How to Use the FanRanked Dynasty Trade Calculator

Step-by-step guide to using the FanRanked trade calculator for dynasty and redraft fantasy baseball. Learn about FRV values, VAR analysis, and how to evaluate complex multi-player trades.

The FanRanked Trade Calculator

Making trades is the most exciting part of dynasty fantasy baseball — but it's also where managers make the most costly mistakes. The FanRanked trade calculator takes the guesswork out of trade evaluation.

How It Works

The trade calculator uses two key metrics to evaluate trades:

FRV (FanRanked Value)

Every player in our database has an FRV rating on a 0-100 scale, derived from community head-to-head voting. This gives each player a concrete value that can be compared across positions and tiers.

VAR (Value Above Replacement)

VAR measures how much more valuable a player is compared to a freely available replacement. A player with a high FRV but at a deep position might have lower VAR than a player with moderate FRV at a scarce position like catcher.

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Navigate to the trade calculator
  • Choose your mode — Dynasty or Season-Long (redraft)
  • Add players to Side A — Search and select the players being sent
  • Add players to Side B — Search and select the players being received
  • Review the analysis — The calculator shows total value for each side and the difference

    • Reading the Results

    The trade calculator shows:

  • Total FRV for each side of the trade
  • Total VAR for each side
  • Value difference — How much one side is "winning"
  • Individual player breakdowns — See exactly which players drive the value

    • Tips for Better Trades

    Don't Overpay for Name Value

    Expert consensus and FRV sometimes diverge. If a player's FRV has been declining while their name recognition stays high, you might be overpaying based on reputation rather than current value.

    Consider Position Scarcity

    A catcher ranked #5 at the position may be worth more in a trade than an outfielder ranked #5 at their position. The trade calculator's VAR metric accounts for this.

    Dynasty Mode vs. Redraft Mode

    Always check both modes when evaluating a trade. A 34-year-old might win the trade in redraft mode but lose badly in dynasty mode. Understanding both perspectives helps you negotiate.

    Run Multiple Scenarios

    Not sure which package to offer? Run several versions of the trade through the calculator to find the combination that's closest to fair value.

    Common Mistakes

  • Trading based on last week's stats — Use season-long and dynasty values, not hot streaks
  • Ignoring draft pick value — Draft picks have real value in dynasty leagues
  • Making 2-for-1 trades without considering roster spots — The calculator shows raw value, but roster spots matter too

    • The trade calculator is free to use with no account required. Run as many trade scenarios as you need to find the perfect deal.