As we inch closer to the 2025 MLB season, HumBabe Dynasty General Managers are busy making crucial roster decisions. Two strategic trade approaches can help maximize your team’s potential and set the stage for long-term success. Orlando and London got things going with a finalized deal today, will we see more movement before the Keeper Rollover this weekend?

1. SEND Non-KeeperS TO TEAMS THAT WILL KEEP THEM

Not all players can make the cut when it comes to your keeper selections. If you have valuable players who won’t fit into your 15 keepers, consider trading them for earlier draft picks. This strategy benefits both parties: you gain higher draft picks to bolster your roster, while the receiving team gets a player good enough to include within their keepers.

Example Scenario: LeBronto has a solid Shortstop in Dansby Swanson, who has been a consistent performer but doesn’t make the keeper list when the Blue James lean heavy to the pitching side after securing Jose Ramirez, Kyle Tucker, Bryce Harper, and Mike Trout as their core of hitters. Instead of losing Dansby to the draft pool, LeBronto could trade him to a team in need of a reliable Shortstop – let’s say the Perth Platypi. If Perth is willing to keep Swanson instead of an arm like Kyle Bradish (ADP 622.95), by giving LeBronto a higher draft pick or two, they could improve their group of 15 keepers while giving LeBronto an earlier opportunity on the draft board.

Benefits:

• Maximize Value: Get something in return for players you can’t keep.
• Boost Draft Position: Higher draft picks increase your chances of drafting high-potential players.
• Flexibility: Gain the flexibility to target specific needs or best available talent in the draft.

2. FLIP AGING StudS FOR FUTURE DIVIDENDS

If you’re looking to lower the average age of your roster and enhance its future potential, trading established stud players for a package of early draft picks and young talent is an effective strategy. This approach helps you build a sustainable, competitive team for the long haul.

Example Scenario: London has a star player in Josh Hader, who has been a fantasy powerhouse and fits perfectly with a Win-Now team given HumBabe’s new RP roster rules. But London knows that relief pitching is famously unpredictable and volatile in fantasy baseball and Hader could lose his Closer role at any moment. In exchange for a flourishing 25-year-old Shane Baz and two draft picks, London decides to send Hader and a 5th Round Pick to the Orlando Splitters and in return, gets younger, an increase in volume (total Innings Pitched), and more draft picks than they originally had – a solid investment in their future success.

Benefits:

• Future Potential: Acquire young talent with long-term upside and longevity.
• Roster Rejuvenation: Lower the average age of your roster, ensuring continued competitiveness.
• Draft Capital: Gain multiple early draft picks to address multiple needs or take calculated risks on high-upside players.

Trade Tips for Success

1. Communicate Clearly: Be transparent in trade discussions and clearly communicate your trade objectives and expectations.
2. Know Your Team’s Objectives: Understand if your roster is built to Win-Now or Rebuild for future success. Stay disciplined to the reality and strengths of your roster, and continue to build on that strategy.
3. Be Patient: Don’t rush trades. Take your time to negotiate and ensure you get the best possible deal.

Keepers roll on Fri Feb 21 – and then your stuck with your 15 keepers and nobody to trade. Make the most of this week and maximize the capital leftover from your 2024 roster!