Fantasy Baseball Trade Deadline Tracker: Key Moves and Analysis
The trade deadline is closing in, and the dominoes have begun to fall in the world of Fantasy Baseball. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of rosters and player movements, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments that could impact your team’s performance.
Over the next week-plus, Scott White and Chris Towers will be using this space to break down every move that’s of significance for Fantasy, updating the feed as trades happen. Bookmark this page to stay up-to-date with the latest insights and information.
Kevin Gausman Traded to Cubs
The Cubs have acquired Kevin Gausman in a trade that could potentially boost their rotation. At 35 years old, Gausman has been struggling to keep his ERA under 4.00 this season, but his swinging-strike rate, walk rate, and ground-ball rate are about the same as in 2024 and 2025. His average exit velocity is actually a little better (88.4 mph), and his 3.95 xERA and 3.51 FIP both suggest he deserves better than he’s gotten. The Cubs are counting on Gausman to shape up in the second half, just like he did in previous seasons.
Gausman will be moving to a more forgiving offense in Chicago, which might help him regain his form. However, his stock remains relatively steady with this move. You could argue he was a buy-low candidate whether he stayed or went.
Tyler Mahle Traded to Braves
The trade of Tyler Mahle to the Braves might not be as significant in Fantasy Baseball terms, given his relatively low roster percentage (20%). However, Mahle has put together a 2.18 ERA for the Rangers during an injury-shortened 2025 season, and he’s regained some of the velocity he was lacking then. The Braves have plenty to play for but a startling lack of viable starting pitchers, which makes this trade a potentially intriguing development.
If Mahle were to recapture his form, it wouldn’t be the most shocking development. The first order of business for the Braves will be figuring out why Mahle’s slider has been so much worse this season and how to get it back on track.
Luis Garcia Jr. Traded to Yankees
The Nationals turned Luis Garcia’s breakout season into a surprisingly light return – a couple of relievers in Yovanny Cruz and Jake Bird and a couple of prospects ranked outside of the team’s top 10 in MLB.com’s rankings in Jack Cebert and Ben Grable. The Yankees have acquired Garcia, who might move to second base and pair with Paul Goldschmidt at first base.
Garcia’s only limitation this season has been a lack of playing time against lefties, and this trade doesn’t fundamentally alter how we view him for Fantasy. He was a good player held back by his lack of everyday at-bats, and he still is.
Freddy Peralta Traded to Rays
Freddy Peralta is on the move for the second time in eight months, and the Rays believe they have a plan to fix whatever has gone wrong for them since he arrived with the Mets. The main problem for Peralta is his declining strikeout rate, down to 22.1% this season – the first time he’s ever been below 27%. His changeup, curveball, and fastball whiff rates are all within spitting distance of last year’s numbers, and his slider still has an elite 48.7% whiff rate.
The Rays need to figure out why Peralta’s slider has been so much worse this season and how to get it back. Everything else looks as it should for Peralta, so making a change-of-scenery bet while giving up very little in prospect capital makes plenty of sense.
Tarik Skubal Traded to Dodgers
The Dodgers have acquired Tarik Skubal, and it was entirely expected. The Dodgers have a history of following through on their deals, and this trade is no exception. The Dodgers gave up three prospects: Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, and Brady Smith. Skubal has a 1.95 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, and 12.2 K/9 over his past six starts.
If you didn’t already have Skubal as the top starting pitcher rest of season, even for as good as he’s looked coming back from a midseason elbow procedure, you should now that he’s joined the best supporting cast in baseball.
Luis Castillo Traded to White Sox
Luis Castillo is the biggest player on the move, but the most impacted player for Fantasy is one that’s staying put: Kade Anderson. The top-flight pitching prospect has been a force of nature at Double-A, and the Mariners are considering bringing him up right away and sticking with a six-man rotation.
Anderson needs to be rostered in all Fantasy leagues because his impact down the stretch could be enormous. As for Castillo, he wouldn’t seem to have much left in the tank anymore. He’s not the bat-misser nor ground-ball generator he used to be and has struggled to keep his ERA under 5.00.
Lane Thomas Traded to Braves
The Braves have acquired Lane Thomas, who might provide a boost to their outfield. Thomas has been a solid hitter, and his move to the Braves could make him a more attractive option for Fantasy players.
