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.

As Major League Baseball (MLB) Opening Day kicks off, seven players from Volusia and Flagler counties are set to take the field. Logan Allen, the notable left-handed pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, is looking to rebound from a challenging season. Former Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom is back for the Texas Rangers, showcasing a promising recovery from injuries. Meanwhile, the defending champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, have started strong, with Shohei Ohtani and new acquisition Rōki Sasaki making headlines during their international games in Tokyo.

Among the local talents, Nick Fortes of the Miami Marlins has solidified his role as the starting catcher, while Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners aims to build on his All-Star performance. Additionally, Austin Hays has joined the Cincinnati Reds after a trade, and Justin Lawrence seeks redemption with the Pittsburgh Pirates after a rough previous year. The excitement surrounding these players and their growth within the league highlights a promising future for baseball in these counties.

The Milwaukee Brewers are facing a pivotal offseason as several key players enter free agency, including All-Star catcher Gary Sánchez. After hitting 11 home runs and driving in 37 runs during his time with the Brewers in 2024, Sánchez is projected to secure a $3.6 million deal this winter.

Analysts suggest that the Miami Marlins could be a potential landing spot for Sánchez, as they look to bolster their roster with veterans seeking more playing time. This move could align with the Marlins' strategy of acquiring players who can contribute significantly while also being trade assets later in the season.

Several Major League Baseball players are poised for salary arbitration, with 29 players eligible after two to three years of service time. Notable names include Boston's Jarren Duran and Kutter Crawford, along with Seattle's George Kirby and Tampa Bay's Shane Baz.

The eligibility cutoff has been adjusted to 2 years and 132 days of service, impacting players like Washington's Michael Rucker and Atlanta's Angel Perdomo. The arbitration process will see proposed salaries exchanged on January 9, with hearings scheduled for late January to mid-February.