Sometimes, all a struggling player needs is a change of scenery to start producing at a high level again.
Trades not only help out teams, they have a big impact on fantasy teams too.
Here are five players who could benefit from a trade and become more valuable assets to your fantasy team.
- Alfonso Soriano, OF, Chicago Cubs – Soriano isn’t the player he once was and still has $65 million left on his contract that runs through 2014. But, that might not stop a team like the Yankees from pursuing him if they decide Jorge Posada is washed up. It’s going to be hard to get rid of him, but the Cubs might be willing to eat at least some of the $65 million.
- Michael Cuddyer, OF, Minnesota Twins – The Twins got off to a horrible start to this season. Even though they picked up their pace in June, they still probably aren’t contenders in the AL Central this season. That means veterans like Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel could possibly be moved by the trade deadline. Cuddyer would be a valuable addition to any team because of his versatility on defense.
- Carlos Lee, 1B/OF, Houston Astros – Lee is another player with an unfavorable contract. But, Lee’s is a little bit easier to swallow than Soriano’s. He only has one year left after this year and is only making $18.5 million next season. Going to the AL to be a DH for a team like the Yankees or to the Braves to play the outfield. He can still hit the ball for power and would be a valuable asset to a contender.
- Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Chicago Cubs – Ramirez has a club option for 2012, but the team that grabs him doesn’t necessarily have to pick it up. That means Ramirez could be a valuable half-season rental for a team in need of a third baseman. The Angels, Mariners, Giants, Braves and Diamondbacks are all rumored to be interested. Another interesting possibility would be for him to go back to the Pirates, who are still very much in contention for the NL Central.
- Ryan Ludwick, OF, San Diego Padres – The Padres aren’t going to contend this year. Therefore, it makes sense that they’d try to move some of their veterans like Heath Bell and Ryan Ludwick for some younger players. There are many teams in need of another bat, including the San Francisco Giants and the Cleveland Indians. Ludwick might be an attractive option for those teams.