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 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (same injury return bid) |
| Dane Dunning | ATL | SP | D | No | $0 | $6 |
| Brandon Sproat | NYM | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (upped stash bid) |
| Joey Wentz | ATL | SP | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Brad Lord | WAS | SP | D | No | $0 | $6 |
| Anthony Bender | MIA | RP | D | $2 | $7 | Rostered ($11 if not) |
| Jose Ferrer | WAS | RP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| David Robertson | FA | RP | C | $1 | $4 | $7 (stash bid) |
| Tyler Rogers | SF | RP | C | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Alex Vesia | LA | RP | C | $2 | $7 |
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 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (same injury return bid) |
| Dane Dunning | ATL | SP | D | No | $0 | $6 |
| Brandon Sproat | NYM | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (upped stash bid) |
| Joey Wentz | ATL | SP | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Brad Lord | WAS | SP | D | No | $0 | $6 |
| Anthony Bender | MIA | RP | D | $2 | $7 | Rostered ($11 if not) |
| Jose Ferrer | WAS | RP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| David Robertson | FA | RP | C | $1 | $4 | $7 (stash bid) |
| Tyler Rogers | SF | RP | C | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Alex Vesia | LA | RP | C | $2 | $7 | Rostered ($11 if not) |
| Adrian Del Castillo | AZ | C | D | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Otto Kemp | PHI | 1B | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Liover Peguero | PIT | 2B | E | No | No | $5 |
| Thomas Saggese | STL | 2B | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Brady House | WAS | 2B | C | $2 | $7 | Rostered ($11 if not) |
| Graham Pauley | MIA | 3B | D | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Sergio Alcantara | AZ | SS | E | No | No | $5 |
| Blaze Alexander | AZ | SS | D | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Ezequiel Tovar | COL | SS | D | $0 | $2 | $7 |
| Jerar Encarnacion | SF | OF | D | $0 | $2 | $7 (same injury return bid) |
| Mickey Moniak | COL | OF | D | $2 | $7 | Rostered ($11 if not) |
| Blake Perkins | MIL | OF | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Weston Wilson | PHI | OF | E | No | No | $5 |
STARTING PITCHER
Nestor Cortes, Brewers: Cortes, diagnosed with a left elbow flexor strain and placed on the injured list on Apr. 6, may have made his final rehab appearance Friday where he allowed one run on two hits and a pair of walks while striking out three in 5.1 innings and 80 pitches at Triple-A Nashville. Milwaukee carries five solid starters so finding a place for Cortes won't be easy, but he should regain a spot as he looks ready to return. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (same injury bid based on his starting)
Dane Dunning/Joey Wentz, Braves: Dunning was traded from the Rangers Thursday. Despite having worked as a starter in the past, he's initially expected to come out of the bullpen for Atlanta. However, that could change. Wentz, claimed off waivers from the Twins on Jul. 11, has been operating in relief since arriving. He delivered an excellent outing with three no-hit innings while striking out six and issuing one walk, and will now be used as the fifth starter. Wentz went another four scoreless frames on Saturday and will need to continuing doing well to keep his place with Dunning, Nathan Wiles and Hurston Waldrep waiting. Both - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6
Brad Lord, Nationals: Lord is filling the fifth spot in the Nationals' rotation, where he made six trips through from April to early May before being bumped to the bullpen. He logged a 1-4 record with a 4.44 ERA and 21:9 K:BB across 26.1 innings as a starter and has since produced a 2.70 through 36.2 relief frames and will be limited to 45-50 pitches during his first start this week as he's set to replace Trevor Williams. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6
Brandon Sproat, Mets: Despite the recent return of Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea, the Mets need starters who can provide some length and relieve the pitching burden. They could also opt to use their prospects out of the bullpen to ease their transition to the Majors while also giving the squad a boost with some power arms with Sproat - and Nolan McLean – potentially filling that purpose. Sproat is coming off four straight strong starts at Syracuse where he hasn't surrendered an earned run while registering a 27:6 K:BB and eight hits against over 23 innings. GM David Stearns may need to change his view as to when to promote a prospect. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (upped stash bid)
Find out which projected starters are going and when with RotoWire's Probable Pitchers page!
RELIEF PITCHER
Anthony Bender, Marlins: Bender continued his recent stretch of fine pitching by notching his third save of the season on Saturday. Marlins' manager Clayton McCullough continues to mix and match his high-leverage options as none of them have really stepped up to seize the closing job. Calvin Faucher blew a chance in the ninth inning Friday while Ronny Henriquez - the best and most consistent Miami reliever - worked the eighth on both Friday and Saturday while leaving the ninth to Bender during the latter. Two of Bender's saves this year have come since Jul. 7 and he's riding an 11-appearance shutout streak where he's posted a 0.62 WHIP and 10:4 K:BB through 11.1 innings with two wins and five holds. That impressive stretch could earn him more save chances, but it could also make him a prime candidate to get moved at the trade deadline. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Rostered ($11 if not)
Jose Ferrer, Nationals: Ferrer could be next-in-line should Kyle Finnegan be dealt or replaced as the closer due to his recent struggles, though he did pick up the save with a clean ninth inning on Saturday. Ferrer has a 5.18 ERA with a 3.16 FIP alongside 17 holds and a 40:10 K:BB ratio in 47 games (48.2 innings). The downside is his high GB/FB and low K/9 ratios, yet he may be the best of the bullpen bunch to fill the role if a change is required. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
David Robertson, Free Agent: Sooner or later, someone will sign D-Rob. He showed last year at 40 that he's still an effective reliever compiling a 3.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 99:27 K:BB from 72 innings while collecting two saves and 35 holds in 68 appearances for the Rangers. His market - which includes the Yankees and Mets amongst others - could increase once other prominent relievers move elsewhere leading up to the Jul. 31 deadline. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (spec signing bid)
Tyler Rogers, Giants: Rogers is enjoying another fine season in the SF pen as the right-hander hasn't conceded an earned run in six consecutive appearances and currently lists a 1.55 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and a 34:4 K:BB across 46.1 innings (48 outings). His 20 holds have him on pace to notch 30-plus for the third consecutive year and fourth in his last five. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Alex Vesia, Dodgers: Vesia has been outstanding the past six weeks with a 1.23 ERA, 0.48 WHIP and 18:2 K:BB over 14.2 frames while recording six holds and two saves across 18 games. He's been one of LA's top high-leverage arms throughout the campaign and his 17 holds have already a established a new career-high. With Tanner Scott scuffling, Vesia could receive more save opportunities if the club decide not to acquire a closer at the deadline. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Rostered ($11 if not)
CATCHER
Francisco Alvarez, Mets: Alvarez, sent down to Triple-A due to his hitting and fielding struggles, has made strides in both areas by slashing .250/.333/.672 with eight homers and 18 RBI through 18 games as of Friday. He's still working on pitch framing, though should be up soon enough with the Mets in need of an offensive boost. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (early recall bid)
Adrian Del Castillo, Diamondbacks: Del Castillo was promoted from Triple-A Reno on Friday. This will be his second ML stint after he debuted last season and produced a .313/.368/.525 line over 25 contests. Del Castillo dealt with back and shoulder injuries that resulted in a late start and he's gone on to register a .945 OPS with four home runs and 19 RBI over 14 games at Reno. He'll see most of his action time at DH against righties until Pavin Smith (oblique) returns from the IL while also catching with James McCann potentially filling in at first. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
FIRST BASE
Otto Kemp, Phillies: Kemp is taking over as the Phillies' full-time third baseman with Alec Bohm going on the IL Saturday with a fractured left rib. His work had dwindled following the return of Bryce Harper, but he'll get a material uptick in at-bats with Bohm sidelined. Kemp has displayed a mixture of power and speed in the minors as he went .313/.416/.594 with 14 homers, 19 doubles, 55 RBI, 49 runs and 11 steals across 58 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
SECOND BASE
Liover Peguero. Pirates: The Pirates promoted Peguero on Friday. He helps fill the hole vacated by the team trading Adam Frazier to the Royals. The 24-year-old should provide some depth in the middle infield. Peguero slashed .251/.315/.369 with five home runs and eight swipes across 289 plate appearances with Triple-A Indianapolis while playing all four infield positions and in center field. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Thomas Saggese, Cardinals: Saggese was batting .133 since Jun. 20 and got sent down to Triple-A on Thursday, yet returned Saturday to replace Nolan Gorman (back) on the Cards' active roster. He's posted a .233/.256/.326 line with 10 RBI and six runsthrough 90 MLB plate appearances on and could see regular time at the keystone until Gorman recovers. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
See where all the players on your fantasy baseball team fit into RotoWire's MLB Cheat Sheet!
THIRD BASE
Brady House, Nationals: House got off to a slow start following his big-league debut, but has settled in of late by hitting safely in 11 of his last 13 games while going 15-for-53 with a pair of homers during that span. The 11th-overall selection out of high school in 2021 slashed .304/.353/.519 with 13 home runs from 65 Triple-A contests to earn a call up in the middle of June. House still needs to work on his plate discipline, though has shown improved contact and hard-hit rates to boost his recent performance. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Rostered ($11 if not)
Graham Pauley, Marlins: Pauley will be the Marlins' primary third baseman against right-handers in the absence of Connor Norby (wrist). Javier Sanoja will also receive some action there versus lefties. Pauley underperformed with a .545 OPS over 89 plate appearances with Miami earlier this year, but wielded a hot bat at Triple-A prior to his latest call-up as he went .395/.452/.789 with four home runs through his last 10 games. Norby will miss 6-8 weeks, which should provide Pauley some opportunities. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
SHORTSTOP
Sergio Alcantara/Blaze Alexander, Diamondbacks: Alcantara and Alexander will fill in at second base while Ketel Marte is on the restricted list. Alcantara was signed by Arizona on Friday after being DFA'd by SF and he'll back up Alexander, who's earned semi-consistent playing time since his promotion earlier this month. Alcantara - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5; Alexander - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Ezequiel Tovar, Rockies: Tovar was activated from the 10-day IL on Friday to replace Thairo Estrada on the Rockies' roster. He was sidelined due to an oblique injury, yet also missed time to a hip injury that limited him to 32 games. Tovar hit .120 with no extra-base hits, no walks and six strikeouts across six rehab outings in the Pacific Coast League and recorded a .708 OPS with three ML homers this season. Despite those poor numbers, he should start at shortstop and did produce 26 home runs during 2024 - while going 3-for-4 while going deep on Saturday. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7
OUTFIELD
Jerar Encarnacion, Giants: Encarnacion, placed on the 10-day IL Jun. 17 due to a left oblique strain, had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday. The 27-year-old has struggled to stay healthy this year, having already missed over two months after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left hand in mid-March. Encarnacion has only seen 22 at-bats this season and should complete his rehab stint this week before rejoining the Giants - at which point he should operate at first, DH and the outfield. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7 (same injury return bid)
Mickey Moniak, Rockies: Moniak is slashing .360/.415/.767 with eight homers and 20 runs driven in since Jun. 1. Nearly all that damage has been done versus righties with his splits showing he's mainly only playable at home. As such, Moniak's usage should mainly be in DFS leagues or when the Rockies are at home while facing right-handers. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Rostered ($11 if not)
Blake Perkins, Brewers: A fractured right shin kept Perkins on the IL since the start of the regular season. After hitting a speed bump in his rehab, he turned the corner and completed a rehab assignment. Perkins was activated and optioned to Triple-A Nashville last Sunday, but was promoted Friday with Sal Frelick sidelined due to a Grade 1 strained hamstring. As a switch-hitter with elite defensive skills, he's a prototypical fourth outfielder with speed his main value. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Weston Wilson, Phillies: Wilson was promoted from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday to take the place of Alec Bohm (fractured left rib) on the active roster. The 30-year-old utility player has gone 7-for-36 (.194) with a homer, four RBI and three runs in the big leagues while providing bench depth. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
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