on pace to be the second-lowest mark of his career. Shop him to a team who is desperate for batting average help before his current heater comes to an end. He’s not likely to provide much in other departments, anyways.
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