Rotation recalibration in Seattle
The Mariners are expected to make significant changes to their starting rotation at the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline, which takes place next Monday. The team has six solid rotation options, including Emerson Hancock, but may need to trade some of these pitchers to address their imbalance between pitching and offense.
The Mariners have arguably baseball's best pitching prospect in Kade Anderson, who has dominated the minors this year with a 1.27 ERA and 0.64 WHIP. Anderson's emergence has led to speculation that at least one Mariners starter will leave the team in the coming days.
Seattle's excess of starting pitchers, combined with their access to baseball's best park for pitchers, makes them an attractive team to trade with. Managers who are ahead of the pack in terms of playoff positioning may want to stash Anderson now, as he could make a major fantasy impact at some point in August.
Twins teardown, Part II
The Twins have fared better than expected this season, but still have a chance to make major trades, including of SP Joe Ryan or OF Byron Buxton. Both players are top-notch assets who would fetch massive returns and will likely never be more valuable than they are right now.
A further fire sale could open opportunities for outfielder Walker Jenkins, who is the No. 14 prospect in baseball and has logged a career .864 OPS in the minors. Managers who have room to stash Jenkins may want to do so in the days leading up to the deadline.
Aces on the move
The 2026 MLB Trade Deadline promises to be among the most active in recent memory, with several teams expected to make significant moves. One of the headliners for this year's deadline is Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, who would fetch a massive return if the Tigers decide to stop trying to swim upstream in the wild card race.
Skubal would be the most desirable starter to roster for the final two months as a member of baseball's best team. The Dodgers have a deep farm system and high payroll, and could take a run at extending his contract.
A pair of struggling aces could also be traded. Kevin Gausman has been ultra-consistent over five seasons with the Blue Jays, but has struggled in his past 10 starts. Freddy Peralta has been an even bigger disaster, having struggled from start to finish during his four-month tenure with the Mets.
Fantasy managers who continue to roster the veteran righty should do so until his next team is announced.
Source: Yahoo Sports