Just when we thought we could settle in for the stretch run after the MLB non-waiver trade deadline, teams are still throwing curveballs at fantasy owners. In order for teams to trade a player after July 31, the player must pass players through waivers. The Minnesota Twins traded their closer, Fernando Rodney, to the Oakland Athletics Aug. 9, which affects fantasy baseball. Rodney won't be the closer for the A's, so he has lost all of his fantasy value moving forward. But we must now find out who gains fantasy value for the Twins.
It appears it'll be a closer-by-committee approach in Minnesota, so there's no definite answer and fantasy owners must follow this closely. Relievers Addison Reed and Trevor Hildenberger will benefit the most with Rodney gone. Reed has the most experience as a closer, but both pitchers have had their struggles. It's hard to give a firm recommendation as this can go either way, so we must wait and see who the Twins turn to first when they have a lead in the ninth inning.
