Sell High Fantasy Baseball Trade Candidates with High Trade Values: Willy Adames and Garrett Crochet

Discussing Willy Adames and Garrett Crochet as sell high trade candidates after their hot starts to the season.

Another day, another trade story. This one is brought about by the FantasySP Fantasy Baseball Trade Value Chart.

After perusing the chart, I came across two players who have high trade values right now, but I’m also not sold on them moving forward, which makes them sell high trade candidates.

So, let’s discuss Milwaukee Brewers’ Willy Adames and Chicago White Sox’s Garrett Crochet.

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Willy Adames Fantasy Outlook

Adames is enjoying a nice bounceback season for the Brewers. His average is up from 2023, and he’s a big-time fantasy asset because he hits in the heart of the team’s order. At the same time, Adames is a very streaky hitter, so trading him could net you a little more fantasy consistency moving forward.

In 74 games so far, Adames has a .240 average and .333 on-base percentage. A year ago, Adames has a .217 average and .310 OBP. He’s got a career .247 average and .321 OBP, so he’s more in line with those numbers than the ones he produced in 2023.

Where Adames is excelling this year is in his other batting statistics. He’s got 17 doubles and 12 home runs this season after 29 doubles and 24 homers a season ago. Adames has 52 RBIs and 38 runs scored this season, putting him on pace to pass last year’s marks of 80 RBIs and 73 runs scored. He’s also stole 10 bases this season, already doubling last year’s mark of five.

Adames has 39 walks, after walking 71 times a season ago. Adames has 68 strikeouts in 2024, putting him well below last year’s mark of 165 Ks.

It’s just been an all-around better season for Adames at the plate. It’s resulted in him vaulting up to the 41st spot on the Trade Value Chart. While he’s on pace for a pretty big season, there’s definitely more consistent fantasy hitters out there, and if you aren’t completely sold on Adames, now might be the best time to trade him away.

As we did with the last article with this theme, let’s check out what the new FantasySP AI Expert (which can be found under the Fantasy Assistant page) thinks of Adames. The AI Expert can break down any player for an in-depth overview and help you determine the best waiver wire options by choosing up to five players to break down at once. The AI Expert can also provide recaps for the past week, yesterday and the current week of fantasy play, not to mention, access to real-time player news across any sport.

Here’s the excerpt I got when I put Adames through the player research tool:

“Willy Adames has had a strong start to the 2024 season, showing significant improvements in key areas such as batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, and stolen bases compared to his 2023 performance. His power numbers remain consistent with his career averages, but his increased OBP and stolen bases add extra value in fantasy leagues.

Adames has already had several standout moments this season, including hitting two home runs in a game and multiple game-winning hits. His recent NL Player of the Week award underscores his current hot streak and overall positive impact on the Brewers' offense.

Given his current trajectory and lack of injury concerns, Adames is a valuable fantasy asset, especially in head-to-head points leagues where his combination of power, speed, and improved on-base skills can contribute significantly. His 98.21% fantasy ownership indicates high confidence from fantasy managers, and his performance so far justifies this trust.

Looking ahead, Adames's fantasy outlook remains mostly positive. While it's important to keep an eye on any potential slumps or team dynamics that might affect his performance, his current form suggests he will continue to be a reliable contributor for the remainder of the season. Fantasy managers should feel confident in retaining Adames on their rosters and can expect continued solid production from the Brewers' shortstop.”

As the AI Expert points out, there’s a lot to like about Adames, even with his lower average. While I like what Adames has done and believe more positive things are in store for the remainder of the season, I believe now is a great time to put Adames on the trade block, because I think you could get a good return for him now.

Maybe you are in need of another infield position, or could use an additional outfielder - trading Adames should get you an everyday starting option in return.

If you drafted Adames as your backup shortstop, maybe you could flip Adames for some much-needed depth pieces. 

Whatever you decide to do, make sure to run things through the FantasySP Fantasy Baseball Trade Analyzer before proposing or hitting accept on a deal.

Garrett Crochet Fantasy Outlook

You only have to go down one more spot (42nd) to find Crochet on the Trade Value Chart.

Crochet has been a breakout star in his fourth MLB season. In 16 starts, Crochet is 6-6, but with a 3.25 earned run average and 124 strikeouts over 88 2/3 innings.

Crochet is a big name right now in trade deadline rumors. He’s on a terrible White Sox team and would be a valued arm with a new team. A trade would almost certainly be a positive for Crochet, but I would actually prefer to move him off my fantasy team.

This is Crochet’s first year as a starter, and the most innings he’s ever pitched in a single season is 54 1/3. He hasn’t shown many signs of slowing down, and his high strikeout marks continue with each start, but I’m worried about his production falling off as the season continues on.

If he stays with Chicago, I’d expect the organization to put a cap on his innings, possibly limiting him to five or six innings in every start. He could also be skipped in the rotation or shut down completely near the end of the season.

If he gets traded, it means that the organization has no worries about him being able to get through a full season (and possibly postseason). But I’d still be worried about regression as the season rolls along and his innings continue to stack up. 

Here’s what the AI Expert had to say about Crochet:

“Garrett Crochet has had an outstanding start to the 2024 season, transitioning successfully from a relief role to a starting pitcher. His impressive strikeout rates, low ERA, and WHIP make him a valuable fantasy asset. Crochet's ability to deliver quality starts and his high strikeouts-to-walks ratio highlight his effectiveness on the mound.

Despite a rocky start in late April where his ERA spiked to 6.37, Crochet has shown significant improvement. His recent performances, including a career-high 13-strikeout game, indicate a promising trajectory for the rest of the season.

The news surrounding Crochet is mostly positive, with industry experts praising his performances and suggesting he could be a cornerstone for the White Sox's future. There is some trade speculation involving the Padres, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Given his current form and potential, Crochet is a must-have in fantasy leagues, offering both immediate and long-term value. Expect continued strong performances, barring any unforeseen issues.”

There’s a ton to like about Crochet, and I think he might even be more valuable than the 42nd-ranked player on the Trade Value Chart. That’s exactly why I’d be interested in trading him away now. You should be able to get a huge return for him, and probably even landing a two-player package in return.

I’d try to get at least one starting pitcher in return, and then also look to fill a hitting position of need. 

Happy trading!

#trades #2024-fantasy-baseball