Buy Low and Sell High: Pitching Dynasty Deals
It's time to get busy winning or get busy rebuilding in dynasty leagues. Here are some pitchers to focus on now
While the MLB trade deadline is still nearly two months away, now is the time for dynasty trade talks to heat up. Whether you are going all-in to win a dynasty crown or looking to rebuild, everyone should be looking for buy low, sell high opportunities.
Last week I focused on hitters. If you missed those here are the buy lows and here are the sell highs.
Today, I’m talking about pitchers for 12-and-under team leagues, 14-18 teams, more than 20 teams. I’m also looking at arms on the IL and prospects. These are mostly for dynasty or keeper leagues, but could be useful for redraft as well.
If you are looking for the controversial takes, you will want to jump down to the sell high. Just know I am someone who tries to get out a year or less early than a year or less late with pitchers. Pitchers’ arms are a fickle thing and 100,000 pitches can be fine, but pitch number 100,001 could mean two years of surgeries and rehab games.
Please use the comments section below to send us trade ideas you have and we’ll answer them here. If you could include league size, scoring type (roto/H2H/points), if there is a salary cap, and some info why you want to make this move. I’ll answer as soon as possible.
BUY LOW
Starting Pitchers
12 or less teams: Nolan McLean, Mets; Trey Yesavage, Blue Jays; Logan Gilbert and George Kirby, Mariners
McLean and Yesavage were among the top rookie starters selected this draft cycle. Neither has repeated the amazing short-sample-size results from late 2025. Some disappointed owner might be looking to move on for a consistent win-now piece.
Gilbert and Kirby have had mixed results for most of the past 15 months. Both have the ability to dominate, enjoy pitching in their home pitchers’ park, and are just starting to reach their physical peak. Buy the dip.
14-18 teams: J.T. Ginn, Athletics; Christian Scott, Mets; Emmett Sheehan, Dodgers; Bubba Chandler, Pirates; Nick Lodolo, Reds
Ginn and Scott are the hottest new young pitchers. Ginn is held back by his home park. Scott is held back by pitching limits after 2024 Tommy John surgery. Both could be top 60 starters in 2027. Sheehan and Chandler were sleeper young arms who have struggled with control. Sheehan is a streaming favorite at home. Chandler could end up the Pirates’ closer if he never learns to harness his stuff. Both are worth a chance. Lodolo is having another injury-plagued season. When he is healthy, he’s a top 50 SP. Buy with an eye towards 2027.
20+ Teams: Jake Bennett; Red Sox; Ian Seymour, Rays; JR Ritchie, Braves; Rhett Lowder, Reds; Brandon Sproat, Brewers
These are young arms who have yet to find success or consistent success in the majors despite great minor league numbers. Again, these are arms you want for 2027 and beyond.
IL: Hunter Greene, Reds; Spencer Schwellenbach, Braves; Ronel Blanco, Astros
Loose body in elbow cleanups for Greene and Schwellenbach should make them great boosts for the second half of the season. Blanco is coming back from TJ, but he has great K rates in his past and should see a little MLB time before the end of 2026.
Prospects to debut in 2027: Tanner McDougal, White Sox; Travis Sykora, Nationals; Thomas White, Marlins
All three are injured to various degrees. Sykorta and White are unlikely to pitch in 2026, but would be in the conversation for best pitching prospect otherwise. McDougal could be back soon, but will be watched closely. He feels like the biggest dart throw of the group.
Prospects to debut in 2028: Jamie Arnold, Athletics; Justin Lamkin, Royals
A couple of softer throwing college lefthanders who have an extensive bag of pitches to go to. After being the 11th pick in the 2025 draft, Arnold made the aggressive jump to Double A where his control has been off and his strikeouts low. I expect that to improve. Lamkin was dominating in High A before making the jump to Double A. But he hasn’t pitched since May 20 with, as is usual in the minors, no reason given.