With the ESPN fantasy baseball trade deadline coming up fast on August 15, fantasy managers are scrambling for hidden gems who might deliver when it matters most. Veteran analyst Tristan H. Cockcroft has singled out six “hunch” players who could finish 2025 strong.
These picks aren’t just about the numbers. They blend trends, player health, and upcoming schedules, searching for athletes who might swing a fantasy championship. From big bats like Bryce Harper and Pete Alonso to arms like Brandon Woodruff and George Kirby, it’s all about catching the right wave before it passes by.
Why Late-Season Breakouts Matter in Fantasy Baseball
Fantasy baseball championships often come down to the smallest edges. Adding or trading for players who are about to get hot can push a team into the mix.
Cockcroft’s list highlights guys who’ve either bounced back quietly, excelled late in past seasons, or have a juicy schedule — all crucial for squeezing out those extra points.
Bryce Harper – The Proven Clutch Performer
Bryce Harper seems to always step up after the All-Star break and in October. Lately, he’s been on fire, and his upcoming schedule looks fantastic for fantasy — lots of home games and plenty of at-bats against weak pitching.
He’ll face the Marlins and Nationals 13 more times, and those rotations have struggled all year. Harper’s patience, power to all fields, and that relentless drive make him a top late-season trade target.
Brandon Woodruff – The Comeback Ace
Brandon Woodruff has come back from shoulder surgery and looks as sharp as ever. His fastball has its zip again, his command is on point, and hitters aren’t finding much success.
Since returning, he’s pitched like a potential top-20 starter in fantasy and could be a steal for managers hunting for playoff rotation help.
Upside Bats and Rising Arms
Other names on Cockcroft’s list have a nice mix of upside and the chance to finish the season with a bang. These are the types of players who can flip a playoff matchup with one monster week.
Jackson Merrill – The Breakout in Progress
San Diego’s Jackson Merrill dealt with nagging injuries early on, but lately, his plate discipline and hard-hit rate have jumped. He’s making smarter swings and driving the ball with authority.
That gives him sneaky value for managers needing average, runs, and doubles, plus a little pop if things break right.
George Kirby – Dominating with Precision
George Kirby has quietly become one of Seattle’s most reliable arms since June. In his last nine starts, he’s put up a 2.32 ERA with excellent strikeout-to-walk numbers.
His fastball-slider combo keeps hitters guessing. If he keeps this up, he could easily finish as a top-10 starter down the stretch.
Pete Alonso – Power Waiting to Explode
Pete Alonso had a rough July, but his underlying stats are way better than the box scores suggest. He’s hitting the ball as hard as ever, near the top of the league in barrel rate.
With upcoming games against the Marlins and Nationals, Alonso just might go on a home-run tear right in time for the fantasy playoffs.
Bullpen Gold and Trade Deadline Takeaways
Relievers don’t always get much love in fantasy trades, but they can be absolute game-changers in leagues that count saves. Cockcroft’s last recommendation? He’s got his eye on a Cleveland arm who’s heating up at just the right time.
Cade Smith – The Closer in Waiting
With Emmanuel Clase sidelined, Cade Smith could step into the closer’s chair. He’s been efficient since 2024, showing off elite ERA, WHIP, and strikeout numbers.
This year, Smith’s velocity is up. His secondary pitches are drawing more swings and misses, which makes him a sneaky add or trade target if you’re desperate for saves.
As the fantasy trade deadline creeps closer, here are Cockcroft’s six must-target players for a late-season push:
- Bryce Harper – Elite schedule, proven second-half history
- Brandon Woodruff – Healthy and dominant post-surgery
- Jackson Merrill – Trending upward with improved discipline
- George Kirby – Stellar ERA and whiff rates
- Pete Alonso – Power metrics point toward a surge
- Cade Smith – Potential closer with elite peripherals
Here is the source article for this story: Fantasy baseball: Still looking for late-season heroes? Six more players to target
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