In this article I’m going to go over fantasy baseball players to watch after the All-Star break. These baseball players have historically done well in the second half of the season throughout their careers and are the best players to trade in their full season leagues or buy cheap if you play fantasy baseball on a daily basis.
The first name to stand out as a player to watch in the second half is Billy Butler of the Kansas City Royals. Butlers’ name has been mentioned as a player who could be dealt before the trading block. The main reason teams are interested in Butler is his past performance after the All-Star break and not because of his slow first half. Butler finished the first half with just three home runs and 36 RBIs.
Now that doesn’t look good for Fantasy owners, but if you look back at their performance in the second half over the past two years, it may change your mind. In 2013, Butler finished tied for seventh in all of baseball with 81 hits in the second half. The season before Butler finished second only to Derek Jeter with 102 hits. Butler has also shown some power in the second half by hitting a combined 20 home runs during those two seasons.
The other name that stands out is Doug Fister of the Washington Nationals. Fister has posted a 15-8 record the past two second-half seasons in 28 starts. During the two seasons, Fister struck out 155 batters and allowed 61 earned runs. If you also look at Fister’s last two starts before halftime, he had back-to-back wins allowing five runs in 14 innings pitched.
Here is a list of fantasy players who have performed well in the second half of the season:
Chris Davis, Baltimore Orioles: Davis hit 16 home runs and drove in 45 runs in 65 second-half games last season. Over the past two seasons, Davis has combined 35 home runs and could be a good player to target for a trade in the all-season leagues. For everyday fantasy, it makes a cheaper option for gpp games, but I would still avoid it for cash games.
Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers: The Rangers’ third baseman had 81 hits after the All-Star break last year, including 10 doubles and nine home runs.
Tanner Roark, Washington Nationals: Roark may not be a name that many people have heard of, but he has put up some solid numbers for the Nationals. Last season, Roark had 7 wins in 14 games for the Nationals and posted a 1.51 ERA. In eight of his last 10 starts for the Nationals this season, Roark has pitched at least six innings.
Kolten Wong, Saint Louis: Wong’s rookie season started tough, but he began struggling in July, hitting .321 with 5 home runs, 8 RBIs and 3 steals during that month. It could be a good option for picking up the waiver cables or a good clearance option for daily fantasy.
Here are some players who could help you out in fantasy baseball after the All-Star break.