The fantasy baseball season is officially underway, and managers are constantly seeking ways to improve their rosters. A smart strategy for bolstering lineups is identifying and acquiring “buy-low” candidates – players who may be facing temporary setbacks but possess the potential to become difference-makers.

Identifying Buy-Low Opportunities

These opportunities often involve prospects, under-the-radar contributors, or established stars navigating early-season struggles. Let’s examine three players across Major League Baseball who could provide significant value at a discounted price.

Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher

Despite the Pittsburgh Pirates’ promising 3-3 start, ace Paul Skenes has experienced a rocky beginning to his 2026 campaign. Through two starts, Skenes has a 9.53 ERA in 5.2 innings pitched.

However, he showed improvement in his second start against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday, earning his first win with five strikeouts in five innings. Despite this positive outing, Skenes’ inconsistent start likely means he’s available at a lower cost than his usual fantasy value. Managers needing pitching help should consider acquiring him while his price remains discounted.

Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees Second Baseman

The New York Yankees have started the season strong at 5-1, but some key players, including Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr., have faced early challenges. While Judge could also be a buy-low target, Chisholm presents a more compelling opportunity at this stage.

Chisholm is currently hitting .174 with just one hit in 23 at-bats across six games. Given his track record as a two-time All-Star, a bounce-back is expected, making him a potential bargain for fantasy managers. Managers considering trading Chisholm should be mindful of his past performance and avoid selling low.

Francisco Lindor, New York Mets Shortstop

New York Mets All-Star Francisco Lindor, who hit over 30 home runs in 2025, has had a slow start to the 2026 season. He has just three hits in 21 at-bats, with a .143 batting average and five runs scored through six games.

Lindor is known for being a slow starter, but a nagging injury entering the season has further lowered his fantasy trade value. He is expected to improve as the season progresses, making him a worthwhile acquisition for managers seeking a high-end shortstop at a reduced price.