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Fantasy Baseball Buy-Low Trade Candidates: Target These Slumping Stars

Recent cold streaks have opened the door to acquire proven fantasy talent before the second-half rebound begins.

Morgan Rode Jul 10th 10:47 AM EDT.

Jun 21, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) looks on during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Sutter Health Park. Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images
Jun 21, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) looks on during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Sutter Health Park. Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

Let's now go over some possible buy-low fantasy baseball trade options after cold stretches of late. We will look at pitchers and hitters below.

Also be sure to check out the sell-high trade candidate story.

Use the FantasySP trade value chart and trade analyzer as you propose and accept fantasy baseball trades all season!

Hitters

Cody Bellinger - New York Yankees

Bellinger has the worst batting average (.115) among qualified batters over the timeframe we are using. That's six hits over 52 at-bats and 55 plate appearances.

He has a double among the hits, plus two RBIs, a run scored, three walks and 16 strikeouts. Bellinger has simply not provided much of late, and that makes him a buy-low trade candidate.

Bellinger made the All-Star team, and that was because he was delivering big earlier this season. I see him bouncing back in time, so if you can acquire him for less right now, it should pay off big for you in the long run. At least see what the cost would be.

Nick Kurtz - Athletics

Kurtz has a .170 average over the past couple weeks. He had eight hits over 47 at-bats and 51 plate appearances.

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He has struck out 22 times in that span, the second-most in the league in that stretch. Kurtz has a homer among the hits, plus five RBIs and runs scored. He's walked four times in that span.

Kurtz has been a high-end fantasy asset most of the season, but regressed really hard to past couple weeks. That makes now a time to buy low on the Athletics' youngster.

Better days are ahead for sure. Kurtz is still going to cost a lot, but his value is down because of what he's done of late, and these are the types of players we are targeting here.

Cal Raleigh - Seattle Mariners

Raleigh has a .178 average over the past two weeks. He also has 21 strikeouts in that span, so there's been some negative performances.

He has a homer and three doubles among his eight knocks in that span. Over 45 plate appearances and 54 plate appearances, Raleigh has eight walks and RBIs, plus five runs scored.

Raleigh has underwhelmed most of the season, and that's been the case of late. He's going to go down as a draft bust if he doesn't get things going fairly soon.

If you still believe in Raleigh, or just want to take a chance on a high-upside player, then I'd suggest looking into Raleigh. His cost shouldn't be very high right now, and if he ever gets going at the plate, he could carry your fantasy squad.

Jul 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Jul 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pitchers

Hunter Greene - Cincinnati Reds

Greene just returned to the mound, after spending the first part of the season on the injured list.

His first start didn't go too well, and he was straddled with a loss after working just 3 1/3 innings. Greene allowed eight runs on seven hits and four walks. He did strike out seven batters at least.

Greene can be a high-end fantasy pitcher when he's going right, and better days are surely ahead for him. After the long injury stint and the poor first start, it's a time to buy really low on Greene.

If you are lacking pitching, or just want a high-upside player, then Greene is the perfect pitcher to go after now.

Cristopher Sanchez - Philadelphia Phillies

Sanchez was tagged for nine runs in his last start, and it lasted just 3 1/3 innings. He had a great start before that, but gave up five runs in his start before that.

He's been up and down over his past five starts overall, and it's creating a window to buy low on a high-end fantasy pitcher. Sanchez is still going to cost a bunch, but it's worth targeting him now, as his value likely won't get any lower.

For his inconsistencies of late, Sanchez still is 10-4 with a 2.62 earned run average over 19 starts this year. Throw in 137 strikeouts over 120 1/3 innings and you see why he's such a great fantasy pitcher when he's going well. Acquire him before he bounces back.

Paul Skenes - Pittsburgh Pirates

Skenes has been a bit disappointing overall this season, and that's what has continued over his past few starts.

He allowed two runs his last time out, but still gave up eight hits and a walk over six innings, while only striking out four. Skenes allowed seven and four runs in the two starts before that, so he's trending down as a fantasy asset right now.

Better days are surely ahead for the young hurler, so now is a rare time to buy low on Skenes. He still will cost a lot because he's a big name, but there's no better time to acquire Skenes than right now. Make it happen before he gets back on track.

#trades

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