James Wood, Shane Baz, Ben Rice fantasy baseball trade targets for Week 17 (2024). Are James Wood, Shane Baz, Ben Rice fantasy baseball buy or sells? Read the trade analysis and advice.
BALLER MOVE: Sell James Wood
ANALYSIS: James Wood has had an interesting start to his MLB career with the Washington Nationals. In his initial stint, Wood has posted a .245 batting average with one home run and six RBIs over 49 at-bats. While these stats aren't particularly eye-catching, they show the potential that made him a highly regarded prospect. Before his call-up, Wood was tearing it up in Triple-A, hitting .353 with a 1.058 OPS.
However, the transition to the majors has been a bit rockier than hoped and his immediate impact is uncertain. If you're in a redraft league and need more consistent performance, now might be the time to trade Wood while his value is still buoyed by his prospect status.
BALLER MOVE: Buy Shane Baz
ANALYSIS: Shane Baz is on his way back to full form following Tommy John surgery in 2022. The Tampa Bay Rays' right-hander has made two starts in the majors this season, posting a 5.23 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 10.1 innings. His last five rehab starts at Triple-A Durham were excellent, going 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA and an impressive 35:10 K/BB ratio over 23 innings.
Baz's recent outings include a solid six-inning game against the Rangers, where he allowed three runs and struck out six, followed by a 4.1-inning performance against the Yankees with five strikeouts. As Baz continues to regain his pre-injury form, he could provide significant value for fantasy managers looking for pitching help. His strikeout potential makes him a high-upside addition.
BALLER MOVE: Buy Ben Rice
ANALYSIS: Ben Rice has made a notable impact since being called up to the New York Yankees. The 25-year-old catcher/first baseman has hit .230 with five home runs and 16 RBIs over 74 at-bats. Rice has shown flashes of brilliance, including a historic three-homer, seven-RBI game, becoming the first rookie in Yankees history to achieve such a feat.
Rice's ability to play multiple positions and his solid minor league track record, where he hit .324/.434/.615 across three levels in 2023, making him an intriguing fantasy option. With the Yankees dealing with injuries and lineup inconsistencies, Rice should continue to see ample playing time. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider stashing Rice, as his power and versatility could provide a valuable boost as the season progresses.
Visit Our Fantasy Baseball Trade Analyzer To Assist Your Trade Offers
These players offer various levels of potential impact. While fantasy superstardom looms in his future, for the rest of 2024, James Wood might be better used as trade bait for those needing immediate help, while Shane Baz and Ben Rice present valuable upside for fantasy managers willing to invest in potential breakout candidates.
More Fantasy Baseball Analysis

Nick Kurtz - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups and Prospect Stashes (Week 4)
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 31% of Leagues ANALYSIS: After weeks of wondering when the Athletics would call up their top prospect, they are finally expected to promote first baseman Nick Kurtz to their major league roster on Monday evening. Kurtz was drafted fourth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft and is currently MLB […]

Logan Henderson - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups and Prospect Stashes (Week 4)
BALLER MOVE: Monitor in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 3% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Milwaukee Brewers called up their No. 12 prospect, Logan Henderson, earlier this week to give the team another fresh arm. The Brewers are dealing with injuries to Nestor Cortes (elbow), Aaron Civale (hamstring), Brandon Woodruff (shoulder), and Tobias Myers (oblique) early in the […]

Edgar Quero - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups and Prospect Stashes (Week 4)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 15+ Team / Two-Catcher Leagues ROSTERED IN: 1% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Chicago White Sox called up their No. 6 prospect, Edgar Quero, on Thursday afternoon to make his MLB debut. Quero was acquired by the White Sox at the 2023 trade deadline in the deal that sent both Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo […]

Caleb Durbin - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups and Prospect Stashes (Week 4)
BALLER MOVE: Consider in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 6% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Milwaukee Brewers have promoted infielder Caleb Durbin, who MLB Pipeline ranked as their No. 21 prospect coming into the season. Durbin will make his MLB debut on Friday night, batting ninth against J.T. Ginn and the Athletics. Before the game, manager Pat […]

Noelvi Marte - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups and Prospect Stashes (Week 4)
BALLER MOVE: Monitor in Deeper Leagues ROSTERED IN: 2% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Cincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte has spent time in both the majors and minors this season. He originally started the year with Triple-A Louisville before being called up when Matt McLain went down with a hamstring injury. However, the Reds former top prospect only […]
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
