Trying to build your team's value? How to make bank by using your wildcard | MLS Fantasy Advice

Mauro Díaz and Quincy Amarikwa have increased in value more than any other player since opening day – a cool $1.0m each. If you had them on your team from the get go – and you still own them – then your team's value went up $2.0m.

If you sell now, you'll only claim a $1.0m profit (transfer market rules). I wouldn't suggest selling either because I believe both will continue to rise. On the other hand, if you still don't own them, you're doing yourself a disservice. You're missing out on free money and points, since both players have been producing on a consistent basis.

• READ: Quincy Amarikwa is banking on himself in MLS Fantasy, and it's working

Most fantasy managers think that using your wildcard early in the season is a bad move. But if building your team's value is important to long-term success (hint ... it is), then it might be a better decision than people think.

As of Tuesday, Chmble FC has the highest team value in MLS Fantasy at $127.4m. How did they get to that point? Here's a breakdown of Chmble FC's transfer history.

In Round 2, Chmble FC used their wildcard and made 20 moves to capitalize on some popular trends. When Round 3 rolled around, their team value shot up to $123.0m, not including any cash left in the bank.

From Rounds 3-6, their team value increased another $4.4m, putting Chmble FC in a very advantageous position when it comes to adding top-tier talent down the road.

So, is using your wildcard to build your team's value a smart thing to do early on? That depends.

If you started out the 2014 season with several players who increased in value right off the bat, it's not necessary. If you made a couple extra transfers each round to add some of the more popular players, it's not necessary.

• READ: Clint Dempsey or the Philadelphia Union: Who's more crucial to success in Round 7?

However, if you need a complete overhaul or you're looking to build your bank, there's no better resource available than your wildcard. It's free, plus you get unlimited transfers in Rounds 11, 15 and 16 anyway.

Keep this in mind: It's harder to increase your team's value late in the season, so using your wildcard early is actually highly beneficial if used properly.

I've already used my wildcard and my team's value is in excess of $125m. How's your budget looking? Let us know in the comments below.