The Toolshed: A Fantasy Baseball Podcast · Eric Cross

EP 425 | Hitters to Buy or Sell in Dynasty

·37 min·3 clips
Eric Cross reveals how The Toolshed gives you the edge in dynasty leagues with rankings and player analysis.
This episode focuses on identifying hitters to acquire or trade away in fantasy baseball dynasty leagues. Host Eric Cross, a fantasy baseball analyst for RotoBaller, provides actionable advice for long-term roster management. He specifically analyzes players whose perceived value may not align with their future performance. Cross begins by recommending buying low on Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez after his slower-than-expected start to the season. He suggests selling high on veteran Colorado Rockies first baseman C.J. Cron, citing age and potential regression. The host names St. Louis Cardinals infielder Nolan Gorman as a strong buy due to his improved contact rates and underlying power metrics. He advises selling Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich, noting a decline in stolen base attempts and batted ball authority. Cross highlights Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman as a foundational dynasty asset to hold or acquire. He identifies Tampa Bay Rays infielder Isaac Paredes as a potential sell candidate if his high home run rate proves unsustainable. The analysis also covers young players like Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll as long-term buys despite current market hype. A key insight is that Rodríguez's early-season struggles are attributed to bad luck on balls in play rather than a skill decline. Cross argues Cron's home run totals are inflated by playing half his games at hitter-friendly Coors Field. The evaluation of Gorman points to a tangible change in his swing decisions that supports a breakout. The case against Yelich hinges on his diminishing speed and a high ground ball rate that caps his power upside. Rutschman is presented as a rare catcher who contributes elite production in multiple offensive categories. The skepticism on Paredes centers on a low barrel rate that may not support his current home run pace. The tone is instructional and data-informed, blending traditional scouting observations with key sabermetric statistics. The style is direct and conversational, as the host speaks solo to deliver clear recommendations. Fantasy managers in deep dynasty or keeper leagues will find this episode most valuable for its specific trade targets. Listeners seeking entertainment or general baseball news might skip this highly focused, strategy-driven analysis.
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