Top Deadline deals from a fantasy standpoint

Lucroy to Rangers, Miller to Indians among trades that could decide roto leagues

August 1st, 2016

While some of the flashiest names on the trade block stayed put, the 2016 non-waiver Trade Deadline saw plenty of star players find new homes.
In case your head is still spinning following a whirlwind day, below is all the need-to-know info on the big moves from the past 72 hours (plus the trade, because fantasy players love closers):
, to the Rangers: As the missing piece to an otherwise loaded Rangers lineup, Lucroy could remain one of the most productive catchers in baseball during the stretch run. On the pitching side, Jeffress may be on the verge of taking his 27 saves to the waiver wire in mixed leagues. The right-hander is having a fine season, but the Rangers have received solid work from closer . (lifetime 2.99 ERA) will likely slide into the closer's role in Milwaukee, and he has the skills to make an impact in mixed leagues right away.
to the Indians: In Miller and , the Indians have multiple options to handle the ninth inning. Manager Terry Francona hasn't yet tipped his hand regarding his plans for the relief corps, so fantasy owners will likely be in a holding pattern on this situation for a few days. As for the Yankees, dominant righty receives a big value boost by becoming a top-tier fantasy closer for the remainder of the season.

Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs: Chapman is arguably baseball's most valuable fantasy closer, and he should have many opportunities to generate saves and strikeouts down the stretch while pitching for a Cubs squad with the best record in the sport. The biggest fantasy drop here -- of course -- comes for , who will shift to a setup role despite performing at a level on par with some of baseball's top relievers in the past two years.

to the Nationals: Slated to pitch the ninth inning for a team with the second-best record in baseball, Melancon will remain a top-tier closer for the remainder of the season. is expected to inherit the ninth-inning role in Pittsburgh, while veteran stopper will likely shift into a setup role in Washington.
to the Blue Jays: Those who have remained patient with Liriano despite his struggles may be happy to see him be reunited with , who was the Pirates' No. 1 backstop when the left-hander registered a 3.20 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP during the 2013-14 seasons. Though the 32-year-old should not be started in any leagues right now, he's an intriguing bench option thanks to his strikeout ability. Liriano's arrival in Toronto could signal that 's time in the rotation is nearing an end. Sanchez is the American League leader in ERA (2.71), but he'll fall to waivers in mixed leagues when the Blue Jays move him to the bullpen in an effort to limit his innings.

to the Giants: Heading to a National League contender with an outstanding defensive backstop in and a pitcher-friendly home park, Moore has landed in an optimal situation as he looks to continue his recent roll (1.99 ERA since June 29). With going to the Rays, infielder -- who was dealt to San Francisco last week -- also stands to benefit from this trade. Hitting .295 with 12 homers and 28 steals this year, Nunez should continue to help owners in all leagues while serving as the Giants' regular third baseman.

to the Mets: In the midst of his best season, Bruce should continue to thrive in New York. Even though the slugger fared best at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park in previous seasons, his .900 OPS on the road this year (.851 OPS at home) indicates he has the talent to produce anywhere.

, to the Dodgers: Potentially set to face right-handed pitching almost exclusively, Reddick may see his chances to accrue counting stats hindered by this move. But with his exposure to southpaws limited, the left-handed slugger could enjoy an uptick in the batting-average department. Hill has thrived this year and could continue to do so for a National League contender. His health woes notwithstanding, the 36-year-old has the upside of big league ace.

to the Rangers: Beltran has been a fine fantasy contributor in 2016, and he should remain productive in a potent Rangers lineup that plays home games at hitter-friendly Globe Life Park in Arlington. Players such as and Nomara Mazara are likely set to see an uptick in the counting-stats department, as the move gives Texas the middle-of-the-lineup presence it has been missing.

to the Braves: Having slugged 23 homers in 2016, Kemp has maintained relevance in mixed leagues despite hitting .262 with zero steals. But his power aside, the outfielder may see fewer chances to compile counting stats after moving to an Atlanta lineup that ranks last in the Majors in runs scored. The biggest winner in this trade could be Padres outfield prospect -- and Triple-A homers leader (25) -- Hunter Renfroe, who should be stashed in all leagues immediately.