Yahoo Sports analyst urges fantasy managers to offload high-profile MLB assets
From Sal Stewart’s recent slump to Joe Ryan’s elbow soreness, the latest trade analysis suggests capitalising on market perception before underlying performance declines.
Yahoo Sports fantasy analyst Fred Zinkie has published a comprehensive trade analysis advising managers to "sell high" on nine prominent Major League Baseball players. The recommendations, grounded in specific performance metrics and injury risks, suggest that managers can maximise asset value by trading these players while their market perception remains elevated, despite current struggles or future uncertainties.
Zinkie identifies Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds as a primary candidate for a trade. Although Stewart remains highly rated on the Yahoo player rater, his performance has declined significantly since a hot start, hitting just .180 with one home run and one steal over 15 games since April 26. Zinkie argues that despite his power-speed blend, the recent statistical drop-off presents an opportunity to trade him for an established star while his value is still perceived as high.
The analysis also highlights Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox, who currently ranks third in baseball for home runs. Zinkie notes that pitchers have adapted to his style, pointing out that his home run rate in Japan (64 homers in 283 games) is solid but not elite compared to players like Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani. With major league hurlers likely developing better strategies to counter him, Zinkie advises dealing Murakami before his production normalises.
In Colorado, Mickey Moniak’s actual statistics, including a .303 average and 11 home runs, are significantly better than his expected metrics, such as a .232 expected batting average. This discrepancy suggests his performance is unsustainable. Similarly, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski is flagged for his low earned run average of 2.42, which Zinkie deems undeserved given his 4.09 expected ERA and low strikeout rate of 4.4 per nine innings.
Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan is recommended for trade due to injury risk. After leaving a start on May 3 due to elbow soreness, Ryan has since pitched well, but Zinkie warns that mitigating long-term health risks is crucial. Trading him while he continues to accumulate quality starts allows managers to secure full value before any potential decline in availability or performance.
Other players identified for trade include Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who is struggling with a high strikeout rate and lower exit velocity, and Giants third baseman Rafael Devers, who has hit .237 since joining the team despite a recent hot streak. Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Bubba Chandler faces potential demotion due to poor control, while Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo’s poor ERA and WHIP make him a candidate to offload for minimal value before being dropped entirely.
