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.
PRE-TRADE DEADLINE EDITION
If you have any questions or comments, email [email protected]
| PLAYER | TEAM | POS | GRADE | 12-Team Mixed $ | 15-Team Mixed $ | 12 team NL-Only $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javier Assad | CHI | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (early injury return bid) |
| Tristan Beck | SF | SP | E | No | No | $5 |
| Bradley Blalock | COL | SP | E | No | No | $5 |
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (same injury return bid) |
| Tanner Gordon | COL | SP | E | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Stephen Kolek | SD | SP | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Michael McGreevy | STL | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Aaron Nola | PHI | SP | B | $1 | $5 | $9 (early injury bid) |
| Carson Seymour | SF | SP |
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.
PRE-TRADE DEADLINE EDITION
If you have any questions or comments, email [email protected]
| PLAYER | TEAM | POS | GRADE | 12-Team Mixed $ | 15-Team Mixed $ | 12 team NL-Only $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javier Assad | CHI | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (early injury return bid) |
| Tristan Beck | SF | SP | E | No | No | $5 |
| Bradley Blalock | COL | SP | E | No | No | $5 |
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (same injury return bid) |
| Tanner Gordon | COL | SP | E | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Stephen Kolek | SD | SP | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Michael McGreevy | STL | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Aaron Nola | PHI | SP | B | $1 | $5 | $9 (early injury bid) |
| Carson Seymour | SF | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (up if he starts) |
| Carson Whisenhunt | SF | SP | C/D | $1 | $4 | $7 (spec call up bid) |
| Nathan Wiles | ATL | SP | E | No | No | $5 |
| Ben Casparius | LA | RP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Blake Treinen | LA | RP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (early injury return bid) |
| Kirby Yates | LA | RP | D | $3 | $9 | $14 (If not rostered) |
| Shelby Miller | AZ | RP | C | $2 | $7 | $11 (early injury return bid) |
| David Robertson | PHI | RP | C | $2 | $7 | $11 (upped signing bid) |
| Francisco Alvarez | NYM | C | C/D | $3 | $9 | $14 (upped bid from prior) |
| Miguel Amaya | NYM | C | D | $0 | $2 | $7 (up if desperate for a second catcher) |
| Henry Davis | PIT | C | D | $0 | $2 | $7 |
| Sandy Leon | ATL | C | E | No | No | $4 |
| Bryce Eldridge | SF | 1B | A/B | $1 | $4 | $7 (spec call up bid) |
| Tristin English | AZ | 1B | D/E | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Adael Amador | COL | 2B | E | $1 | $4 | $7 (if he is promoted) |
| Spencer Horwitz | PIT | 2B | D | $2 | $7 | Rostered |
| Jordan Lawlar | AZ | SS | C | $1 | $5 | $9 (early injury return bid) |
| Orlando Arcia | COL | 3B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Warming Bernabel | COL | 3B | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Kyle Farmer | COL | 3B | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Matt Shaw | CHI | 3B | C | $5 | $11 | Rostered |
| Jose Tena | WAS | 3B | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Jack Winkler | MIA | 3B | E | No | No | $5 |
| Ezequiel Tovar | COL | SS | D | $0 | $2 | $7 |
| Jorge Barrosa | AZ | OF | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Starling Marte | NYM | OF | D | $1 | $4 | $7 |
STARTING PITCHER
Javier Assad, Cubs: In his first game action since April, Assad tossed three scoreless innings for the Cubs' Arizona Complex League affiliate on Thursday where he allowed one hit and struck out six. The next steps will be to increase his workload and face more seasoned hitters, possibly at Triple-A Iowa. Once Assad is able to come off the injured list, he could slot back into a rotation that lost Justin Steele (elbow) for the season and is also currently without Jameson Taillon (calf). 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early injury return bid)
Tristan Beck, Giants: Beck was promoted from Triple-A Sacramento on Friday with Landen Roupp (elbow) going on the IL. He provides the Giants with a fresh short-term bullpen arm and is a candidate to cover multiple innings or possibly make a spot start in Sunday's series finale versus the Mets. Beck mainly has pitched out of the 'pen, yet could switch back with Roupp sidelined and the Giants listing two open rotation spots after optioning Hayden Birdsong to Triple-A earlier this week - though he could soon end up back with the club. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Bradley Blalock, Rockies: Blalock notched his first win of the season with a solid enough start on Tuesday. With Colorado playing for the future, he'll likely stick in the rotation at least until Chase Dollander is ready to return. Blalock has produced poor overall numbers due to a lack of strikeouts (3.7 K/9) and an astronomical homer rate (2.5 HR/9). Tread carefully. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Nestor Cortes, Brewers: Cortes, diagnosed with a left elbow flexor strain and placed on the IL Apr. 6, made what should his final rehab appearance Thursday where he gave up one earned run on two hits and a walk while fanning nine through 5.1 innings at Triple-A Nashville. This was his third rehab appearance there and fourth overall. Milwaukee has five solid starters, so finding a place for Cortes won't be easy - yet he should regain a spot now that he's ready to return. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (same injury bid based on his starting)
Tanner Gordon, Rockies: Gordon was excellent on Wednesday during his first big-league start since May 28 as he scattered six hits to earn his second win in a 6-0 shutout over the Cardinals. The 27-year-old missed time with an oblique injury and pitched to a 3.13 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB across his first four starts (23 innings) this season. The right-hander figures to remain in the rotation moving forward after German Marquez (biceps) went on the IL. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Stephen Kolek, Padres: Kolek, optioned down to Triple-A El Paso earlier this month, was called up to start Tuesday. He had made 12 starts for San Diego in 2025 where he produced a 4.24 ERA and 49:22 K:BB over 68 innings. Kolek struggled before getting demoted with a disappointing 6.23 ERA and 1.38 WHIP and 20 Ks through 26 frames over his last five outings. He only made one start in the minors before getting the nod to rejoin the team. Kolek surrendered three runs on eight hits and one walk with five strikeouts across 5.2 innings on Tuesday and could remain in the rotation, depending what the Padres do at the deadline. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6
Michael McGreevy, Cardinals: Erick Fedde was designated for assignment, officially clearing a spot in the St. Louis rotation. McGreevy was called up this week and is receiving the first chance to fill that role after registering a 2.81 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 35:5 K:BB over 51.1 innings covering seven starts and two relief appearances with the Cardinals since last year. The 25-year-old also put up a 3.72 ERA and 78:15 K:BB across 75 frames and 15 starts at Triple-A Memphis. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Aaron Nola, Phillies: Nola, placed on the IL in mid May, will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Lehigh Valley Thursday following his three-inning live batting practice session Friday at Yankee Stadium. The veteran right-hander was initially sidelined with a sprained ankle and later was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his rib. Given the long layoff, Nola will require multiple rehab outings before rejoining the rotation after suffering through a brutal campaign with a 6.16 ERA and 1.51 WHIP - but a 52:16 K:BB from nine starts and 49.2 innings. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $9 (early injury return bid, up as he gets closer)
Carson Seymour, Giants: Seymour, who had a cup of coffee earlier in July, was called back up from Triple-A Sacramento Tuesday. He primarily worked as a starter there and posted a 3.86 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 90:39 K:BB over 77 innings, so he - along with Tristan Beck and Carson Whisenhunt - could fill the rotation spot vacated by Hayden Birdsong after he was optioned to Triple-A on Tuesday. Until the Giants require a fifth starter again, Seymour might operate as a long man or provide bulk relief. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (up if he starts)
Carson Whisenhunt, Giants: Whisenhunt was scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday for Triple-A Sacramento, perhaps hinting that the Giants could call him up to pitch Monday or Tuesday against the Pirates. In the wake of Hayden Birdsong getting demoted to Triple-A and Landen Roupp (elbow) being out, the club have two vacancies in the rotation. Though Whisenhunt holds an unremarkable 4.42 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 97.2 innings at Triple-A, the 24-year-old lefty has done well to scale back the free passes as his walk rate has dropped from 11.1 to 6.8 percent. If he actually rejoins the Giants, he could have a chance to stick around with the parent club for multiple rotation turns. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (spec call up bid)
Nathan Wiles, Braves: The Braves' fifth spot in their rotation has been in constant flux all season. And Grant Holmes (elbow) just joined Chris Sale (ribs), Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow), Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) and AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) on the IL Saturday. Wiles, who gave up three runs in one inning of work on Apr. 22, may be next up again though he's recently pitched in relief at Triple-A Gwinnett. He's logged a 3.26 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 81:26 K:BB across 85.2 innings after two straight rough campaigns at Triple-A Durham in the Rays organization. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
See which projected starters are going and when with RotoWire's Probable Pitchers page!
RELIEF PITCHER
Ben Casparius/Blake Treinen/Kirby Yates, Dodgers: Casparius notched the save on Friday with a scoreless ninth inning. He's struggled a bit of late, but was solid in closing out the Red Sox. Treinen, shelved since mid-April with a right forearm sprain, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Jul. 10. He's recorded seven appearances, six at Triple-A, and should soon rejoin the Dodgers. LA is operating without several bullpen arms, including their closer in Tanner Scott, who's sidelined indefinitely with left elbow inflammation. Yates has been up and down filling in for Scott, which could open the door for both Casparius and Treinen. Alex Vesia, profiled last week, will also be in the mix. Casparius - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Treinen - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (injury return bid); Yates - 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (if not rostered)
Shelby Miller, Diamondbacks: Miller, initially placed on the 15-day IL in early July with a right forearm strain, was slated to throw to hitters on Friday. He's being mentioned as the initial indication was that he could miss the rest of the season with a major injury. Miller still could be out for that long, though the issue doesn't look as bad as first thought. If he can come back, he should regain the closer role. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early injury return bid)
David Robertson, Phillies: D-Rob was discussed last week as a free agent and is repeated he as he signed a one-year deal with the Phillies on Monday. He showed last year at age 40 that he still is an effective reliever compiling a 3.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 99:27 K:BB in 72 innings while collecting two saves and 35 holds across 68 appearances for the Rangers. His market, which included the Yankees and Mets amongst others, resulted in a deal worth a prorated $16 million. Robertson will make a few appearances at Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will then be part of the Phils' late-inning bullpen unit. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped signing bid)
CATCHER
Francisco Alvarez, Mets: Alvarez, sent down to Triple-A due to his hitting and fielding struggles and profiled last week, gets another mention as he was officially promoted this week. He's included as some leagues require the player to be in the Majors before being rostered. Alvarez made strides in the minors as he slashed .299/.397/.836 with 11 home runs over 19 games. He's still working on pitch framing, yet he provided the Mets an immediately offensive boost by going 2-for-6 with three runs, a game-tying homer and pair of RBI during his first two games back. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped bid)
Miguel Amaya, Cubs: Amaya has been sidelined with a left oblique strain since late May and started a rehab assignment Thursday. He's expected to require a week's worth of rehab appearances before returning at the beginning of August if all goes well. Amaya produced a .280/.313/.515 line with four home runs and 25 RBI through 27 games when he was sidelined, and is likely to operate in a backup role behind starting catcher Carson Kelly. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up if desperate for a second catcher)
Henry Davis, Pirates: Davis and Joey Bart had been alternating turns behind the plate during the final week before the All-Star break. And in the first series of the second half, the playing time there may be tilting more in Davis' favor. He'll need to start hitting to retain the role, but benefits from Bart also struggling. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7
Sandy Leon, Braves: Atlanta selected Leon's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday. With both Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin playing regularly between catcher and DH, the club has elected to add Leon to the roster as a third backstop in case one is needed late due to pinch-running/injury. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
FIRST BASE
Bryce Eldridge, Giants: Eldridge, on the IL from Jun. 24 due to a hamstring injury, returned to action last week for Triple-A Sacramento. The batting average needs work, yet he's proven his tremendous power by blasting three homers while driving in nine over seven games. Eldridge will spend additional time in the minors to fully regain his timing at the plate, but should be up with SF sometime this season with the team looking for pop and a full-time first baseman. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (spec call up bid)
Tristin English, Diamondbacks: English was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Thursday following the trade of Josh Naylor to the Mariners. Pavin Smith (oblique) is still on the 10-day IL, so English should receive plenty of opportunities. He made his MLB debut this month and went 0-for-4 with an RBI and a pair of Ks in one matchup before being sent back down. English went .341/.390/.566 with 11 home runs, 65 RBI and 44 runs at Triple-A. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
SECOND BASE
Adael Amador, Rockies: Amador was promoted last Sunday and played three solid games, but was sent back down on Friday. He could be back right away as the Rockies traded Ryan McMahon to the Yankees - though Colorado activated Thairo Estrada from the IL. Where Amador plays is in question as Estrada also plays second. Maybe the Rox try him at the hot corner to see if he can fill the open position. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (if he is promoted)
Spencer Horwitz, Pirates: Horwitz hasn't produced a great season after getting a late jump due to injury. He struggled for most of July, but turned things around since the All-Star break. Horwitz has recorded hits in each of his last four matchups, including a pair of doubles and a homer. He's the Pirates' starting first baseman and usual leadoff hitter. Even with Horwitz's struggles, his role and spot aren't at risk - though a solid second-half performance would solidify both. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Rostered
Check out where all the players on your fantasy baseball team fit into RotoWire's MLB Cheat Sheet!
THIRD BASE
Orlando Arcia/Warming Bernabel/Kyle Farmer, Rockies: Colorado has a big hole at the hot corner following the trade of Ryan McMahon to the Yankees. At the time of the deal, Arcia and Farmer were the presumptive favorites to fill the spot based on experience at the position. Farmer should get the first chance supported by Arcia. Neither are doing well this year, though each have posted better numbers before. Colorado promoted Bernabel from Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday and he should receive a chance to be the starting third baseman. He's spent all of 2025 in the minors, where he slashed .301/.356/.450 with five steals, 18 doubles, eight homers and 45 RBI in 315 plate appearances. Don't expect a lot of power or speed from Bernabel, but he should provide a solid batting average. Arcia - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: Mo; 12-team NL: $4; Bernabel - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9, Farmer - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
Matt Shaw, Cubs: Shaw, who's had an up-and-down rookie campaign, has been on a heater since the All-Star break and currently on an eight-game hitting streak going 11-for-23 (.478) with four home runs, nine RBI and two steals. His overall production is still subpar, and Chicago has been rumored to be in the Eugenio Suarez sweepstakes. Shaw's recent hot streak could still buy him some job security. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered
Jose Tena, Nationals: Tena is expected to be promoted from Triple-A Rochester on Sunday following the trade of Amed Rosario to the Yankees Saturday. He started the season on the big-league roster, but was sent down to Rochester on Jun. 15, where he posted a .290/.390/.480 line in 26 games. With Washington earlier on, he went .248/.325/.365 with no homers, 13 RBI and two stolen bases through 44 outings. Tena mostly worked at third in ML, but also saw action at second twice. He figures to give the Nationals some versatility in the infield. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6
Jack Winkler, Marlins: Winkler is back in the Majors after being called up from Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday. The 26-year-old has spent the last three weeks in the minors, but will rejoin the Marlins Tuesday with Derek Hill (finger) landing on the IL. Winkler has appeared in nine MLB games this season going 1-for-11 with a steals, a run and four Ks. He'll likely get occasional work at third with Connor Norby missing 6-to-8 weeks. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
SHORTSTOP
Jordan Lawlar, Diamondbacks: Lawlar, sidelined since late June with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, will start at third for the D-Backs once healthy if Eugenio Suarez is traded as expected. He suffered a eight-game hitless stretch during his first exposure to the Majors in May, but boasted a .997 OPS with 10 home runs and 18 steals over 52 games with Triple-A Reno. Lawlar will require a rehab stint once ready to play and then should join Arizona, possibly by mid-August. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (early injury return bid).
OUTFIELD
Jorge Barrosa, Diamondbacks: Barrosa was promoted to take the place of Alek Thomas (personal). Following the trade of Randal Grichuk to the Royals, he could stick with the D-Backs as a fourth/fifth outfielder. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6
Starling Marte, Mets: Marte missed two weeks with a right knee bruise, but skipped a rehab assignment and went back on the Mets' 26-man active roster. The 36-year-old is mainly being used as a DH, though could occasionally see playing time in left field if Brandon Nimmo requires a day off. Marte is also rumored to possibly be on the trade block, so monitor the situation as his value could change if dealt. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
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