Fantasy Baseball: 5 Waiver-Trade Candidates Whose Value Would Rise After Deal

Josh Beckett has been a disappointment in 2012.
Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Just because the trade deadline passed, it doesn't mean players won't be changing teams.

The waiver-trade deadline is August 31 and there will be plenty of players who end up with different teams.

A guy like Delmon Young comes to mind. Last year, the Tigers claimed Young off of waivers and he ended up hitting 10 home runs and picked up 37 RBI in the last two months.

Here's are list of five waiver-trade candidates who can add more value for your fantasy team after their move.

Scott Hairston, OF, New York Mets

Hairston could make a move before Aug. 31.
Al Bello/Getty Images

2012 stats: .264 BA, 14 HRs, 44 RBI, 39 Rs, 6 SBs

Scott Hairston is having an impressive 2012 campaign. In 254 at-bats this season, Hairston has hit .264 with 14 homers.

To put that into perspective, Hairston is hitting one home run in every 18.14 at-bats, and Prince Fielder is hitting one homer in every 21.15 at-bats.

I'm not suggesting Hairston is better than Fielder, but Hairston has certainly produced when given the opportunity this year.

His .304 BA and nine home runs against lefties this season are also impressive.

If the Mets decide to place Hairston on waivers, he should be claimed. If he goes to a team that can give him everyday at-bats, then his stock will rise.

Jeff Francoeur, OF, Kansas City Royals

Francouer could be valuable in deep formats.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

2012 stats: .244 BA, 11 HRs, 33 RBI, 42 Rs, 3 SBs

Wil Myers is waiting for his big league call-up and the only thing in his way is Jeff Francoeur.

Myers is hitting .304 with 21 home runs at Triple-A and the Royals are obviously going nowhere this season.

And while Francoeur isn't having a good season, he's been much better the last two weeks. Over the last 14 days, Francoeur is hitting .313 with six runs scored, two homers and two stolen bases.

Another positive note is that Francoeur is better on the road. Seven of his 11 long balls have come on the road this season.

Perhaps a change of scenery will spark Francoeur. He could make a difference down the stretch in deep formats.

Josh Beckett, SP, Boston Red Sox

Beckett could thrive outside of Fenway.
Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

2012 stats: 116 IP, 5-9, 4.97 ERA, 1.30 WHIP

Josh Beckett is having a forgetful 2012 season. He has been serenaded with boos in his last couple of home starts.

After going 13-7 with a 2.89 ERA last year, Beckett has taken a big step backwards in '12.

The Red Sox were shopping Beckett before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, so it makes sense that he'll find himself on waivers.

Beckett's numbers look awful, but he's actually been better than what they suggest. His FIP is 3.94, almost a full run lower than his ERA.

He's also been better on the road this season; his ERA is 0.69 lower outside of Fenway. A new team could get Beckett going and help you make a playoff run.

James Loney, 1B, Los Angeles Dodgers

Loney has lost his full-time job in LA.
Josh Hedges/Getty Images

2012 stats: .248 BA, 2 HRs, 29 RBI, 27 Rs

James Loney isn't the full-time first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers anymore. His struggles have caused him to platoon with Juan Rivera.

Loney was never known for his home runs, but he's displayed a huge power outage this season. After hitting at least double-digit homers in all five years in the MLB, Loney will most likely fall short in '12.

Loney's biggest problem is his BABIP. Over the last five years, Loney's lowest BABIP was .299. This year, he's at .277.

Loney is almost a guarantee to hit the free-agency market after the season, so the Dodgers should be open to trading him for something in return.

Loney is a solid player. His career batting average is .284. A change in uniforms could help Loney get out of this funk. In his career, he has a higher average and has hit more home runs on the road.

Chase Headley, 3B, San Diego Padres

Headley has been on fire.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

2012 stats: .277 BA, 19 HRs, 73 RBI, 62 Rs, 12 SBs

There's been nobody better than Chase Headley over the last week in the fantasy world. In the last seven days, Headley is hitting .375 with four homers, seven runs, 13 RBI and a 1.317 OPS.

Headley has been getting it done the entire year, but he's going unnoticed to some people. In Yahoo!, Headley is owned in just 78 percent of leagues.

It's important to realize that this recent home run outburst has been on the road. In fact, most of his damage has come away from PETCO.

On the season, the third baseman is hitting .288 with 14 homers and 10 stolen bases on the road.

Headley's name was being thrown around in trade talks at the end of July and his name should be coming up again.

A move for Headley could catapult his stock even higher. He plays much better away from San Diego.