This article is part of our MLB Barometer series.
July is one of the most exciting months of the MLB season. The trade deadline is fast approaching on July 31 and before we know it, many players will find new homes. Some players' fantasy value will suffer as a result of being traded, or simply being part of a team that made a deal. Others will find themselves in much improved situations. A trade could open playing time for someone who was buried on the depth chart when the season started. Or a player can move to a more favorable hitting or pitching park. In any event, trades aren't the only thing that will captivate our attention. Hot streaks, cold spells, injuries and minor league promotions are forthcoming, so fasten your safety belts and secure your loose items to prepare for one of the wildest roller coasters imaginable over the remaining three months of the season.
Whether you're leading your league, a few spots behind, sitting middle-of-the-pack or buried in the standings, it's important to remember there's PLENTY of season left. A lot can happen, so don't give up just yet!
I was going to offer some advice in this article, but RotoWire's Scott Jenstad really said it best last summer in his Oak's Corner series. To summarize, the All-Star Break is a perfect time to take a hard look at your team(s) and figure out a strategy for the rest of the season. Be mindful of your positional and categorical needs and always be ready to take action,