What happened: A lack of impactful starting pitchers on the waiver wire has shifted focus to the trade market. Managers are leveraging a deep pool of available hitters to acquire starters like Bryan Woo, Reid Detmers, Paul Skenes, Jesús Luzardo, and Mason Miller. Recent pitching promotions, including Jake Bennett and Griffin Jax, have already been rostered.
Why it matters: The disparity between hitter and pitcher availability creates an opportunity to buy low on inconsistent but talented arms. Skenes offers elite underlying metrics despite recent velocity dips, while Detmers presents strong swing-and-miss skills. Miller remains a premium asset in save categories, holding more fantasy value than all but 14 players.
By the numbers: Woo carries a 2.20 ERA at T-Mobile Park compared to a 6.28 ERA on the road. Luzardo has posted a 1.49 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 63 strikeouts over his last seven starts. Detmers maintains a 10.2 K/9 rate with a 3.27 xERA, and Skenes' strikeout and walk rates mirror his production from previous seasons.
What to watch: Fantasy managers will look to package newly promoted hitters in exchange for top-tier starting pitching.