Early-Season Fantasy Baseball Pitchers to Sell High

Yesterday, we took a look at several fantasy baseball hitters who were delivering at the plate and are sell-high candidates as a result. Today, I'm back to look at excelling fantasy pitchers who are also sell-high candidates.

I'll be using this link when coming up with several pitchers to possibly sell high. Let's dive right in!

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Jose Soriano - Los Angeles Angels

Soriano is way up to about 97% rostered after a stellar start to the 2026 season.

Soriano has allowed just one run across his first four starts and 27 innings. A 0.33 earned run average is stellar, but it's definitely not going to stick, and that makes him a sell-high trade candidate. 

He regressed in 2025 to a 4.26 ERA, but had a 3.64 and 3.42 ERA in 2023 and 2024, respectively. That should give fantasy owners more reason to believe in him being near those marks in 2026.

I just don't see how Soriano's fantasy value could get any higher, and if you aren't desperate for fantasy starting pitchers, then selling Soriano is the move to make, as it should benefit you in the long run.

Riley O'Brien - St. Louis Cardinals

O'Brien is owned in 79% of leagues, so he's more a deep-league trade target. Those desperate for relievers though might be willing to trade for O'Brien in a standard league though.

He's been great across his first 10 appearances, pitching in all wins. O'Brien has allowed an unearned run over 10 1/3 innings, while striking out 11 along the way. He's 2-0 with five saves and one hold.

O'Brien is going to regress from his early-season marks at some point, but could still stick as a good fantasy reliever. If he's part of a stacked fantasy bullpen, then selling O'Brien high now makes a lot of sense, even if the return isn't anything crazy.

At least throw his name out there to see if anyone bites.

Emerson Hancock - Seattle Mariners

Hancock is up to 88% rostered after a stellar start to the season. While he was a waiver wire add early on, he's done enough to be worth trading for in some standard leagues.

Hancock has made four starts this season so far, and owns a 2.28 ERA over 23 2/3 innings. He is 2-1 with 25 strikeouts along the way.

He hasn't been nearly as good in his first three MLB campaigns, so that makes him a sell-high candidate now. If he was a waiver wire add, you'll get a better return, so it's a move I like making today.

Do it before his numbers fall off too much.

Taj Bradley - Minnesota Twins

Bradley currently sits around 90% owned. He's in a similar boat to Hancock, where he's done enough to be worthy of being traded for in a standard league.

Bradley has been stellar in his first four starts for Minnesota. He's 3-0 with a 1.25 ERA over 21 2/3 innings. Bradley has 29 punchouts along the way, which just adds to his fantasy appeal right now.

He might be in the midst of a breakout season, but he's still going to regress a bit. If you don't need his services now, flipping him could benefit you more down the road.

Michael Wacha - Kansas City Royals

Wacha is rostered in about 85% of leagues. He's more a deep-league trade asset, but again, could be dealt in a standard league for a decent price.

In three starts, Wacha is 2-0 with a 0.43 ERA over 21 innings. He has 17 strikeouts over his time on the bump.

He has been a pretty good fantasy asset over the past several years, but definitely not pitching as well as he's started 2026. Wacha has good value because of his past, and I'm surprised he isn't owned in more leagues.

Anyways, I think his value is as high today as it could be all season. Throw his name on the trade block and capitalize on Wacha's fast start to 2026.

Bryce Elder - Atlanta Braves

Elder is sitting near 75% rostered. He's likely only a trade asset in deeper leagues. 

Elder is 2-1, but with a 0.77 ERA over four starts and 23 1/3 innings so far. He has 23 strikeouts along the way.

He had a good fantasy showing in 2023, but has regressed in the past two years. Elder could be back to that 2023 form, but he's still going to regress from his stellar start.

That means now is the time to possibly sell highest on Elder. He was likely a depth pickup anyways, so if you don't need him in the long run, trade him away high right now.

Seth Lugo - Kansas City Royals

Lugo is rostered in about 70% of fantasy leagues at the moment. That makes him another deep-league trade asset only.

Lugo is 1-1, but with a 1.48 ERA over four starts in 2026. He has 21 strikeouts over 24 1/3 innings.

He's had good fantasy seasons in the past, but regressed in 2025. Lugo could be headed toward a bounceback campaign in 2026, but he won't pitch this well all season.

Throw his name on the trade block and see what kinds of offers come in. You might be surprised what the veteran hurler can net you in return.

Randy Vasquez - San Diego Padres

Vasquez is up to 77% owned, making him another better deep-league trade asset.

Vasquez has been good to start 2026, going 1-0 with a 2.49 ERA over four starts. He has 25 strikeouts over 21 2/3 innings to add to his value.

He posted a 4.87 ERA in 2024, then improved to a 3.84 ERA in 2025. Vasquez could improve that mark in 2026, but I doubt he posts a sub-3.00 ERA.

That makes now a time to sell high on Vasquez. The return should be pretty solid after what I just pointed out about the improvement over his career.

Joey Cantillo - Cleveland Guardians

Cantillo is rostered in about 63% of leagues, so he definitely is just a deep-league trade asset at this time.

Cantillo has made four starts in 2026. He's 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA, while striking out 24 batters in 20 2/3 innings.

He had a 3.21 ERA over 34 appearances (13 starts) in 2025. Cantillo has looked great to start 2026, but I see regression coming. His arm might not also be able to handle a starter's workload all season, so now is a good time to sell high on Cantillo.

The return might not be super great, but it could have a higher upside than what Cantillo offers the rest of the season. At least gather some trade offers for him.