We have two goals for this article:
1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.
Bids in general are best guesstimates. With so much uncertainty at least initially, those values may be even greater estimates than usual. The FAAB chart below lets users easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.
The chart, which is sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This is a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. An "A" grade is reserved for a high-impact prospect stepping into an everyday role.
If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.
| PLAYER | TEAM | POS | GRADE | 12-Team Mixed $ | 15-Team Mixed $ | 12 team NL-Only $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erick Fedde | ATL | SP | D | No | $0 | $2 |
| Joey Wentz | ATL | SP | C | $0 | $2 | rostered |
| Carlos Carrasco | ATL | SP | D | No | No | $1 |
| Zack Littell | CIN | SP | B | rostered | rostered | $8 |
| Nestor Cortes | SD | SP | B | $1 | $3 | $7 |
| Carson Whisenhunt | SF | SP | C | No | $1 | $5 |
| Kai-Wei Teng | SF | SP | D | No | $0 | $2 |
| Shinnosuke Ogasawara | WAS | SP | E | No | No | $1 |
| Anthony DeSclafani | ARI | SP | E | No | No | $1 |
| JP Sears | SD | SP | C | $0 | $2 | $5 |
| Ryan Gusto | MIA | SP | D | No | No | $1 (spec on call |
We have two goals for this article:
1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.
Bids in general are best guesstimates. With so much uncertainty at least initially, those values may be even greater estimates than usual. The FAAB chart below lets users easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.
The chart, which is sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This is a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. An "A" grade is reserved for a high-impact prospect stepping into an everyday role.
If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.
| PLAYER | TEAM | POS | GRADE | 12-Team Mixed $ | 15-Team Mixed $ | 12 team NL-Only $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erick Fedde | ATL | SP | D | No | $0 | $2 |
| Joey Wentz | ATL | SP | C | $0 | $2 | rostered |
| Carlos Carrasco | ATL | SP | D | No | No | $1 |
| Zack Littell | CIN | SP | B | rostered | rostered | $8 |
| Nestor Cortes | SD | SP | B | $1 | $3 | $7 |
| Carson Whisenhunt | SF | SP | C | No | $1 | $5 |
| Kai-Wei Teng | SF | SP | D | No | $0 | $2 |
| Shinnosuke Ogasawara | WAS | SP | E | No | No | $1 |
| Anthony DeSclafani | ARI | SP | E | No | No | $1 |
| JP Sears | SD | SP | C | $0 | $2 | $5 |
| Ryan Gusto | MIA | SP | D | No | No | $1 (spec on call up) |
| Johan Oviedo | PIT | SP | C | No | $1 | $3 |
| Carson Palmquist | COL | SP/RP | E | No | No | $0 |
| Jameson Taillon | CHC | SP | B | $1 | $3 | $10 (if not rostered) |
| Jhoan Duran | PHI | RP | A | rostered | rostered | $35 (if saves are need) |
| Mason Miller | SD | RP | B | rostered | rostered | $20 |
| Randy Rodriguez | SF | RP | A | $10 | $16 | rostered |
| Dennis Santana | PIT | RP | B | $5 | $9 | rostered |
| Kevin Ginkel | ARI | RP | C | $2 | $3 | $8 (if not rostered) |
| JoJo Romero | STL | RP | C | $1 | $3 | $5 |
| Victor Vodnik | COL | RP | E | No | $0 | $2 |
| Brock Stewart | LAD | RP | D | No | $0 | $3 |
| Andrew Kittredge | CHC | RP | D | No | No | $1 |
| Jose Ferrer | WAS | RP | D | No | $1 | $2 |
| Cole Henry | WAS | RP | E | No | No | $1 |
| Zach Brzykcy | WAS | RP | E | No | No | $1 |
| Danny Jansen | MIL | C | D | No | No | $1 |
| Freddy Fermin | SD | C | C | $0 | $2 | $5 |
| Miguel Amaya | CHC | C | D | $0 | $1 | $3 |
| Tyler Locklear | ARI | 1B | C | No | $1 | $4 |
| Pavin Smith | AZ | 1B | C | No | $0 | $2 |
| Ryan O'Hearn | SD | 1B | C | $1 | rostered | $6 |
| Troy Johnston | MIA | 1B | D | No | No | $1 |
| Nolan Gorman | STL | 2B/3B | C | No | $1 | $3 |
| Willi Castro | CHC | 2B/OF | D | No | No | $2 |
| Liover Peguero | PIT | SS | D | No | No | $2 |
| Jordan Lawlar | AZ | SS/3B | B | $0 | $2 | $6 |
| Jared Triolo | PIT | 3B | E | No | No | $1 |
| Blaze Alexander | AZ | 3B | E | No | No | $0 |
| Alex Freeland | LAD | 3B | D | No | No | $0 |
| Max Muncy | LAD | 3B | A | $6 | rostered | rostered |
| Miguel Andujar | CIN | 3B/OF | D | No | No | $1 |
| Cedric Mullins | NYM | OF | B | rostered | rostered | $13 |
| Ramon Laureano | SD | OF | B | $3 | rostered | $13 |
| Jakob Marsee | MIA | OF | C | No | $1 | $4 |
| Derek Hill | MIA | OF | E | No | No | $0 |
| Blake Perkins | MIL | OF | C | No | $1 | $2 |
| Brandon Lockridge | MIL | OF | E | No | No | $1 |
| Harrison Bader | PHI | OF | C | No | $0 | $3 |
| Dylan Crews | WAS | OF | A | $4 | $7 | $15 |
Pitchers
Erick Fedde, Atlanta: Atlanta remains decimated at starting pitcher and acquired Fedde early in the week after he was DFA'd by the Cardinals. He hasn't pitched well since late June and was hit hard during his debut, but the likes of Chris Sale (rib), Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) and Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) aren't close to returning. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2
Joey Wentz, Atlanta: Wentz was highlighted in this column a few weeks ago, though his outlook has improved in recent starts as he's maintained a 21:6 K:BB across his last 18 innings while only allowing three earned runs. He should be on 15-team radars with what appears to be a clear path to maintain his role for the final two months. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team mixed: $2; 12-team NL: rostered
Carlos Carrasco, Atlanta: Carrasco took a similar path to the Atlanta rotation compared to Fedde and also holds long-term chances of success. That being said, he did turn in a quality start in his first appearance on Thursday. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL - $1
Zack Littell, Reds: Littell makes the list as he was traded to the NL and enters the player pool in Only leagues. He's a priority add, but one word of caution is his 1.76 HR/9 - yet Great American Ballpark won't hurt that number. 12-team mixed: rostered; 15-team mixed: rostered; 12-team NL: $8
Nestor Cortes, Padres: Cortes has likely been stashed in some leagues for a while, but he's handled a regular starting workload from each of his last two rehab outings. He should on the verge of a return and is still with a solid team in a pitcher-friendly environment despite being dealt by the Brewers. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team mixed: $3; 12-team NL: $7
Carson Whisenhunt, Giants: Whisenhunt was called up to make his big-league debut Monday, and the team announced he's set to take another turn in the rotation. His initial start didn't go all that well, though he carries a strong pedigree and should be given the chance to stick in the rotation long-term. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $5
Kai-Wei Teng, Giants: Teng is another pitcher who looks likely to receive some opportutnities for the Giants down the stretch. He doesn't have the same pedigree as Whisenhunt, but he racked up a very impressive 31 Ks across his final 17.1 Triple-A innings. And in Teng's initial MLB outing, he generated nine swinging strikes on 67 total pitches. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2
Shinnosuke Ogasawara, Nationals: Ogasawa didn't have a successful first stint with the Nationals, but is back in the bigs after the club traded away Michael Soroka and a few bullpen pieces. They can get away with a four-man rotation for the next little while, so their intentions for the fifth spot may remain unclear over the next week. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1
Anthony DeSclafani, Diamondbacks: A rotation spot became available in Arizona when Merrill Kelly was dealt. DeSclafani could be a short-term solution, though his initial appearance didn't go well (2.1 IP, 4 ER, 0:3 K:BB). He can be streamed in the deepest leagues, but it's likely a mistake to include him for long-term plans. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1
JP Sears, Padres: Sears' situation doesn't change much from his time with the A's. He should stick in the San Diego rotation, yet he could be booted once Michael King (shoulder) comes back. He hits the NL-only pool, which is his primary appeal, and perhaps his new home park can help clean up his homer problem (1.9 HR/9 this season). 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $5
Ryan Gusto, Marlins: Gusto was acquired by the Marlins as part of the return for Jesus Sanchez. He was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday, but the team shouldn't be overly invested in keeping him blocked by either Janson Junk or Cal Quantrill. Gusto was inconsistent starting with Houston, but showed the ability to occasionally get outs. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1
Johan Oviedo, Pirates: Oviedo has pitched five innings during each of his last two rehab outings, the latter coming at Triple-A. The Pirates didn't tear down their rotation as much as anticipated at the deadline, but the departure of Bailey Falter opens a vacancy. There's been no official word giving Oviedo that spot, yet he's the most logical candidate. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $3
Carson Palmquist, Rockies: Antonio Senzatela (finger) was placed on the injured list after getting blasted by the Pirates on Friday. Palmquist ate innings the same night and lines up to potentially replace him in the rotation, though Chase Dollander is another option. Ultimately, the intrigue is limited due to team and park context, but this is a situation that's at least worth monitoring. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0
Jameson Taillon, Cubs: Taillon is set to have a rehab assignment Sunday. He's been out since late June, so he's likely to require a few outings before activation. Taillon is widely available in NFBC formats, so he's presumably a stash candidate. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team mixed: $3; 12-team NL: $10
Jhoan Duran, Phillies: Duran is arguably the top option for NL-only managers in need of saves. Manager Ryan Thompson has mixed and matched the back-end of the bullpen since Jose Alvarado was suspended, but Duran should put an end to that. He's worth using the FAAB homer, so long as saves are rewarded in your league and are something you're looking for. 12-team mixed: rostered; 15-team mixed: rostered; 12-team NL: $35
Mason Miller, Padres: Miller certainly would have been the must-add source of saves, yet he was used in the eighth inning during his Padres' debut on Friday. That doesn't necessarily mean he won't get save chances moving forward, but the early indications are that he'll get a partial share. 12-team mixed: rostered; 15-team mixed: rostered; 12-team NL: $20
Randy Rodriguez, Giants: The Giants traded Camilo Doval and wasted no time announcing Rodriguez as the new closer. He's been lights out all year by maintaining a 1.17 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with a 63:10 K:BB from 46 innings. The primary difference between Rodriguez and Duran is that the former is more likely to be available in mixed leagues while already rostered in NL-only formats. 12-team mixed: $10; 15-team mixed: $16; 12-team NL: rostered
Dennis Santana, Pirates: Santana endured an ugly outing Friday with an implosion at Coors Field, but he's otherwise enjoyed a solid campaign. That one misstep shouldn't affect his ability to pick up save chances, though he's a tier or two below the others covered based on skills. 12-team mixed: $5; 15-team mixed: $9, 12-team NL: rostered
Kevin Ginkel, Diamondbacks: Ginkel's positioning as the Diamondbacks' closer should be more secure after Shelby Miller (elbow) was dealt at the deadline. His abilities are a significant downgrade from the rest of the group, yet he's in play for anyone needing saves. 12-team mixed: $2, 15-team mixed: $3; 12-team NL: $8 (if not rostered)
JoJo Romero, Cardinals: We got a good idea how St. Louis's bullpen is likely to play out with Ryan Helsley and Phil Maton both out of the picture. Romero delivered a four-out save Saturday night, though it was a bit shaky as he allowed three baserunners and an earned run. It's worth keeping bids tempered with Kyle Leahy looking to possibly be the next reliever up for saves. 12-team mixed: $1, 15-team mixed: $3; 12-team NL: $5
Jose Ferrer/Cole Henry/Zach Brzykcy, Nationals: Kyle Finnegan is gone, opening up the closer role in D.C. Ferrer seems to be the logical choice based on reliever usage and his team-leading 19 holds. Local beat writers have also speculated Henry and Brzykcy could also be part of the mix. We haven't had the benefit of seeing a save opportunity for the Nationals since Finnegan was traded, so this is all speculation. With that in mind, it's probably best to keep bids in check. Ferrer: 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $2/Henry: 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1/Brzykcy: 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1
Victor Vodnik, Rockies: Vodnik is a late addition to the article after Seth Halvorsen suffered a potentially serious elbow injury. The Rockies' bullpen is difficult to project, but Vodnik is likely next-in-line should Halvorsen be sidelined. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed:$0; 12-team NL: $2
Brock Stewart, Dodgers: The Dodgers' bullpen is in flux with Tanner Scott (elbow) out. It's possible they continue to mix and match the ninth inning/closer role as they have so far, but Stewart offers the skills to factor in having registered an impressive 2.38 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with a 41:11 K:BB and 15 holds across 34 innings. For fantasy managers hunting for solid ratios and holds, he's a must-add. For those seeking saves, better selections exist. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: $0; 12-team NL- $3
Andrew Kittredge, Cubs: Kittredge is unlikely to enter the saves picture in Chicago. He pitched in the seventh during his team debut where he notched his eighth hold. Holds and solid ratios figure to be his primary source of value until the end of the season. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1
Find out which projected starters are going and when with RotoWire's Probable Pitchers page!
Catcher
Danny Jansen, Brewers: Jansen is set to lose fantasy value after being dealt from the Rays. He's also started one of two games since joining his new club. Jansen could get regular playing time if Milwaukee is willing to play Christian Yelich in the outfield, which could be more realistic with Jackson Chourio (hamstring) sidelined. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1
Freddy Fermin, Padres: Fermin is in the opposite situation of Jansen as he was significantly blocked in KC while already being entrusted as San Diego's top backstop. He could be a decent source of batting average and counting stats, but don't count on power or speed. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $5
Miguel Amaya, Cubs: Amaya should be activated soon as he's over a week into a rehab assignment. He's likely to fill in a backup role behind Carson Kelly, so his fantasy value will probably be limited. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $3
First Base
Tyler Locklear, Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks dealt away Josh Naylor, opening a need at first. Locklear was part of that return and the team has said he'll be their primary first baseman down the stretch. In two starts since, Locklear has hit fifth and sixth in the order and could be a power source the rest of the way. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: $1; 12-team NL; $4
Pavin Smith, Diamondbacks: Smith is hitting off a tee and should soon begin on a rehab assignment. Locklear's presence slightly hurts Smith's playing time, though he could still keep regular plate appearances at DH. He's more a watchlist player in most leagues, but could be a stash if he doesn't clog roster spots in the meantime. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2
Ryan O'Hearn, Padres: O'Hearn moves from the AL, yet his role should stay similar as a regular in the San Diego lineup against righties. He batted sixth on Saturday and should have a solid opportunity to deliver counting stats and pop for the next two months. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team mixed: rostered; 12-team NL: $6
Troy Johnston, Marlins: Johnston was promoted to make his big-league debut on Tuesday and has since gone on to start two of four games. He looked to be in a large-side platoon role, but then sat Saturday with a right-handed pitcher on the mound. Johnston's primary fantasy appeal is likely to be steals, which will add extra value given they're coming from a first-base-eligible player. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1
Second Base
Nolan Gorman, Cardinals: Gorman was activated from the IL on Saturday and should have a runway to action at third with Nolan Arenado (shoulder) out. We know who he is at this point of his career, which is a streaky power hitter who won't provide much else. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $3
Willi Castro, Cubs: Castro's fit with the Cubs is unclear and he's likely to be used in a utility role. His skillset is best suited as a compiler, but he won't initially take on that role in Chicago.12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2
See where all the players on your fantasy baseball team fit into RotoWire's MLB Cheat Sheet!
Shortstop
Liover Peguero, Pirates: Peguero has been in Pittsburgh for around two weeks, and has already started five of the team's last eight contests. He doesn't have a permanent defensive slot, but has filled in a short-side platoon at first while filling in at second and shortstop. Peguero has notched four homers over his last three outings, with three coming at Coors on Saturday. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2
Third Base
Blaze Alexander/Jordan Lawlar, Diamondbacks: It's worth mentioning this duo together. Alexander has been Arizona's every day third baseman since the departure of Eugenio Suarez. His sample in the majors has been subpar (.211 with a 32.3 K% across 65 PA), which leads him potentially losing the job to Lawlar (hamstring) at some point in the near future. Alexander: 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0/Lawlar: 12-team mixed: $0, 15-team mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $6
Alex Freeland/Max Muncy, Dodgers: Freeland has started three straight games at third. Max Muncy (knee) has begun a rehab assignment, so Freeland's stay with the big-league club is likely to be limited. Freeland: 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0/Muncy: 12-team mixed: $6, 15-team mixed: rostered; 12-team NL: rostered
Jared Triolo, Pirates: The Pirates traded one light-hitting third baseman for another after shipping Ke'Bryan Hayes and replacing him with Triolo. He's been rotating with Liover Peguero since the deadline to further chip into his limited fantasy value. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1
Outfield
Miguel Andujar, Reds: Andujar is set to slide into a short-side outfield platoon role. That won't lead to much fantasy production, yet he's a new addition to the NL-only player pool. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1
Cedric Mullins, Mets: Mullins has plenty of flaws in his skillset, but he's now the Mets' everyday center fielder and is in line for a 20-20 campaign. He's already rostered in mixed leagues, though should be bid heavily on since joining the league. 12-team mixed: rostered; 15-team mixed: rostered; 12-team NL: $13
Ramon Laureano, Padres: Laureano is comparable to Mullins, yet trades some of the speed for batting average. He's another candidate to aggressively pursue in NL-only leagues for those requiring outfield assistance. 12-team mixed: $3; 15-team mixed: rostered; 12-team NL: $13
Jakob Marsee, Marlins: The Marlins selected Marsee's contract to replace Jesus Sanchez, and he's started both outings in center. His main fantasy appeal will come from stolen bases, but the leap of faith is that he'll reach base enough to let his speed play. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4
Derek Hill, Marlins: Hill has been sidelined with a sprained left middle finger, but recently began a rehab assignment. He was only used sparingly before going down, and that isn't likely to change with Marsee in the picture. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0
Blake Perkins/Brandon Lockridge, Brewers: Playing time opened in center field with Milwaukee as Jackson Chourio (hamstring) is sidelined. Perkins appears to have the upper hand and has started all three games since Chourio has been absent. He delivered a pair of homers on Friday to put him on the FAAB radar. Lockridge could also be worth bidding on, depending on how the news around Sal Frelick (knee) develops. He could be a source of steals, but otherwise his profile is empty. Perkins: 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $2/Lockridge: 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1
Harrison Bader, Phillies: It looks like patience may be the key with Bader, as early indications are that he's in a small-side outfield platoon role. Max Kepler has significantly underwhelmed this season, so it's reasonable to project Bader will eventually assume additional action. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3
Dylan Crews, Nationals: Crews has been on a rehab assignment for nearly a week and should be activated over the next few days. He didn't perform well early this year, though there's plenty of time for him to deliver on his pedigree and the Nationals should provide him everyday work. Crews offers the potential to impact all fantasy leagues down the stretch. 12-team mixed: $4; 15-team mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $15 (if not rostered)
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