Buy Low Now: Eight Fantasy Baseball Players Worth Targeting

The middle of April marks the ideal opportunity for fantasy baseball managers to buy low on players struggling at the start of the season. As some managers grow impatient with their slow starters, the data available remains too limited to make any sweeping judgments. This is a crucial time to identify players who can turn their seasons around without sacrificing too much in a trade.

When it comes to elite players, making a buy-low deal is typically not advisable. Most managers will hold onto their superstars despite a brief slump, which means offers for the likes of Julio Rodríguez, Ronald Acuña Jr., or José Ramírez are likely to be met with quick declines. Instead, focusing on players selected in rounds 5-12 can yield better results. These athletes possess the potential for significant contributions when they find their rhythm, yet they also present an opportunity for trade when they’re in a downturn.

One player to consider is Herrera, who has demonstrated superior skills this season compared to his current results. The 25-year-old is batting second in a Cardinals lineup that has exceeded expectations, making him a valuable source of batting average and counting stats moving forward. Despite a .200 average and just one home run, some managers may underestimate his potential, viewing him as a fringe asset.

Burleson, at first glance, appears to be having a lackluster season with a .270 average, two homers, and a .786 OPS. However, a deeper analysis reveals promising signs. The 27-year-old has elevated his plate discipline to elite levels, boasting a 14.7% walk rate and an 8.0% strikeout rate. Additionally, he is hitting the ball harder than ever, with an average exit velocity of 92.8 mph. His expected stats suggest he is on the verge of a breakout year.

Marte stands out as the best player on this list based on March ADP, despite a rocky start with a .212 average and .702 OPS. His 92.4 mph average exit velocity is the second-highest of his career, and it does not align with his .208 BABIP. While he may miss some time each season, Marte remains one of baseball’s most consistent hitters and is likely to elevate his average to .270 by the end of April.

The buy-low window for Story, currently with a .471 OPS, is wide open. After disappointing fantasy managers for three consecutive years, he finally exceeded expectations last season. Many who invested in him this season may be regretting it, given his extensive injury history and unproductive stretches. However, the upside remains, as he showcased his potential last year with 25 homers and 31 steals.

Harris is another intriguing option, despite a slow start this year with a .641 OPS and a history of underperformance. Yet, his underlying numbers hint at a possible breakthrough. He’s hitting the ball harder than ever, with an average exit velocity of 92.1 mph, and has achieved career-best marks in expected batting average and slugging percentage. With a history of stealing 20 bases in three of his four seasons, he is poised for a career-best season in home runs.

Bradish’s start has been disappointing, primarily due to a high 14.8% walk rate. However, his other stats are solid, including a 27.9% strikeout rate and just one home run allowed. With a 3.20 xERA significantly lower than his actual 5.27, acquiring Bradish at a discount could be a smart move, especially considering his impressive 2.78 ERA and 1.05 WHIP across 44 starts from 2023-25.

If there’s one player on this list to target, it’s Luzardo. His 6.23 ERA is misleading, as he boasts an impressive 26:4 K:BB ratio and has struck out at least seven batters in each start. Unfortunately, he has faced misfortune with a .359 BABIP and a low 46.5% strand rate. With increased fastball velocity this season, Luzardo has the potential to perform at an ace level moving forward.

Lastly, Palencia has been effective this year, holding a 0.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. However, some managers may be frustrated by his lack of saves, totaling just one due to the Cubs’ sluggish start at 8-9. As Chicago aims for postseason contention, Palencia is firmly established as their closer and is an excellent candidate to reach 35 saves this season.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.