The Rays’ deadline activity didn’t flip their fortunes, but it did shuffle their upside and how fantasy managers should look at August. The Athletic pegs Tampa Bay at No. 15 in power rankings as the team added Adrian Houser to bolster the rotation, while also juggling a multi-team swap that shuffled catcher talent and infield depth. The moves are described as a rare, almost paradoxical mix of buyer-and-seller instincts that sum to a net effect that may feel like a wash as the stretch run begins.

Key trades included Danny Jansen leaving and Nick Fortes coming aboard, Zack Littell moving out in a three-team deal for Hunter Feduccia, and José Caballero traded for Everson Pereira. Curtis Mead was sent away for Houser, Taj Bradley for Griffin Jax, all underscoring the Rays’ philosophy of flexible asset allocation rather than a core rebuild. Entering August, Tampa Bay sits 11 games back of Toronto and four ahead of Baltimore, a classic August “dog days” setup where momentum—and fantasy value—will matter more than ever.

From a fantasy lens, the Houser addition stands out as a potential anchor for the back of the rotation, while the trades at catcher and infield may shuffle lineups and playing time in ways that elevate some players and suppress others. If the Rays can find a new gear in August, Houston-like depth and defensively oriented pieces could emerge as best bets for streaming starts and potential saves opportunities behind a veteran group.

The Philadelphia Phillies are in a fierce competition for the top spot in the National League East, and as the trade deadline approaches, they have pressing needs to address. With José Alvarado sidelined due to a PED suspension, the Phillies are in dire need of bullpen reinforcement. Additionally, they require another offensive weapon to bolster their lineup, particularly considering the struggles of players like Bryson Stott and Max Kepler, who have underperformed significantly since May.

Analyst Paul Hernbekides has suggested that the Phillies should pursue Willi Castro and Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins. Castro, a recent All-Star, could fill in at second base or provide a much-needed upgrade in the outfield with an above-average batting line. Jax, while showing a higher ERA this season than last, possesses impressive underlying metrics suggesting he could regain his dominant form. The Phillies' management must act decisively to secure these players and enhance their chances for a postseason run.

The New York Mets currently lead the NL East, but their pitching staff is severely hampered by injuries. Although Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas have recently returned, several key pitchers remain on the Injured List. The Mets must act quickly before the July 31 trade deadline, with an expectation to bolster their bullpen significantly. With a rotation that ranks fifth in ERA but has struggled in recent outings, manager Carlos Mendoza’s usage of relievers has surged, resulting in a deteriorating bullpen performance.

ESPN’s David Schoenfield suggests that the Mets are likely to trade for a Minnesota Twins reliever, possibly targeting Griffin Jax, who boasts impressive strikeout numbers despite a higher ERA. The Mets hope to enhance their pitching depth as they look to maintain their position at the top of the division while coping with ongoing injuries.

After a dramatic ninth inning saw the Minnesota Twins fall to the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 in a walk-off loss, manager Rocco Baldelli faced scrutiny over strategic decisions. Mookie Betts' checked swing led to an infield single that extended the game, prompting an intentional walk to Shohei Ohtani, who had already homered earlier. Jax, the pitcher, preferred facing Ohtani but ultimately walked Esteury Ruiz, who then drew a walk to load the bases. Freddie Freeman's hit led to the winning run crossing home plate, marking a frustrating end for the Twins, who are in a precarious position at the trade deadline.

The game, which featured strong pitching performances by Chris Paddack and Tyler Glasnow, saw the Twins initially take a late lead thanks to aggressive base running. However, the ninth inning collapse left the Twins lamenting missed opportunities and questionable calls, particularly the one that kept Betts' at-bat alive. With injuries mounting in their rotation, the Twins face an uphill battle as they prepare for their next series against the Washington Nationals.

With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, savvy fantasy baseball managers need to focus on closers and potential saves. As last year's trades showed, players like Carlos Estevez and Gregory Soto were on the move, making it crucial to stash relievers who could step into closing roles. Names like Jason Adam and Randy Rodriguez stand out as backup options in their bullpens, while players like Griffin Jax and Bryan Abreu showcase impressive strikeout rates, presenting potential for saves if their respective team's primary closers are traded. Stashing these players could be the key to securing saves in the crucial weeks leading to the playoffs.