By admin 
The world of fantasy sports is amazing, especially considering the fact it allows us to be creative and have fun with reality. When players change teams, whether via trade or free agency, the fantasy implications always change depending on the environment that player will be entering. These are a few hypothetical trades we would love to see, and how they would affect the fantasy baseball landscape for the rest of the year.
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Tarik Skubal: Tigers to Yankees
While still in the thick of the AL playoff picture, the Detroit Tigers are expected to be proactive and part ways with their ace rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency this offseason. The Yankees are the ideal fit and destination. They are always looking to upgrade their roster despite already boasting one of the deepest rotations in the majors.
REPORT: The Tigers have almost no chance at keeping Tarik Skubal long-term and he will leave in free agency if not traded first, per @JonHeymanpic.twitter.com/B2W1k6Tdv2
– 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 (@the_det_times) July 19, 2026
A move to the Bronx gives fantasy owners a huge boost in wins and quality starts. With a stellar 2.83 ERA and 0.93 WHIP, Skubal won’t require heavy run support from a Yankees offense that ranks at the top of MLB in runs scored. Increased playoff motivation means fewer late-season innings restrictions. Additionally, his presence at the front of the rotation will stabilize the pitching staff, leading to cleaner, more secure save opportunities for the bullpen. If everything goes right, Skubal has the clear upside to finish as the overall SP1.
Luis Robert Jr.: Mets to Phillies
Having only played in 24 games due to a back injury, Robert Jr. has seen his name surface in trade speculation as the Mets plan on being aggressive sellers. A trade to the Phillies would cause his fantasy stock to soar. Inserting him into a lineup behind sluggers like Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper creates an abundance of RBI opportunities.
A fresh environment could fully unlock his elite power-speed combination, allowing him to see significantly better pitches to hit and step into a far superior offensive situation. Swapping Citi Field for the hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park is a massive upgrade for a right-handed power hitter.
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Sandy Alcantara: Marlins to Dodgers
It is difficult to imagine the Marlins trading their ace while they still have a chance to qualify for the postseason, especially since he is one of the primary reasons they are in contention. However, Los Angeles represents the ideal trade partner.
The Dodgers possess one of the game’s elite farm systems, voted by MLB executives as featuring a strong mix of high-tier prospects required to meet a steep asking price. Alcantara would give fantasy owners an immediate boost. Wins would become much easier to come by with an elite defense behind him featuring Gold Glove-caliber players like Andy Pages and Mookie Betts.
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A stable 9th-inning role is absolute gold during the fantasy playoffs. While the Red Sox’ recent run of success might make them hesitant to move their anchor, a change of scenery to Detroit would be fantastic for Chapman’s fantasy prospects.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/onsi/fantasy as Fantasy Baseball’s Wish List: Sandy Alcantara Headlines Five Trades That Need to Happen.
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This story was originally published July 20, 2026 at 7:43 AM.