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 $ | NL-Only $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (slightly upped injury return bid) |
| Justin Hagenman | NYM | SP | E | No | No | $5 |
| Janson Junk | MIA | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Stephen Kolek | SD | SP | D/E | $1 | $5 | 9 (if not rostered) |
| Nolan McLean | NYM | SP | B/C | $1 | $4 | $7 (stash bid) |
| Brandon Sproat | NYM | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (stash bid) |
| Andrew Painter | PHI | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (upped stash bid) |
| Emmet Sheehan | LA | SP | C | $1 | $5 | $9 (upped bid) |
| Taijuan Walker | PHI | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Brandon Woodruff | MIL | 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.
| PLAYER | TEAM | POS | GRADE | 12-Team Mixed $ | 15-Team Mixed $ | NL-Only $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (slightly upped injury return bid) |
| Justin Hagenman | NYM | SP | E | No | No | $5 |
| Janson Junk | MIA | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Stephen Kolek | SD | SP | D/E | $1 | $5 | 9 (if not rostered) |
| Nolan McLean | NYM | SP | B/C | $1 | $4 | $7 (stash bid) |
| Brandon Sproat | NYM | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (stash bid) |
| Andrew Painter | PHI | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (upped stash bid) |
| Emmet Sheehan | LA | SP | C | $1 | $5 | $9 (upped bid) |
| Taijuan Walker | PHI | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Brandon Woodruff | MIL | SP | C | $5 | $11 | $16 (upped injury return bid) |
| Lake Bachar | MIA | RP | E | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Chris Flexen | CHI | RP | E | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Ronny Henriquez | MIA | RP | C | $8 | $16 | $25 |
| Austin Nola | COL | C | E | No | $0 | $5 |
| Anthony Seigler | COL | C | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Jake Bauers | MIL | 1B/OF | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Thairo Estrada | COL | 2B | D | $5 | $11 | Rostered |
| Edmundo Sosa | PHI | 2B | E | $0 | $2 | $7 (if not rostered) |
| Blaze Alexander | AZ | 3B | D | $0 | $2 | $7 (upped bid from prior) |
| Enrique Hernandez | LA | 3B | E | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Miguel Rojas | LA | 3B | D | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Noelvi Marte | CIN | 3B | C/D | $5 | $11 | $16 (upped injury return bid) |
| Paul DeJong | WAS | SS | E | $0 | $1 | $6 (upped injury return bid) |
| Tyler Fitzgerald | SF | SS | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Nathan Church | STL | OF | C | $0 | $1 | $6 (stash bid) |
| Yanquiel Fernandez | COL | OF | C | $1 | $4 | $7 (power potential) |
| Tyler Freeman | COL | OF | D | $2 | $7 | $11 |
| Derek Hill | MIL | OF | E | No | No | $5 (same injury return bid) |
| Luis Matos | SF | OF | E | No | No | $5 |
| Jurickson Profar | ATL | OF | C | $25 | $35 | $45 (upped return bid) |
| Esteury Ruiz | LA | OF | E | $0 | $1 | $6 (stolen base potential) |
| Jesse Winker | NYM | OF | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (upped injury return bid) |
STARTING PITCHER
Nestor Cortes, Brewers: Cortes, diagnosed with a left elbow flexor strain and placed on the injured list on Apr. 6, pitched three shutout innings Wednesday for Triple-A Nashville during his first rehab start. He threw 25 of 37 pitches for strikes while allowing one hit and striking out four without a walk. Cortes will likely need two or three more outings to get stretched out and could rejoin the Milwaukee rotation just after the All-Star break. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (slightly upped early injury bid)
Justin Hagenman, Mets: Hagenman started Friday for the Mets and gave up four runs on five hits while fanning five through 4.1 innings against the Yankees. Before being recalled on Thursday, he had been making regular turns in the Triple-A Syracuse rotation while posting a 6.21 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 46:9 K:BB across 42 frames. Hagenman's first two MLB appearances came in relief and he may have done enough to warrant another start this week. But that may be it as Sean Manaea (oblique/elbow) and Kodai Senga (hamstring) are both nearing returns. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Janson Junk, Marlins: Junk has endured a couple stumbles since joining the Marlins' staff in late May, yet he's made a solid case to stick in the rotation as either a traditional starter or bulk reliever having recorded a 3.62 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and eye-popping 33:2 K:BB over 37.1 innings in eight appearances (three starts). He did well at Triple-A Jacksonville prior to being called up in late May, providing some hope this current stretch is sustainable. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Stephen Kolek, Padres: Kolek had a decent May, but raised his game in June. When first promoted as the fifth starter, he produced a 4.11 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 24:10 K:BB over 30.2 innings (five starts). Kolek wrapped up June with a respectable 3.38 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 23:11 K:BB across 32 total frames. He didn't open this month well conceding six runs on nine hits and a walk through 5.1 innings on Saturday. Despite that poor effort, Kolek is locked into the back end of the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (if not rostered)
Nolan McLean/Brandon Sproat, Mets: McLean and Sproat may be next in line if the Mets require a long-term starter. I say long-term as GM David Stearns prefers not to call up prospects for only a spot start. McLean, drafted 2023 in the third round as a two-way player, has thrived since concentrating solely on pitching having steadily moved the ladder to notch a 2.98 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 55:23 K:BB through 10 starts and 54.2 innings since being promoted to Triple-A Syracuse in May. Sproat, who's seen his prospect shine dim, is coming off back-to-back strong starts for Syracuse as he's only surrendered four hits with four walks while striking out 14 in 11 scoreless innings. That has opened some eyes in the organization while putting him back on the radar. McLean - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (stash bid); Sproat - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (stash bid)
Andrew Painter, Phillies: We are now in July, which is when Philly said Painter would be considered for a promotion. He hasn't been elite at Triple-A Lehigh Valley with a 4.57 ERA and 1.44 WHIP across 10 starts, yet does boast a 52:19 K:BB from 45.1 innings. Painter is completely healthy - which is the bigger key - and may just be working on a few things rather than being worried about production. He's up to 56.2 frames overall and will likely have his workload capped. Painter proved his stuff was back in the Arizona Fall League by using all four of his plus pitches with a four-seam fastball up to 99 and averaging 97. He'll slot into the rotation once promoted. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped stash candidate bid)
Emmet Sheehan, Dodgers: Sheehan, recovering from May 2024 Tommy John surgery, was recalled to start Sunday against the Astros. He made a spot start on June 18, then was somewhat surprisingly sent down. Sheehan pitched like he had a chip on his shoulder by fanning 13 through six perfect innings at Triple-A Oklahoma City, but stumbled on Tuesday as he gave up four runs over 2.1 frames. Despite that rough start, he got the nod Sunday. Sheehan has produced a combined 23.2 innings between both levels and could remain in the rotation short-term. Once the Dodgers' rotation gets healthy, he may end up back in the minors. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped bid)
Taijuan Walker, Phillies: Walker will reenter the Phillies' starting rotation Tuesday against the Giants while replacing Mick Abel, who was sent down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The veteran right-hander worked as a starter in Philly earlier the year, yet has spent the last month in the bullpen and has looked decent in both roles with a 3.64 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 46:22 K:BB across 54.1 innings. This may only be a spot start for Walker with the All-Star break approaching. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
Brandon Woodruff, Brewers: Woodruff, first recovering from right shoulder surgery and then a tweaked right ankle, was close to returning when he was hit on the right elbow with a comeback on Jun. 3. He progressed to make one more rehab appearance last Sunday where he threw 80 pitches through 3.2 frames while sitting around 93 MPH with his fastball. Woodruff returned from the IL to make his first start since Sep. 2023 on Sunday against the Marlins. He should have no limitations and slot into the second or third spot in the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (upped injury return bid, up even more if a believer)
Check out which projected starters are going and when with RotoWire's Probable Pitchers page!
RELIEF PITCHER
Lake Bachar, Marlins: Bachar notched his first career save on Saturday. Calvin Faucher and Ronny Henriquez pitched the seventh and eighth innings of a 2-2 game before Bachar was called upon to close it out. The right-hander bounced around the minors for almost a decade before briefly appearing in the bigs last season and has been a reliable bullpen option for Miami this year with a 3.29 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 42:21 K:BB in 41 innings - with no runs allowed across the last 11.1. Bachar isn't likely to receive regular save chances, though could get the occasional opportunity when the club's top arms have already been used or are unavailable. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
Chris Flexen, Cubs: Flexen has been solid out of the Cubs bullpen as a long reliever with a 0.62 ERA and 0.83 WHIP along with a perfect 5-0 record across 29 innings as of Friday. The only "negative" was Flexen only had 15 strikeouts, but his other stellar numbers more than make up for it. He made 16 or more starts in the big leagues during each of the last four seasons, yet has worked solely in relief so far and was a candidate to see more work following the news Jameson Taillon (calf) will be sidelined for at least a month. Flexen was used as a bulk reliever on Saturday, where he gave up one run on four hits and no walks while striking out two across 3.2 innings and 64 pitches. It's unclear if he'll be stretched out to start or remain as a bulk reliever. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
Ronny Henriquez, Marlins: The window to roster Henriquez is rapidly closing as he's logged a save in each of his last three outings and appears to have taken the Marlins' closing gig from Calvin Faucher, who registered a hold after tossing a scoreless eighth. Henriquez, claimed off waivers from Minnesota by Miami during the offseason, has only yielded one earned run from his last 10 outings to bring him down to a 2.79 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 42 innings with 58 strikeouts. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: $25
CATCHER
Austin Nola, Rockies: Nola was promoted this week to back up Hunter Goodman behind the plate while taking Braxton Fulford's roster spot. He was slashing .347/.411/.474 with one homer in 26 contests with Albuquerque and will get the occasional start at catcher on days when Goodman is resting or operating at DH. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5
Anthony Seigler, Brewers: Seigler was called up from Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday. A first-round pick of the Yankees in 2018, he was signed this offseason by Milwaukee after being designated for assignment. Seigler is a versatile player capable of handling catcher, second and third. He's a switch-hitter, yet is much better from the left side as he posted a .975 OPS against righties compared to a .445 versus lefties at Nashville. The 26-year-old is also capable on the basepaths having gone 20-for-23 on stolen-base attempts in 63 games. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6
FIRST BASE
Jake Bauers, Brewers: Bauers gets a short-term bump as Rhys Hoskins will be out at least a few days with a thumb injury, though he didn't suffer a fracture. Milwaukee could decide to keep Hoskins out until after the All-Star break to afford Bauers a week's worth of playing time. He hasn't received much action and has struggled when in the lineup, but maybe consistent work will help unlock his bat. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6
SECOND BASE
Thairo Estrada, Rockies: Estrada has produced a .294/.316/.404 line with two home runs, eight runs, 18 RBI, and a steal through 27 contests since coming back from injury. He was a key piece of San Francisco's infield during 2022 and 2023, but had a .590 OPS over 96 outings last season before being outrighted off the MLB roster in late August. A fractured right wrist sidelined Estrada for the first two months, yet has looked more like the older version rather than last year's form since being activated. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered
Edmundo Sosa, Phillies: This is one for those in DFS leagues as Sosa continues to rake against southpaws having gone 1-for-3 on Saturday with a solo homer. The 29-year-old utility man has been very effective in a weak-side platoon role at the keystone by hitting .361 (12-for-61) with three home runs, three doubles and 10 RBI against left-handed pitching. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7 (if not rostered)
See where all the players on your fantasy baseball team fit into RotoWire's MLB Cheat Sheet!
THIRD BASE
Blaze Alexander, Diamondbacks: Alexander, profiled last week when he was promoted from Triple-A Reno, gets another mention due to his recent spike in playing time. He started for the third straight game on Saturday and is in line to take that utility fill-in role that belonged to Tim Tawa, who was sent down to Triple-A Reno to clear a roster spot for Corbin Carroll's return from a wrist injury. Alexander can play three infield spots as well as center field and should receive time at all four. He appeared in 61 games for Arizona during 2024, though has exclusively appeared at Triple-A this year and slashed .284/.413/.479 with eight home runs and 11 steals over 54 appearances. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7
Enrique Hernandez/Miguel Rojas, Dodgers: Max Muncy is slated to miss six weeks with a bone bruise in his knee. The plan is for Tommy Edman to begin playing third against right-handed pitchers this week. He had been at second and in the outfield while getting in reps at third during practice and Hyeseong Kim moving to the keystone on days when LA face right-handed starters. Rojas and Hernandez are expected to split the work at the hot corner versus southpaws, affording each of them a small uptick in value. Hernandez - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6; Rojas - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Noelvi Marte, Reds: Marte was red-hot before being sidelined in early May with a Grade 2 left oblique strain as he went 10-for-30 with two homers and a triple during a nine-game rehab assignment. And he was taken off the IL on Friday. Cincinnati lists several available options for third, though Marte - who started Friday - should get a chance to regain his starting spot. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (upped return bid)
SHORTSTOP
Paul DeJong, Nationals: Dejong, hit in the face by a Mitch Keller pitch on Apr. 15, required surgery to repair his nose and sinuses. He completed a 12-game rehab assignment Tuesday at Double-A Harrisburg, where he slashed .275/.348/.375 with one swipe and one homer before rejoining the Nationals. The 31-year-old had been mainly operating as the third baseman prior to getting hurt. But with Brady House now holding down that job, DeJong is working as a reserve infielder. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (upped injury return bid)
Tyler Fitzgerald, Giants: Fitzgerald was at Triple-A Sacramento for less than a week and four games before being called back up with Casey Schmitt (wrist) landing on the IL. He only produced a .127/.197/.145 line during June to lead to the demotion, but quickly gets a second chance. Fitzgerald should see time at second base for the Giants with Christian Koss (left hamstring strain) also out. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
OUTFIELD
Nathan Church, Cardinals: Church continues to rake at Triple-A Memphis slashing .347/.429/.561 with four home runs and 17 runs driven in through 24 games since being promoted from Double-A Jordan Walker should soon be back and there appears to be no room for Church. But if he remains hot in the minors, an August promotion could occur. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (stash bid)
Yanquiel Fernandez, Rockies: Fernandez was moved up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday after going .284/.347/.502 with 13 homers across 271 plate appearances. He offers significant power, though it comes with a lot of swing-and-miss and operated exclusively as a right fielder and DH this season. That means Fernandez could find it difficult to earn steady playing time at either of those spots with both Mickey Moniak and Tyler Freeman thriving of late. Most of his at-bats will come against righties as he's struggled hitting southpaws. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (power potential)
Tyler Freeman, Rockies: Freeman has quietly been raking at the plate. Since his return from missing over a month out with an oblique injury, he's slashed .347/.421/.463 from 40 games as of Friday. The downside is that Freeman's counting stats leave a lot to be desired with 17 runs alongside only one homer and 12 RBI. If you need batting and on-base average, he represents a solid pickup. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Derek Hill, Marlins: Hill, sidelined for the past month with a sprained left wrist, was activated on Tuesday. He went 3-for-11 during a three-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville. Now activated, Hill should resume his role as a platoon outfielder mainly against left-handed pitching while likely getting most of his time in center. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 (same injury return bid)
Luis Matos, Giants: Matos spent almost all of June at Triple-A Sacramento after being sent down. He warranted the demotion as he only produced a .167/.211/.361 line in 24 games with the Giants. Matos was recalled Tuesday to provide bench depth after going .272/.326/.444 over 89 ML plate appearances. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Jurickson Profar, Braves: Profar has completed an 80-game suspension and a two-week assignment at Triple-A Gwinnett. He returned as expected on Jul. 2 and notched solo homers on Wednesday and Thursday. It's fair to question how productive Profar will be as he comes back from a PED suspension, especially after last year. But the upside is evident as seen in his production already. 12-team Mixed: $25; 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: $45 (upped return bid)
Esteury Ruiz, Dodgers: Ruiz, a major threat for Oakland in 2023 when he stole 67 bases, only logged 29 games last season due to injuries and ineffectiveness. He was then DFA'd and traded to LA at the beginning of April. Ruiz was promoted Thursday to replace the injured Max Muncy (knee). He racked up 38 swipes across 66 appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City, yet remains a poor defensive outfielder with a .297 OBA in the bigs to likely limit his playing time. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (stolen base potential)
Jesse Winker, Mets: Winker, shelved since early May with a Grade 2 oblique strain, looks close to returning. The veteran outfielder went nine innings as the DH on both Wednesday (in the first game of a doubleheader) and Thursday at Double-A Binghamton. And while the Mets will likely want to get Winker some defensive reps before activation, his bat appears to be almost ready to face MLB pitching. Once activated, he should receive plenty of action at DH versus righties - though Mark Vientos and Starling Marte will also cover there. Winker could also see occasional reps at an outfield corner. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped injury return bid)
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