Rumor Central: Offensive Lineup Available on Off-Season Market

Every offseason, the RDBL’s 12-player Major League keeper cap quietly reshapes the league. GMs are forced to make hard decisions — not just about talent, but about who actually deserves to occupy one of those twelve precious spots. The result is a familiar tension: proven production versus roster flexibility, present value versus future leverage.

What changes the equation — and fuels this year’s trade market — is the advantage held by teams that drafted well in the reserve draft. Players promoted from Minor League contracts, like Jacob Wilson, do not count against the 12-player cap. That loophole allows savvy GMs to effectively build a “12-plus” keeper roster, stacking young, low-cost contributors on top of their protected core.

This list of trade candidates reflects that reality. These aren’t distressed assets or aging throw-ins — they’re lineup-quality hitters being squeezed out by math. In many cases, teams simply have more than twelve legitimate Major League keepers once minor-league promotions are factored in. For contenders, that creates opportunity. For rebuilding teams, it creates leverage. And for the league as a whole, it sets the stage for one of the more interesting hitter markets the RDBL has seen in years.

What follows is a full, position-by-position starting lineup of hitters currently available — each one capable of starting on a competitive RDBL roster, each one available not because of decline, but because the keeper rules demand hard choices.

C – Yainer Diaz (Goutfish)

Contract: 2/$23

2026 Projected Points: 273.5

Diaz remains one of the most reliable fantasy catchers in the league, and that alone gives him real trade value. Catcher scarcity never goes away in the RDBL, and Diaz’s ability to produce like a mid-tier corner bat at the position is a significant advantage. The contract is not cheap, but it’s defensible given the stability he provides. The Goutfish depth makes him movable, but any team acquiring Diaz is buying certainty at a position where certainty is rare.

C – Tyler Stephenson (Grapes)

Contract: 2/$7

2026 Projected Points: 273.5

Stephenson checks a box that many contenders scramble to fill every spring: affordable, steady catcher production. His projection mirrors Diaz’s, but at a fraction of the cost, making him one of the more efficient assets on the market. With RDBL GMs often eager to pre-fill catcher slots before the draft, Stephenson is exactly the kind of player who moves quietly — and then looks very smart by June.

1B – Josh Naylor (Goutfish)

Contract: 2/$30

2026 Projected Points: 367.5

Naylor profiles as a high-floor first baseman in a scoring format that rewards consistency. He’s not flashy, but his projected output comfortably outpaces replacement level, and his physical approach translates well to RDBL points. The Goutfish have the depth to entertain offers, but for a team looking to lock down first base without chasing a top-of-market bat, Naylor is a strong and stable solution.

2B – Brandon Lowe (Goutfish)

Contract: 3/$8

2026 Projected Points: 346.0

Lowe is a classic roster-math casualty. The Goutfish simply have too many viable hitters, and Lowe becomes expendable despite the production. When healthy, his output plays extremely well at second base, and the contract is one of the more attractive values on the market. He carries risk, but at this price point, the upside is hard to ignore for teams willing to absorb some volatility.

SS – Corey Seager (Goutfish)

Contract: 2/$50

2026 Projected Points: 440.5

Few hitters on the trade market can match Seager’s ceiling. When he’s on the field, he’s an elite RDBL point producer and a true difference-maker at shortstop. The injuries are the obvious concern — and the reason he’s even available — but contenders chasing a title may be willing to pay that tax. This is a swing-for-the-fences acquisition that could decide a championship if the health cooperates.

3B – Austin Riley (Hammerheads)

Contract: 3/$48

2026 Projected Points: 385.5

Riley has only known the Honolulu Hammerheads, but roster construction and long-term planning have pushed him into trade discussions. His production remains rock solid at a premium position, and his consistency makes him appealing to both contenders and teams planning a short retool. The price tag is significant, but Riley delivers exactly what you’re paying for: reliable upper-tier third-base production.

MI – Colt Keith (Goutfish)

Contract: 3/$13

2026 Projected Points: 312.0

Keith should have a real market for teams seeking middle-infield flexibility. His multi-position eligibility adds value in an RDBL lineup, and the contract remains very manageable. While he may not profile as a star, Keith fits neatly into builds that prioritize depth, versatility, and cap efficiency — especially for teams trying to solidify the back half of their lineup.

CI – Matt Olson (Devils)

Contract: 2/$45

2026 Projected Points: 429.5

Olson is the quintessential “cap-space target.” For teams with room to spend, his power-driven profile and elite point projection make him a natural fit at corner infield. The Devils are positioned to listen because of roster balance, not performance decline. Olson remains one of the safer high-end bats available, particularly for contenders who want production without guessing.

OF – Mike Trout (Hammerheads)

Contract: 2/$33

2026 Projected Points: 384.0

Trout’s name alone guarantees interest, but his actual value depends entirely on team context. When healthy, he still produces at an elite rate, and the contract is surprisingly reasonable for that upside. The risk is obvious, but so is the reward. For a contender willing to live with missed time, Trout can still deliver league-altering weeks.

OF – Chandler Simpson (Hammerheads)

Contract: 2FA/$5

2026 Projected Points: 324.5

Despite a lack of power, Simpson’s speed-driven profile plays better in RDBL scoring than traditional formats. The low contract and future flexibility make him an intriguing piece for teams building for sustainability. He’s not a traditional middle-of-the-order bat, but he provides category coverage that can quietly add up over a season.

OF – Bryan Reynolds (Fringe)

Contract: 2/$30

2026 Projected Points: 411.5

Reynolds is one of the most well-rounded hitters on the market. His production is consistent, his role is stable, and his projection places him firmly in upper-tier outfield territory. The Fringe roster construction opens the door for a move, but contenders looking for a reliable OF anchor should have Reynolds high on their target list.

OF – Christian Yelich (Jokers)

Contract: 2/$24

2026 Projected Points: 381.0

Yelich’s resurgence has restored his relevance in RDBL formats. The contract is reasonable relative to the output, and his well-rounded offensive profile fits a variety of builds. The Jokers’ cap situation makes him a logical trade chip, but teams acquiring Yelich are getting a proven bat with fewer question marks than his recent reputation suggests.

OF – Jung Hoo Lee (Hops)

Contract: 3/$21

2026 Projected Points: 333.0

With Bobby Witt’s $71 contract expected back on the books, the Hops may need to get creative, and Lee becomes a natural discussion point. His skill set isn’t built on power, but his contact and on-base ability translate well to points leagues. He’s a strong complementary outfielder, particularly for teams valuing stability and lineup balance.

U – Manny Machado (Stacks)

Contract: 2/$34

2026 Projected Points: 423.5

With Caminero and Muncy under team-friendly deals, the Stacks have the flexibility to explore moving Machado. While no longer at his absolute peak, Machado remains a premium RDBL hitter with elite positional flexibility and strong point production. For contenders, he represents a polished, dependable upgrade capable of anchoring the utility slot or sliding into the infield as needed.