Are you a buyer, or a seller?
Over the next month, major league teams have to decide whether they want to make a run at the postseason, or potentially swap some of their expendable talent for potential chips down the road. Fantasy teams are no different, as keeper-league owners have to make the call whether to go for a title or try to grab prospects for the future.
But how do you know when to hold, and when is it time to fold?
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A large part of it depends on your league setup. A rotisserie league usually has a much smaller pool of contenders, and even then standings are less important than the points that could be gained. If you are in fifth, but within 10 of the leader with easy points to gain, that’s better than being in third but 20 points behind with few points available.
Head-to-head leagues can have a larger pool of contenders because of playoff systems. In that situation, an argument can be made that an owner shouldn’t sell unless he or she doesn’t have much shot at making the playoffs. After all, once you’re in the postseason, anything can happen.
In a keeper league, the questions are different. Are you going to have to part with, or receive, a guy who figures to be at the top of prospects lists next year, like Kris Bryant? Or is the price going to be an intriguing but potentially flawed prospect like Alex Meyer?
Also keep in mind your league’s number of keepers. It makes sense to be cautious in dynasty leagues where you are holding most, if not all of, your roster for years. The decision you make now could have lasting effects for seasons to come.
But in a keeper league where you only hold three or four players, unless you have one of the best young players in baseball, dealing away a prospect for an established difference-maker isn't a bad idea. Even if you make a mistake, you’ll have ample opportunity to correct it in next year’s draft.
Just don't wait too long to make a deal. There will be a lot more competition when the trade deadline draws closer.