Normally, this would be my weekly look at National League free agents. But as we all know, we are not in normal times. First and foremost, I hope you and all of your loved ones are safe and well and remain that way.
We now — finally — have baseball. Granted, the season will be shorter than hoped, just 60 games, and the pandemic will decide whether games actually occur and if the season is completed. But camps will open this week and the season is slated to start either July 23 or July 24.
The LABR and Tout Wars NL-only leagues have been the starting point for the column. This will be the last week that is the case, as starting next week, I will propose bids based on my view as to how much a player should be drafted for in leagues that have yet to draft.
Players drafted late or reserve picks are the main focus, though I will touch on others whose value will exceed their cost, as I have this week. As noted since the columns started this year, and as has always been the case, to make this somewhat interactive, if there is a player who was not discussed in the article you would like to know about, feel free to ask in the comments and I will touch on those the following week. Several names in this column were covered in the first 11 weeks, but some confirmation as to their probable roles
Normally, this would be my weekly look at National League free agents. But as we all know, we are not in normal times. First and foremost, I hope you and all of your loved ones are safe and well and remain that way.
We now — finally — have baseball. Granted, the season will be shorter than hoped, just 60 games, and the pandemic will decide whether games actually occur and if the season is completed. But camps will open this week and the season is slated to start either July 23 or July 24.
The LABR and Tout Wars NL-only leagues have been the starting point for the column. This will be the last week that is the case, as starting next week, I will propose bids based on my view as to how much a player should be drafted for in leagues that have yet to draft.
Players drafted late or reserve picks are the main focus, though I will touch on others whose value will exceed their cost, as I have this week. As noted since the columns started this year, and as has always been the case, to make this somewhat interactive, if there is a player who was not discussed in the article you would like to know about, feel free to ask in the comments and I will touch on those the following week. Several names in this column were covered in the first 11 weeks, but some confirmation as to their probable roles came out this week, prompting their inclusion.
Baseball is back. If you haven't been prepping during the pandemic, get cracking, If you have been, hopefully the info in this column helps. Look for additional information and the names as the season approaches.
STARTING PITCHER
Cole Hamels, Braves: Hamels, who signed a one-year, $18 million deal with Atlanta this offseason, reported to camp with a shoulder issue. If the season had started on time, Hamels would have been on the shelf, rehabbing. But the delay should allow him to be ready to go when the bell rings. Hamels, who missed a portion of last season with an oblique injury and struggled down the stretch, should benefit from the fine offense in front of him in Atlanta. Keep in mind that Hamels and the rest of the Braves starters likely will go only 3-4 innings in their first start or two of the regular season, which means that Sean Newcomb, Felix Hernandez and Kyle Wright will have value, at least to start the 2020 campaign. LABR: $3; Tout Wars: $3
MacKenzie Gore/Luis Patino, Padres: Gore, who pitched 21.2 innings last season at Double-A Amarillo, struggled in his brief stint in spring training. But the shortened season and Gore's pedigree could land the left-hander in the majors at some point this season. Gore has prototypical size (6-foot-3, 195), four plus pitches and plus control, resulting in the view that he could be one of the top starters in the majors. His value might be only — or at least mainly — in keeper leagues, but the upside potential warrants a roster spot in single-season leagues. Patino, who had a cup of coffee at Double-A to end last season, could be placed on the Padres' taxi squad. He was to start the season at that level to aid his development, but the pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of the minor-league season, so the taxi squad could aid his development. Patino mixes a mid-90s fastball, hard slider and developing changeup with solid command/control to retire hitters and has advanced quickly. He has been almost exclusively a starter throughout his time in the minors, but he could come out of the bullpen — at least initially — if he is promoted to the active roster at some point during the campaign. Gore - LABR: $3; Tout Wars: $5; Patino - LABR: $0; Tout Wars: Not owned
Spencer Howard, Phillies: Howard, a second-round pick in 2017, could open the season in the Phillies' rotation due to the shortened season. As we noted in our preseason outlook, including 21.1 IP in the Arizona Fall League, Howard had a 1.99 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 133:28 K:BB in 99.1 IP en route to establishing himself as one of the game's top pitching prospects. His plus-plus fastball was 95-98 mph in his final AFL outing and has touched triple-digits. Howard's slider could be a 70-grade pitch and while he is still working on consistency with his changeup, that pitch also has plus-plus potential. Injuries cost him two months last year, but he should be able to make it through the full 60-game season. His stuff and upside give him future second-starter potential. LABR: $3; Tout Wars: $2
Dinelson Lamet, Padres: Lamet missed the 2018 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery and threw a combined 88 innings between Triple-A and San Diego (73 innings) last season. With only 60 games on the schedule, Lamet is not expected to have any restrictions this season. If looking for a possible under-the-radar candidate to win the strikeout title, Lamet could be your guy, especially if his slider becomes a viable third pitch, as the right-hander fanned 105 hitters in 73 innings last season. LABR: $16; Tout Wars: $13
Dustin May, Dodgers: May should open the season in the Dodgers' rotation as the delayed start and abbreviated season necessitates a deeper starting rotation. Los Angeles could use as many as eight starters to navigate the shortened, condensed season, which will result in fewer days off and an expanded roster. Due to this scenario, May, who posted a 2.82 ERA and 17:3 K:BB in 22.1 innings as a starter, will move into the major-league rotation. Before spring training was suspended, May was preparing to stretch out as a starter in the minor leagues, so the transition to the majors could be seamless. LABR: $4; Tout Wars: $4
Garrett Richards, Padres: Richards hurled only 8.2 major-league frames last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in July 2018, but he is not expected to have any innings restrictions during this truncated season. The extra time off should allow Richards to be close to his former self, which might not have been the case in April. Richards should pitch in the middle of the San Diego rotation, racking up a decent number of strikeouts offset by a healthy number of walks. LABR: $3; Tout Wars: $3
RELIEF PITCHER
Tony Watson, Giants: Watson likely would have opened the year on the injured list due to his ailing shoulder if the season had started on time. The additional time off will allow him to participate fully in workouts when the Giants resume training this week and be ready when the bell rings. Given Watson's experience in late innings, he is probably the best bet in this bullpen to get save chances when the season gets underway. But new manager Gabe Kapler's historical preference to play matchups in the ninth inning may result in San Francisco opting for more of a closer-by-committee approach. LABR: $3; Tout Wars: $5
CATCHER
Joey Bart, Giants: Bart will be in major-league camp once play resumes but likely isn't a candidate for the Opening Day roster. If that occurs, Bart will be part of the taxi squad available when needed. Buster Posey and Brandon Belt are under contract through 2021 while Bart has played just 22 games at Double-A. Those data points do make it somewhat unlikely that Bart will make his debut with the Giants this summer, as had been projected if the season started on time. But Posey did show additional cracks in the armor last season while Belt has consistently been unable to stay healthy, so if taking a flier on a second catcher, why not on one who could pay higher than expected dividends. Look for William Contreras, Tyler Stephenson and Daulton Varsho to be the on their respective team's taxi squad as additional catchers, with it possible that they join the parent club as third backstops, LABR: $0; Tout Wars: $1
FIRST BASE
Garrett Cooper, Marlins: Cooper was slated to split time in right field with Matt Joyce when the plug was pulled on spring training. Injuries bookended Cooper's season last year, but when healthy, he posted solid numbers. Miami could look to play younger options at the position, though the condensed schedule might change that view. Cooper could wind up as the Marlins' primary designated hitter this season, but it's possible he sees time at first base, with Jesus Aguilar at DH. Lewin Diaz also will be in the first base/designated hitter mix. Look for Miami to find ways to get Cooper's bat in the lineup. LABR: $8; Tout Wars: $4
Howie Kendrick, Nationals: Kendrick was brilliant last season for Washington, slashing .344/.395/.572 with 17 home runs while driving in 62 runs in 370 plate appearances. He signed a one-year $6.25 million contract to return to the Nationals last December. The Nationals added Asdrubal Cabrera and have Carter Kieboom ready, which likely will cut into Kendrick's playing time. But as we have seen, Kendrick finds a way to receive action at several positions and with the presence of the DH and potential Ryan Zimmerman misses the season due to family concerns, look for Kendrick to receive copious playing time. LABR: $5; Tout Wars: $6
Pablo Sandoval, Giants: Sandoval, who underwent offseason Tommy John surgery, likely will be cleared to play first base and third base to begin the 2020 season. He hit .268/.313/.507 with 14 home runs and 41 RBI last year and likely will compete for playing time with Evan Longoria at the hot corner and Brandon Belt/Wilmer Flores at first base. In addition, look for Big Panda to see some at-bats as the designated hitter. LABR: Not owned; Tout Wars: Not owned
Dominic Smith, Mets: Smith is one of those on the Mets who should benefit from a Universal DH. Blocked at first base by Pete Alonso and not talented enough defensively to play left, though he has made positive strides in that regard, Smith is relegated to spot duty. But he took a major step forward last year, showing he deserves more playing time. The Universal DH affords Smith extra at-bats, though the Mets have several others for that spot in the batting order, including Yoenis Cespedes. Smith's upside warrants a spot on your bench with the hope for additional playing time. LABR: $2; Tout Wars: $1
SECOND BASE
Tommy Edman, Cardinals: Edman, who travelled below the radar and exploded on the scene when promoted to the majors last season, Edman could potentially find himself in an everyday role at third base during the truncated 2020 regular season if manager Mike Shildt opts to make Matt Carpenter his primary designated hitter. Last season. Edman played 41 games at third, 23 at second and 11 in the outfield while posting 11 home runs, 15 steals and a .304/.350/.500 slash line. The power may be unsustainable, but his power/speed combination coupled with his string defense along with the advanced metrics showing his average is repeatable. LABR: $17; Tout Wars: $15
Brad Miller, Cardinals: Miller should fill in across the diamond; flexibility that is needed with a condensed schedule. In addition, he has done his best damage at the plate while focused solely on hitting as a DH in the American League, which is a spot he will see action at this season for the Cardinals, especially if Matt Carpenter doesn't hit as expected at the position. In leagues that have 10-game eligibility, Miller qualifies at second and third base as well as the outfield. LABR: $0; Tout Wars: Reserve pick
THIRD BASE
Alec Bohm, Phillies: Bohm, profiled the first column of the season, might not open the season on the big-league roster but should see some time at designated hitter this season. Jay Bruce will be the DH versus righties, but Bohm could see time against lefties. Bohm spent his offseason working on his defense, though that wasn't readily apparent this spring as he made two errors in 10 games. The third pick in the 2018 draft, Bohm hit .311/.379/.513 with 23 home runs, a 10.2 BB% and 14.8 K% in 147 games across stops in the South Atlantic, Florida State and Arizona Fall leagues last season. With Rhys Hoskins entrenched at first base, Bohm will need to show he can handle the hot corner to see full-time duty, as Jean Segura and Scott Kingery can man the position for now. Bohm may not be a full-timer right away but he projects to be in the near future. Plus, those in keeper leagues will want to grab him now if he is promoted.
I wrote this back in April, and as far as I am aware of, nothing has changed, But, if you have additional information, please pass it along, as the use of a 60-man roster and 30-man taxi squad could change the mindset on how to handle prospects this season. This is especially so with no true minor-leaguer campaign. I did some due diligence with a few industry sources to see the impact on service time in a shortened season. Players will gain full service if they are active or on the injured list for a season of any length. Normally, a player is credited with a full service year with 172 days active or on the major league injured list. So, if a season is 90 days and the player is active or on the IL for all 90, he would be credited as if he had 172 days. It is prorated beyond that — so a player active for 45 of the 90 days would get half of 172 days (86 days). This is important as it relates to Super-2 status and team control in the future.
Based on the above, teams may be less motivated to bring up top prospects, because 60 days of actual days in the majors could equal 120 service days for 2020 and could result in that Super Two designation down the line. Faced with that, particularly if you're a rebuilding team, you might just kick the can until April 15 of next year to bring a player up. In the case of Bohm and the Phillies, because Philly should contend, they may be inclined to promote him sooner. LABR: $2, Tout Wars: $2.
Matt Carpenter, Cardinals: St. Louis signed Carpenter, profiled a month ago, to a two-year, $37 million contract extension with the in April 2019. Due to that contract, which also includes vesting of team option for 2022, the Cardinals are stuck with Carpenter, who showed signs of decline last season. Moving Carpenter periodically or potentially full time from the hot corner to DH would keep Carpenter fresh and possibly enable him to revert back to even his 2015-16 form. St. Louis could then shift Tommy Edman from left field to third base when Carpenter is the DH, providing Lane Thomas and Dylan Carlson, additional playing time, lengthening and strengthening the Cardinals' lineup. LABR: $10, Tout Wars: $13
Ke'Bryan Hayes/Colin Moran, Pirates: Moran will open the season as the Bucs' fifth-place hitter and starting third sacker, but how long he retains the job is up in the air. Hayes is far superior defensively with a better eye at the plate but the jury is out on just how must power he will generate. Moran, acquired from Houston in the Gerrit Cole deal, isn't a big power bat at the hot corner, so it's only a matter of time before a change is made. Pittsburgh figured to have Hayes play a few months at Triple-A before recalling him. The Corona pandemic has changed that timeline, as Moran is expected to rotate with Josh Bell and Gregory Polanco as the team's designated hitter, opening up the hot corner at some point for Hayes. Hayes - LABR: $2, Tout Wars: $1; Moran - LABR: $5, Tout Wars: $3
Carter Kieboom, Nationals: Kieboom struggled in his first exposure to major-league pitching, something other top prospects have experienced. But his brilliant numbers in the PCL last season, coupled with Kieboom being 23 percent better than the average PCL hitter despite being the youngest qualified hitter on the circuit bode well for future success. Washington brought in Starlin Castro and Asdrubal Cabrera back as a safety net and also have Howie Kendrick in case Kieboom wasn't ready, though Kendrick may serve as the DH, especially if Ryan Zimmerman misses the season due to family health concerns. Even if Zimmerman does suit up, it should only be a matter of time before Kieboom is the starter, though the possibility exists that will not occur this season. LABR: $9; Tout Wars: $7
Austin Riley, Braves: Riley, one of the Braves' top prospects heading into last season, burst on the scene with a flourish after he was promoted in mid-May. As we noted in our preseason outlook, Riley went off for nine homers in his first 18 career games, and he still had an OPS north of .900 at the end of June. Then the league caught up to him. Riley hit .169/.221/.324 with a 41.6 K% from the beginning of July until his placement on the IL with a knee ligament issue in early August. He made it back in September but never made the necessary adjustments, batting an even-worse .132/.190/.263 over the final month of the regular season.
Josh Donaldson, Atlanta's third baseman last season, signed with Minnesota, leaving a hole at the hot corner. Johan Camargo, the starter at third base in 2017, and Riley, who moved from third to left field last season, were battling this spring to fill that spot. Originally, the loser was expected to head to Triple-A Gwinnett. But with MLB to have slightly expanded rosters once play resumes, the presence of the DH and both players having fine springs, each should open the season in Atlanta. Once games finally do resume, the duo will pick the competition back up, but if Riley can reduce his strikeouts, he remains the favorite in the long run to seize the job. LABR: $5, Tout Wars: $7
SHORTSTOP
Marco Luciano, Giants: Luciano, one of the top prospects in baseball, will be on the Giants' taxi squad to begin the season. If the year had been normal, Luciano would have started the season at Low-A, so he figures to see minimal action at best. But, with possibly 30-35 home run power in the future, drafting and stashing Luciano is a prudent course of action, However, those in single year leagues likely will want to pass on picking Luciano due to a probable lack of playing time. LABR: Not owned; Tout Wars: Not owned
Geraldo Perdomo, Diamondbacks: Perdomo's inclusion this week, like Andres Gimenez's last week and Luciano's this week, is more for keeper leagues. The expanded rosters and lack of minor league season could result in Perdomo joining the parent club at some point during the season, as he will start the year on the taxi squad. Perdomo's main asset is his speed but he projects to add power as he matures. He is on the fast track and should be Arizona's shortstop of the future, maturing into his full skill set. For those leagues that can stash Perdomo, as well as other minor-league prospects once they hit the majors, this season could be a gold mine. LABR: Not owned; Tout Wars: Not owned
OUTFIELD
Jay Bruce, Phillies: I covered a Bruce about six weeks ago, but it was announced this week that he is expected to be the Phillies' primary designated hitter, at least against righties, prompting a second mention. When spring training began, Bruce was slated to start in left field with Andrew McCutchen still on the mend from his torn ACL. The delay to the start of the season has allowed Cutch to be ready when the games resume. It looked like Bruce's value took a major tumble, but the consistent at-bats versus righties restores much of that value. LABR: $0; Tout Wars: $1
Dylan Carlson, Cardinals: Carlson fully exploded on the scene last season, moving from nice to top-tier prospect. Question remain as to whether he is ready for major-league pitching, but he did not look out of place this spring, carrying his 2019 performance forward. Despite just playing 18 games at Triple-A, Carlson has made a major impression on the Cardinals' major-league coaching staff and is considered "a lock" for the big-league club this coming regular season now that slightly expanded rosters are being implemented. Dexter Fowler, Tyler O'Neill, Harrison Bader and Lane Thomas are battling for playing time in the outfield, but the Universal DH should allow Carlson to make the team when play resumes with Matt Carpenter manning that spot and Tommy Edman at the hot corner. LABR: $3; Tout Wars: $8
Yoenis Cespedes, Mets: Cespedes, profiled earlier this season, is a major wild card. The 34-year old wasn't yet running the bases or taking part in fielding drills when MLB suspended play, and it's not clear how ready he will be to patrol the outfield once action resumes. But the implementation of universal DH in 2020 and late start of the season add to the likelihood of Cespedes providing positive value for his owners and the Mets. Add in pending free agency and the desire to cash in on the open market and you should have a motivated Yo, though Dominic Smith, Robinson Cano and J.D Davis should also factor in the DH mix. LABR: $5; Tout Wars: $2
Franchy Cordero/Josh Naylor, Padres: Cordero has tremendous skills but he has yet to make it through a year healthy recently, limited to a combined 71 games in the minors and majors over the last two seasons. He built on a strong Dominican Winter League showing with a solid spring training and was expected to break camp with the parent club. The Universal DH will help clear some of the outfield logjam in San Diego, opening at-bats for Cordero, who would benefit from not having to play the field, limiting some of the potential for injury. Naylor, originally selected by Miami, is better served to manning first base, but Eric Hosmer is locked at the position with Wil Myers also possibly in the mix. The Padres tried Naylor in left field, but it's pretty clear he is ill-suited for playing the outfield. One potential option is to start Myers in right, then platoon the right-handed-hitting Brian Dozier, who can still rake against left-handed pitching, and the left-handed-hitting Naylor at DH. But San Diego also has Cordero, Tommy Pham and Trent Grisham who need to receive consistent playing time, impacting Naylor's ability to see consistent at bats. Cordero - LABR: $4; Tout Wars: $3; Naylor - LABR: $0; Tout Wars: Reserve pick
Adam Duvall/Nick Markakis, Braves: Duvall and Markakis should form a platoon in left field and designated hitter. is a major wild card. Marcell Ozuna may DH almost daily, opening up left field. Markakis, the lefty of the duo and better average hitter, should see most of the playing time in the outfield with Duvall, who possesses more power, possibly playing against southpaws. Duvall blasted 32 home runs in the minors and 10 in 130 plate appearances after getting called up to Atlanta Austin Riley also may factor in the LF/DH mix, but Duvall, and especially Markakis, should see more at-bats due to the advent of the additional bat in the lineup. Duvall - LABR: Not owned; Tout Wars: Not owned; Markakis - LABR: $3; Tout Wars: $1
Yasiel Puig, free agent: This is a prospective bid as Puig has yet to sign. Early this spring, rumors existed that Puig might sign with the Rockies, but that proved to be wishful thinking. The delay in starting the season should aid Puig in finding a team when action resumes, as all squads will be starting from ground zero, so Puig won't need much time to catch up. San Francisco has been rumored as a possible landing spot while and Miami is a team that comes to mind who could use Puig in their outfield. LABR: $7; Tout Wars: $5
Steven Souza, Cubs: I posted this information three weeks ago, but with the season now confirmed, running it again. Chicago has several options at designated hitter, the most likely of which is to shift Kyle Schwarber from left field, opening playing time in the outfield for Souza, Albert Almora Jr., Ian Happ and whoever doesn't win the second base job between Jason Kipnis and Nico Hoerner, as I have noted in previous columns. Souza hit 30 home runs with 78 RBIs and had a .351 on-base percentage with Tampa Bay in 2017 before he signed a big-money contract with Arizona. Since then, as we noted in our preseason outlook, Souza has played in just 72 games as he has missed time with the following injuries: sprained pectoral muscle, shoulder injury, back spasms, and most recently, his knee blowing up in the penultimate spring training game leading to him missing the entire 2019 season. Signed to a one-year, $1 million contract by the Cubs in January, Souza won't have a full campaign to try and rebuild his value, but could see enough playing time to maybe earn another contract. LABR: $2; Tout Wars: $1
