Justin Upton, Justin Verlander trades great for fantasy owners
While it's not uncommon for MLB teams to tweak their rosters just before the deadline for postseason eligibility, both the number and the significance of this season's Aug. 31 trades were completely unexpected.
From a fantasy standpoint, the Detroit Tigers moving both ace right-hander Justin Verlander and outfielder Justin Upton should give both players a slight boost in value as they join more competitive teams in Houston and Anaheim.
Verlander to the Houston Astros
The Astros needed another ace for the playoff chase and they got one at the last second Thursday night.
In his case, the change in home parks could make a difference in his final six starts of the season. Surprisingly, Houston's Minute Maid Park has been the most pitcher-friendly venue in the majors this season, suppressing scoring by 18.5%.
Verlander has been a much better pitcher in the second half of the season, which should continue with the Astros -- along with the greater possibility of getting wins.
1st half: 5-6, 4.73 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 in 104 2/3 innings
2nd half: 5-2, 2.41 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 10.4 K/9 in 67 1/3 innings.
With No. 3 starter Lance McCullers due back from the disabled list next week, the Astros could end up replacing both Brad Peacock and Mike Fiers to give their rotation a major upgrade down the stretch.
Upton to the Los Angeles Angels
Upton is enjoying what may be his best season, hitting .279 with 28 homers, 94 RBI and a career-best .904 OPS.
He gets a slight downgrade in home park going from the No. 7 to No. 14 in overall offense this season, but the difference is negligible over the final month. What's more important is the addition of his bat to the Angels lineup -- giving Mike Trout more protection than Albert Pujols (.665 OPS) has.
If Pujols can drive in 83 runs hitting behind Trout, Upton could be poised for a difference-making run in September.
Cameron Maybin to the Astros
Curiously, the two AL West contenders also made a trade of their own with Houston getting outfielder Cameron Maybin -- the starting outfielder Upton will replace in the Angels lineup.
Maybin has struggled since returning from a knee injury in early August, but he could end up starting ahead of veteran Jake Marisnick and rookie Derek Fisher in the Astros outfield. He's hitting .235 in 336 at-bats, but his 29 stolen bases tie him (with new teammate Jose Altuve) for the American League lead in that category.
Brandon Phillips to the Angels
L.A. also added another veteran bat earlier in the day, getting Brandon Phillips from the Atlanta Braves.
He's having an excellent season at age 36, hitting .291 with 11 homers, 52 RBI, 68 runs scored and 10 steals. Phillips shores up the Angels' biggest weak spot at second base and will join Upton in giving the AL's 12th-ranked offense a boost.
He's the only major player to change leagues, making him the top target for AL-only fantasy owners on this week's waiver wire.