5 Post-MLB Trade Deadline Fantasy Baseball Pickups You’ll Want to Grab Now

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball
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OF Jesus Sanchez, Houston Astros (3.3% Rostered)
2025 Stats: .256/.321/.415, 10 HR, 103 wRC+
Jesus Sanchez has always had the raw tools — loud exit velocities, plus power — but consistency has been the issue. Now in Texas, the fit looks promising. The Houston Astros’ injury-riddled roster gives him regular playing time, and as their core returns, Sanchez should find himself in more RBI situations. If the second half brings the production his peripherals suggest, this could be one of August’s sneakiest waiver steals.
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RP Randy Rodriguez, San Francisco Giants (15% Owned Rostered)
2025 Stats: 46 IP, 1.17 ERA, 1.99 FIP, 12.33 K/9
The San Francisco Giants’ deadline sell-off opened the door for Randy Rodriguez to step into late-inning work, and he’s got the arsenal to run with it. Sporting a 36% strikeout rate and a fastball/slider mix that hitters can’t square up, the 25-year-old isn’t just a placeholder — he’s closer material. With minimal walk issues and elite bat-missing ability, Rodriguez immediately jumps onto the must-add list for all formats.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
1B/3B Warming Bernabel, Colorado Rockies (9.6% Rostered)
2025 Stats (7 G): .500/.517/1.036, 3 HR, 317 wRC+
Warming has been heating up in the cool Rocky Mountains. Bernabel has come out blazing since his call-up, already swatting three homers in just a week. Known more for his contact skills than power, the 22-year-old is taking full advantage of Coors Field’s hitter-friendly environment. While the long-term outlook is uncertain, the Colorado Rockies seems committed to giving him consistent at-bats. This is the kind of hot streak you ride until the regression comes.
RP Jack Perkins, Athletics (3.7% Rostered)
2025 Stats: 19.2 IP, 2.75 ERA, 3.71 FIP, 8.69 K/9
Jack Perkins’ move to the bullpen has unlocked a 96 mph fastball paired with a sweeper generating a 41.4% whiff rate. With Mason Miller now with the San Diego Padres, Perkins is in position for ninth-inning work and could easily seize the closer role long-term for the Athletics. The upside is there for both saves and strikeouts, making him a prime speculative add before the rest of your league catches on.
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1B Andrew Vaughn, Milwaukee Brewers (16.2% Rostered)
2025 Stats: .235/.275/.417, 11 HR, 89 wRC+
Since joining the Milwaukee Brewers, Andrew Vaughn has been scorching — .386/.448/.722 with six home runs in just 17 games. That’s more homers than he managed in 48 games with the Chicago White Sox all season. Once the third overall pick, Vaughn is finally flashing the offensive upside that made him such a coveted prospect. With the change of scenery clearly sparking his bat, now’s the time to add before his roster percentage spikes.
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OF Jesus Sanchez, Houston Astros (3.3% Rostered)
2025 Stats: .256/.321/.415, 10 HR, 103 wRC+
Jesus Sanchez has always had the raw tools — loud exit velocities, plus power — but consistency has been the issue. Now in Texas, the fit looks promising. The Houston Astros’ injury-riddled roster gives him regular playing time, and as their core returns, Sanchez should find himself in more RBI situations. If the second half brings the production his peripherals suggest, this could be one of August’s sneakiest waiver steals.
For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
RP Randy Rodriguez, San Francisco Giants (15% Owned Rostered)
2025 Stats: 46 IP, 1.17 ERA, 1.99 FIP, 12.33 K/9
The San Francisco Giants’ deadline sell-off opened the door for Randy Rodriguez to step into late-inning work, and he’s got the arsenal to run with it. Sporting a 36% strikeout rate and a fastball/slider mix that hitters can’t square up, the 25-year-old isn’t just a placeholder — he’s closer material. With minimal walk issues and elite bat-missing ability, Rodriguez immediately jumps onto the must-add list for all formats.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
