The Curious Case of Rotation

For bargain hunters; this is a great time of year. Many players start coming off singles that will be rotating. They do this now to capitalize on higher prices and to ween themselves off of mechanic crutches that have developed. Let's take Explore. This mechanic came on the scene in 2017 with Ixalan and has been a staple mainstay from Kaladesh block to RTRTRavnica Block and has a Tier 1 and Tier 2 playable format. It has been relatively budget, and a really impressive 'side' build for many decks. Jadelight Ranger has been as high as $12-15 and as low as $3. Saying goodbye to Explore is going to be bitter-sweet. Since it isn't heavily featured at this exact second, many folks will start tapering down on the mechanic as it prepares to sunset.

As old hotness dwindles away, new hotness will become the flavor sensations. With Vraska's Contempt finally going the way of the dodo, what will be taking its place? Little offers the single color power that Contempt offers as well as the life swing that so stifled things like Mono Red. Bring to Trial and Grotesque Demise hit both sides of the spectrum, but are spread across black and white; don't give life gain, and don't target planeswalkers. Wanderer's Strike is more expensive, and gives proliferate, but again misses Planeswalkers. Despark hits most of the higher cost permanents at a much cheaper cost (albeit 2 color rather than mono colored), but doesn't give lifegain. An uncommon vs a rare as well. Despark is looking like a solid replacement, but it forces the white splash for black. And you still need to plan for 'low to the ground' casting cost creatures.