The MLB Trade Deadline is here, with a frenzied afternoon of wheeling and dealing upon us. Although most of Thursday’s excitement will take place off the field, there’s still a few intriguing matchups on deck. It all gets started this afternoon, when the Rays and Yankees meet up for a pivotal series finale in the Bronx. Later, the Reds and Braves battle in the MLB Speedway Classic, set to take place at Bristol Motor Speedway. As a nightcap, AL West foes are set to face off when the Mariners host the Rangers.
Although it’s a modest three-game slate, there’s still some value to be had for fantasy baseball managers. Let’s dive into the matchups and take a look at my top MLB DFS picks today.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $80K Relay Throw [$20K to 1st]
Pitchers
Stud
SP George Kirby, Seattle Mariners vs. TEX ($8,800): During Thursday’s must-watch AL West showdown, Seattle will be putting its faith in George Kirby. Injuries and inconsistent performance have plagued the former All-Star for most of the season. Unsurprisingly, the righty owns a mediocre 4.50 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. However, those numbers look far more respectable since June 1st (3.45 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 9.42 K/9).
Tonight’s matchup against a suddenly surging Rangers lineup could present a major challenge. Still, it’s not as though Kirby has had much trouble in this spot before. Over nine career meetings with Texas, he’s notched a minuscule 1.15 ERA. It helps that the 27-year-old will be taking the mound at T-Mobile Park, one of baseball’s most pitcher-friendly venues. Even as the second-most expensive starter on the board, Kirby is worth consideration in most fantasy lineups.
Infield
Stud
1B/OF Josh Naylor, Seattle Mariners vs. TEX ($4,900): The Mariners made waves last night when they decided to pull the trigger on a move for Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suarez. However, the third baseman isn’t the only big name Seattle has acquired from the Snakes this month. Josh Naylor is a reliable bat to slot into this suddenly loaded M’s lineup. Over 99 games this season, the first baseman is slashing .288/.356/.442 with 12 homers and 60 RBIs.
Although Naylor has been shaky for his new club (.227 BA), it’s only been six games. Tonight’s matchup against the Rangers and their young starter, Kumar Rocker, appears promising. The rookie has been awful for most of the year, posting a 5.73 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. Left-handed hitters are batting .320 against the 25-year-old, as well. At $500 less than Thursday’s most expensive first baseman, Matt Olson ($5,400), Naylor could be a steal.
Value
2B Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves at CIN ($3,900): Not much has gone right for the Braves this year, including the play of Ozzie Albies. The three-time All-Star has looked like a shell of himself, recording career-worst marks in batting average (.221), on-base percentage (.300), slugging (.325) and ISO (.104). At this point, it’s fair to say that the 28-year-old is beginning to decline.
Still, that’s not to say Albies is a complete scrub. In the right matchup, the second baseman can still do some damage. That’s especially true against left-handed pitching, whom the ninth-year pro owns a lifetime .324 batting average against. Cincinnati’s Andrew Abbott has been one of the National League’s top hurlers this season. However, Albies has gone 4-for-6 with a home run and three RBIs against the southpaw. Look for Atlanta’s switch-hitting slugger to find success tonight at Bristol Speedway.
OUTFIELD
Stud
OF Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners vs. TEX ($5,300): We’ve gone heavy on Seattle tonight, so why stop now? It’s been a bit of a mixed bag for Julio Rodriguez this season. A 4.4 bWAR is one of the American League’s better marks. However, the Dominican is slashing a good (not great) .255/.312/.436 at the plate. Those numbers would be terrific for most players, just not someone with MVP-type potential.
Fortunately for Mariners fans, it looks like the All-Star has begun to get into a groove. During his last 15 games, J-Rod is hitting .323 with seven home runs, 10 RBIs, and five steals. It’s difficult to fade a superstar on a heater, especially against a struggling starter. The aforementioned Kumar Rocker has been a major disappointment during his rookie campaign (5.73 ERA, 1.44 WHIP). Don’t be shocked if Rodriguez puts together another monster stat line.
Value
IF/OF Gavin Lux, Cincinnati Reds vs. ATL ($3,000): One of the biggest strengths for the Reds this season has been their hitting depth. Cincinnati manager Terry Francona has been able to mix-and-match several capable role players all year. That includes utility man Gavin Lux, capable of playing both the infield and outfield. This season, the former top prospect is hitting .269 with four homers and 42 RBIs. The biggest draw for the left-hander, in addition to positional versatility, is his stellar .356 on-base percentage.
Those statistics aren’t eye-popping, but it’s not nothing when the cost is just $3,000. It helps that Lux’s Reds are going up against an injury-depleted Braves pitching staff. Atlanta recently acquired Carlos Carrasco from the Yankees, hoping to squeeze something out of the veteran. Through 32.0 innings of work, the former All-Star has put up a 5.91 ERA and 1.53 WHIP. In addition, southpaws are slashing .288/.333/.400 against Cookie. A washed pitcher facing a capable lefty bat? Lux could be one of the biggest steals on Thursday’s slate.
