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 grid below allows readers to see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and what kind of bids they should command in a variety of formats. The grid, which is sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This is a reflection of a player's upside on an A-E scale, prioritizing skills and talent above role and playing time outlook, which are already factored into the recommended bid. Drake Baldwin would have been a borderline "A" grade player last year – that mark will be reserved for similarly high-impact prospects that could thrive in an everyday role.
A note for a change beginning this season: "In an effort to keep these articles from getting too long, some of the least interesting options at each position will be listed simply in the "Others" section. If you have questions on those players or any others, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.
POST-TRADE DEADLINE EDITION
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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 grid below allows readers to see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and what kind of bids they should command in a variety of formats. The grid, which is sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This is a reflection of a player's upside on an A-E scale, prioritizing skills and talent above role and playing time outlook, which are already factored into the recommended bid. Drake Baldwin would have been a borderline "A" grade player last year – that mark will be reserved for similarly high-impact prospects that could thrive in an everyday role.
A note for a change beginning this season: "In an effort to keep these articles from getting too long, some of the least interesting options at each position will be listed simply in the "Others" section. If you have questions on those players or any others, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.
POST-TRADE DEADLINE EDITION
| Name | TEAM | POS | GRADE | 12-Team Mixed $ | 15-Team Mixed $ | 12 team NL-Only $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Alvarez | WAS | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Edward Cabrera | CHI | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (same early injury return bid) |
| Kevin Gausman | CHI | SP | B | Rostered | Rostered | $75 |
| DJ Herz | WAS | SP | E | No | $0 | $5 (early injury return bid) |
| Clay Holmes | CHI | SP | C | $5 | $11 | $16 (upped injury return bid) |
| Casey Mize | SD | SP | B | Rostered | Rostered | $75 |
| Carmen Mlodzinski | PIT | SP | E | No | $0 | $5 |
| Joe Musgrove | SD | SP | C | $1 | $4 | $7 (early injury return bid) |
| Luis Perales | WAS | SP | C | $0 | $1 | $6 (stash bid) |
| Blade Tidwell | SF | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Yovanny Cruz | WAS | RP | C | $1 | $4 | $7 (save speculation) |
| Daniel Duarte | NYM | RP | D | No | No | $6 |
| Nate Lavender | NYM | RP | E | No | No | $4 |
| Dedniel Nunez | NYM | RP | E | No | No | $4 |
| Jefry Yan | NYM | RP | D | No | No | $6 |
| Daniel Palencia | CHI | RP | C | $2 | $7 | $11 (upped early injury return bid) |
| Dylan Smith | SF | RP | D | $2 | $7 | $11 |
| Keaton Winn | SF | RP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Luke Weaver | PIT | RP | B | $7 | $14 | $22 (upped bid as closer) |
| Kirby Yates | PIT | RP | D | No | No | $5 |
| Ryan Zeferjahn | CHI | RP | D | Rostered | Rostered | $7 |
| Hunter Feduccia | LA | C | E | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Ben Rortvedt | LA | C | E | No | No | $4 |
| Sean Murphy | ATL | C | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (same injury return bid) |
| Agustin Ramirez | MIA | C | D | No | No | $5 |
| Luis Torrens | NYM | C | D | $0 | $2 | $7 |
| Spencer Horwitz | PIT | 1B | C/D | $3 | $9 | $14 (if not rostered) |
| Abimelec Ortiz | WAS | 1B | C/D | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Marcelo Mayer | SF | 2B | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (early injury return bid) |
| Marcus Semien | NYM | 2B | C/D | $2 | $7 | $11 (if not rostered) |
| Tommy Troy | AZ | 2B | D | $0 | $1 | $5 (early injury return bid) |
| Eddys Leonard | SD | 2B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Buddy Kennedy | SF | 3B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Christian Koss | SF | 3B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Jordan Lawlar | AZ | 3B | C | $1 | $4 | $7 (upped early injury return bid) |
| Matt Shaw | CHI | 3B | C | $1 | $4 | $7 (very early injury return bid) |
| Cesar Prieto | STL | 3B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Gage Workman | SD | 3B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Osleivis Basabe | SF | SS | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (upped bid from prior) |
| Ha-Seong Kim | ATL | SS | E | No | No | $5 (same bid as prior) |
| Gabriel Arias | NYM | SS | E | No | No | $4 |
| Joshua Baez | STL | OF | B | $1 | $5 | $9 (stash bid) |
| Jordan Beck | COL | OF | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (up if a believer) |
| Victor Bericoto | SF | OF | E | $0 | $1 | $6 (same early injury return bid) |
| Sal Frelick | MIL | OF | C | $0 | $1 | $6 (early injury return bid) |
| Hector Rodriguez | CIN | OF | C | $1 | $5 | $9 (up if he starts) |
| Ronny Simon | PIT | OF | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Everson Pereira | STL | OF | E | No | No | $4 |
| Andrew Pinckney | WAS | OF | D/E | No | No | $4 |
STARTING PITCHER
Andrew Alvarez, Nationals: Alvarez got a two-start period after Washington released Zack Littell. He was called up on Monday from Triple-A Rochester to deliver a quality start against the Phillies with two earned runs allowed over 6.1 innings after compiling a 3.94 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 63:31 K:BB over 64 innings through his first 16 appearances (eight starts). Alvarez gave up one run on three hits and one walk while striking out two across 5.1 frames and briefly showed last season he can be effective in the rotation, so he's looking to build off that success. His starting spot isn't set in stone as prospects Luis Perales and Jackson Kent are expected to get looks before the end of the year, but he'll start next weekend against the Mets. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Edward Cabrera, Cubs: Cabrera, out since late June with a left hamstring injury, made his second rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa Wednesday where he surrendered one run through four innings. That come after he conceded three runs from 1.2 the previous Friday. Cabrera will need at least one or two more outings before being a viable rotation option for the Cubs, yet could end up in the bullpen as they've bolstered the starting staff via Trade Deadline additions of Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes (fibula). In 14 starts before the injury, he posted a 5-4 record with a 5.10 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 65:29 K:BB during 72.1 innings. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (same early injury return bid)
Kevin Gausman, Cubs: In his final start for the Jays last Saturday, Gausman notched his first win since May 22 by allowing one run on nine hits and one walk in 5.2 innings. That effort came after he'd stumbled to a 7.27 ERA and 1.85 WHIP from 34.2 frames over the prior seven outings. Gausman went 5-10 with a 4.38 and 1.29 through 127.1 innings and 23 starts with Toronto this season, yet most of his underlying metrics (3.85 SIERA, 3.95 xERA, 3.51 FIP) are encouraging. A free-agent after the campaign, Gausman was dealt last Sunday to the Cubs for infielder Ty Southisene and outfielder Brett Bateman. He made his first appearance for his new club on Friday, where he gave up two runs on four hits and a walk while fanning four across seven innings while notching the win and should slot in as Chicago's first or second starter. 12-team Mixed: Rostered, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $75
DJ Herz, Nationals: Herz, sidelined after undergoing Tommy John surgery in Apr. 2025, was discussed at the end of June when he looked close to completing a rehab assignment. He suffered a strained left flexor that forced him out for six-plus weeks. Herz resumed the stint at Single-A Fredericksburg on Saturday and will require several more appearances before being considered by the Nationals. The southpaw logged a 1.17 ERA, 0.52 WHIP and 11:0 K:BB in 7.2 innings on his assignment before getting hurt and notched 106 Ks from 88.2 innings covering 19 starts for the team two years ago. Herz could fill the fifth rotation slot. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 (early injury return bid)
Clay Holmes, Cubs: Holmes has been profiled the last month and gets another mention as he was shipped by the Mets and made his return on Saturday during his Chicago debut as be allowed four runs on six hits and two walks with one K through four innings and 70 pitches (44 strikes). He completed three rehab appearances as he worked his way back after suffering a fractured right fibula on May 15 after getting hit by a 111 MPH line drive. In the final outing last Sunday at High-A Brooklyn, Holmes threw 5.1 innings and 73 pitches and isn't expected to carry a major workload restriction within the Cubs' rotation while replacing Colin Rea. He was rolling with the Mets as he registered a 2.39 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 45:18 K:BB across 52.2 innings and nine starts before going on the IL. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (upped injury return bid, if not rostered)
Casey Mize, Padres: Mize was one of three big AL pitchers - Tarik Skubal and Kevin Gausman the others - who moved to the NL at the Deadline. The 29-year-old soon-to-be free agent had posted career-best numbers with a 2.70 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 85:19 K:BB in 86.2 innings. Acquired by the Padres in a four-player deal, Mize entered Wednesday's first San Diego start having only conceded eight runs (seven earned) with a 17:5 K:BB from 21.2 frames during his last four starts with the Tigers without more than five runs in any outing this year. All that changed on Wednesday as he was tagged for eight runs on nine hits and three walks while striking out one through 3.1 innings, though that performance is probably an outlier. 12-team Mixed: Rostered, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $75
Carmen Mlodzinski, Pirates: Mlodzinski moved into the Pittsburgh rotation on Friday replacing Mitch Keller (arm) who went down with a season-ending injury. Even with the previous 14 appearances coming in relief, he covered multiple innings in each - including three shutout frames during each of his last two. Mlodzinski was roughed up Friday via five runs on seven hits and a walk over three innings. He'll be limited his first few outings until stretched out, but should remain a starter since the Pirates don't carry many other options. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5
Joe Musgrove, Padres: Musgrove missed all of 2025 recovering from Oct. 2024 Tommy John surgery and was mentioned last week, so he's back here as he fanned three with one earned run on two hits and two walks across 2.2 innings and 39 pitches during a rehab start Tuesday at Single-A Lake Elsinore to mark his appearance since Sep. 2024. He'll likely need at least two or three rehab outings before he can rejoin the Padres move into their rotation sometime during the last two weeks of August. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped early return bid)
Luis Perales, Nationals: Perales, acquired from Boston during the offseason, redendu a bumpy start to the season after completing his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Over his last eight starts for Triple-A Rochester, he put together a 2.79 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 41:25 K:BB in 38.2 innings. The 23-year-old right-hander is still working to improve his control and his stamina, yet he boasts elite raw stuff headlined by a four-seamer that averaged 98.5 MPH and a split-finger pitch that's generated a 42.2 percent whiff rate alongside a low-90s cutter. Perales should be up by September and contend for a starting spot next spring. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (stash bid)
Blade Tidwell, Giants: Tidwell was recalled on Monday to fill one of San Fran's open rotation slots. Acquired last year from the Mets in the Tyler Rogers trade, he made each of his eight appearances with the Giants out of the bullpen, but had been part of the rotation at Triple-A Sacramento since being demoted Apr. 29. Through the last six outings with Sacramento, Tidwell recorded a 3.13 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 32:12 K:BB in 31.2 innings. He works with multiple fastballs sitting in the mid-90s and offers two slider variations. Tidwell allowed two runs on six hits and a walk while fanning three across five innings and should remain a starter with the Giants. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
See which projected starters are going and when with RotoWire's Probable Pitchers page!
RELIEF PITCHER
Yovanny Cruz, Nationals: Cruz was acquired by the Nationals as part of the Luis Garcia trade and notched his first career hold on Friday. His first 6.2 big-league innings between the Yankees and Nats have yielded a 2.70 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 8:3 K:BB. With Washington looking to the future and Cruz possessing a power arm, don't be shocked if he gets a chance to close before to the end of the regular season. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (saves speculation)
Daniel Duarte/Nate Lavender/Dedniel Nunez/Jefry Yan, Mets: New York rebuilt their bullpen post-deadline after having moved Luke Weaver, A.J. Minter, Huascar Brazoban and Brooks Raley. Duarte and Nunez from the right side and Lavender and Yan from the left comprise most of the setup crew, bolstered by Kodai Senga in front of closer Devin Williams. Duarte has been the most effective reliever since being promoted a few weeks ago while Yan has received the most attention for his mound celebrations after a big strikeout. Duarte/Yan - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6; Lavender/Nunez - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
Daniel Palencia, Cubs: Palencia, on the IL since mid-June with a mild strain of his right flexor, began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday. He progressed to that stage after completing bullpen sessions and live batting practice without issue the past couple of weeks. Palencia pitched in 19 games while only collecting three saves (22 last season), though has mainly done well with a 2.70 ERA and 19 Ks across 16.2 innings. Chicago acquired Ryan Zeferjahn at the deadline while Jacob Webb, Trent Thornton and Caleb Thielbar have held down the fort while Palencia has been sidelined, yet he should have a strong chance at regaining his closer job once activated soon. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped early injury return bid)
Dylan Smith/Keaton Winn, Giants: Smith earned the save Friday for the Giants. The club traded both Erik Miller and Caleb Kilian at the deadline, leaving Smith as the primary option for saves with Winn second. He's slightly scuffled in August, though has overall posted a 2.95 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 24:11 K:BB from 21.1 innings while adding two saves and six holds. Winn holds a 2.97 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 31:15 K:BB over 39.2 frames with one save and 13 holds. Smith - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Winn - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
Luke Weaver/Kirby Yates, Pirates: Weaver is in the first year of a two-year, $22-million contract and was moved by the Mets for Sammy Stafura. He had been lights out for New York with a 1.84 ERA and 45:11 K:BB across 44 innings. Weaver has been nearly untouchable since Apr. 30 by only giving up one earned run during 33 innings alongside a 37:8 K:BB. He should take over as the Bucs' closer, but Mason Montgomery and Camilo Doval could pick up the occasional save. Yates, acquired from the Angels, logged a 3.95 ERA and 36:12 K:BB over 27.1 innings and will set up Weaver. Weaver - 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22 (upped bid as closer); Yates - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Ryan Zeferjahn, Cubs: The Cubs acquired Zeferjahn from the Angels on Monday in exchange for catcher Moises Ballesteros and right-hander Mason McGwire. He managed a 3.66 ERA and 75:32 K:BB in 51.2 innings this year while adding four saves along the way. Under team control through 2030, Zeferjahn was used in a setup role during his first two appearances and collected holds in each, which likely will be his role moving forward along with some possible save opportunities. 12-team Mixed: Rostered; 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $7
CATCHER
Hunter Feduccia/Ben Rortvedt, Dodgers: LA's catching situation took another hit this past week as Dalton Rushing (elbow) joined Will Smith (neck) on the IL Monday, forcing the organization to bring Feduccia from the Rays with Jack Suwinski heading the other way to restore some depth behind the plate. The 29-year-old had been operating in a tandem with Nick Fortes in Tampa and slashed .234/.306/.340 with two homers and 14 RBI in 160 plate appearances. The Dodgers also acquired Rortvedt from the Mets on Monday in exchange for right-hander Chayce McDermott with Eliezer Alfonzo and Chuckie Robinson going back to the minors. Feduccia represents the primary backstop with Rortvedt operating in a secondary role. Feduccia - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6; Rortvedt - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
Sean Murphy, Braves: Murphy, on the shelf since mid-May with a fractured left middle finger, is close to rejoining the Braves. He kicked off a rehab assignment last Friday at Triple-A Gwinnett and played a full seven-inning game catching on Wednesday. Murphy returned in May from surgery last September to repair a right hip labral tear before injuring his finger a week later that's sidelined him until now. When he returns - which could be soon - he'll resume his role as Drake Baldwin's backup. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (same injury return bid)
Agustin Ramirez, Marlins: Miami promoted Ramirez on Tuesday to replace Liam Hicks - who was dealt to Tampa - on the active roster. He spent the last two months at Triple-A Jacksonville after being demoted after only slashing .230/.318/.345 with two home runs. Ramirez found his stroke in the minors and should get occasional starts at C and will also receive reps at 1B. Joe Mack continues as Miami's primary catcher. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Luis Torrens, Mets: Torrens has become a viable second catcher in single and deeper leagues due to his recent performance having gone 10-for-30 with two homers and nine RBI through the nine contests since the All-Star break. Known for his elite defense, he's producing with the bat while allowing Francisco Alvarez to occasionally DH when behind the plate. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7
FIRST BASE
Spencer Horwitz, Pirates: Horwitz, on the shelf since Jun. 25 after suffering a left hamstring strain, sustained a mild concussion during his final minor-league outing a month later to prompt the Pirates to delay his activation until he wasn't showing any symptoms - which happened last Sunday. Prior to being sidelined, he produced a .280/.386/.455 line alongside 10 homers, 36 runs and 33 RBI though 74 games and has resumed his role as the Bucs' starting first baseman. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (if not rostered)
Abimelec Ortiz, Nationals: The trade of Luis Garcia to the Yankees created a spot for Ortiz, who broke out in 2023 while retaining his prospect status the following campaigns and was promoted Monday from Triple-A Rochester. During 85 minor-league appearances, Ortiz went .244/.348/.497 with 25 doubles, 18 home runs and 74 RBI. He's splitting time at first with Andres Chaparro and mainly starting against righties while Chaparro will see at-bats versus southpaws. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
SECOND BASE
Marcelo Mayer, Giants: Mayer, a 2021 first-round pick by the Red Sox, never foot his footing in Boston while criticized at times for his work ethic and frequently injured. He was sent to the Giants at the deadline in exchange for left-hander Erik Miller and outfielder Carlos Gutierrez. Mayer had only slashed .223/.278/.346 during his first 364 ML plate appearances and has been on the shelf since Jun. 26 due to a stress reaction in his left forearm. He could be cleared to start a rehab assignment this week and take over as San Fran's everyday second baseman once he's back to full health. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (early injury return bid)
Marcus Semien, Mets: Semien went 0-for-3 on Saturday, but his bat has shown signs of the life the last few weeks at 11-for-39 with four homers, two steals, 10 runs and 10 runs batted in. His overall numbers remain somewhat subpar, yet he's one long ball shy of equaling the 15 he produced last season from 29 fewer outings - though he'll need a hot streak to match his runs (21 behind) and RBI (22) totals. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (if not rostered)
Tommy Troy, Diamondbacks: Troy, out since mid-July with a sprained right AC joint, was expected to sideline him 3-to-4 weeks. Prior to that, the rookie outfielder went .223/.299/.364 with four home runs, nine RBI, 22 runs, one steal and a 13:31 BB:K from 134 plate appearances since making his big-league debut on May 24. The 12th overall selection in 2023 participated in extended spring training games this week and could kick off a rehab stint this week. Troy should be back with the Diamondbacks before the end of August if all goes well, but may have to contend with Jordan Lawlar and Ryan Waldschmidt in center as well as Lourdes Gurriel, Lars Nootbaar and Max Kepler in left. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early injury return bid)
Others: Eddys Leonard, Giants
Check out where all the players on your fantasy baseball team fit into RotoWire's MLB Cheat Sheet!
THIRD BASE
Buddy Kennedy/Christian Koss, Giants: Kennedy was claimed off waivers to join Koss at the hot corner with Matt Chapman (abdomen) out for the season. Neither inspires much confidence and will cede the position to Marcelo Mayer when he joins the club. Kennedy/Koss - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
Jordan Lawlar, Diamondbacks: Lawlar, sidelined since Jun. 20 with a strained right hamstring, began a rehab assignment this week. He recently recorded a three-game run at Double-A Amarillo without completing a full stint in the field. Lawlar will likely move to Triple-A Reno this week, with the next hurdle playing defense for a complete game - and possibly back-to-back - to show he's ready to go back to the parent club. Injuries keep piling up for him having been impacted by poor health the last three seasons with only 12 2026 appearances before being sidelined again. Lawlar should come back soon, at which point he'll likely earn a chance to cover at center field. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (upped early injury return bid)
Matt Shaw, Cubs: Shaw has been out since Jun. 28 with a sprained left hand and resumed light hitting last week while rehabbing his sprained left hand in Arizona. It's unclear how close he might be to heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment, which likely will last a week or two having already been out for six. The 24-year-old appeared to have settled in as a near-everyday player before being sidelined and should have a path to reclaiming a regular lineup spot once back with the Cubs as they didn't make any major infield/outfield additions. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (very early injury return bid)
Others: Cesar Prieto, Cardinals (utility player), Gage Workman, Padres
SHORTSTOP
Osleivis Basabe, Giants: Basabe was profiled last week after promoted from Triple-A Sacramento and replacing Casey Schmitt (knee) on the active roster, so he deserves another mention as he's been raking since the call-up. He last played in the Majors during 2023 for the Rays, when he slashed .218/.277/.310 across 94 plate appearances and 31 games. For Sacramento, the 25-year-old produced a .268/.344/.388 line through 311 PAs. Basabe is receiving time at second, short and third and has gone 8-for-28 alongside three home runs and eight RBIs during his first nine contests with the Giants. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped bid)
Ha-Seong Kim, Braves: Kim's 20-day rehab stint ended last Saturday after Atlanta activated him on Monday. His .068/.171/.068 line through 82 big-league plate appearances made him a sunk cost for the Braves. Jim Jarvis remains Atlanta's starting shortstop while relegating Kim to backup duty. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 (same bid as prior)
Others: Gabriel Arias, Mets
OUTFIELD
Joshua Baez, Cardinals: Lars Nootbaar was moved to Arizona at the deadline, creating a hole in center that's currently being filled by Nathan Church and Everson Pereira. Baez is biding his time in the minors while working at all three outfield spots, including 43 in center. He's turned it around at the plate and is now slashing .260/.324/.574 with 33 homers and 87 RBI covering 99 games. The rise in K rate from 20.4 to 29.4 and decline in BB rate from 12.5 to 8.1 could keep Baez in the minors. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (stash bid)
Jordan Beck, Rockies: Beck, out since May 18 with a strained left hamstring, was optioned down to Triple-A Albuquerque in June after his rehab assignment ended. In 30 appearances before being sidelined, the 25-year-old slashed .183/.227/.305 with one home run and 10 RBI through 88 plate appearances. Beck regained his stroke in the minors, though part of that is attributable to his home park. He's taken over as the primary right fielder with Troy Johnston struggling while going 4-for-13 with a hit in each of the four outings, albeit with a 4:0 K:BB. It's slightly surprising Charlie Condon didn't get the call as he's done well after a slump, but it could only be a matter of time before that happens. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up if a believer)
Victor Bericoto, Giants: Bericoto, sidelined since Jul. 9 with a strained left oblique and discussed last week, kicked off a rehab assignment Wednesday at Triple-A Sacramento. He progressed to live action following playing catch, hitting off a tee and then live batting practice. Bericoto was called up from Double-A Richmond on May 31 and then went .269/.269/.500 with five runs, four stolen bases, three RBI and a homer across 29 plate appearances before going on the IL. He should be back with the Giants within the week and receive substantial work in the outfield. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (same early injury return bid)
Sal Frelick, Brewers: Frelick played though shoulder discomfort for most of the season before finally landing on the 10-day IL in July, and will soon begin a rehab stint. Manager Pat Murphy noted Frelick will likely be initially limited to DH duty on the assignment as he works his way back. His struggles this year may be due to the shoulder issue, so the hope is that the time off has allowed the injury to heal. Frelick might return by the end of the month and resume his role as starting center fielder. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (early injury return bid)
Hector Rodriguez, Reds: Rodriguez had been slashing .274/.347/.533 with 27 home runs - second in the International League - with six steals across 104 games at Triple-A Louisville before being promoted Tuesday and replacing Nathaniel Lowe on the Reds' active roster. The left-handed bat is getting a look on the strong side of a platoon at DH or at both corner-outfield spots while so far starting three of five. Rodriguez has steadily progressed up the ladder since being drafted by the Mets in 2021, then traded to the Reds and better suited to DH as he struggles defensively. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (if he starts)
Ronny Simon, Pirates: Simon posted an .883 OPS with eight homers and 32 stolen bases at Triple-A Indianapolis and got promoted on Wednesday to replace Marcell Ozuna on the roster. The 26-year-old outfielder has started in each of Pittsburgh's last three outings and will continue to see extended reps as long as both Oneil Cruz (hand) and Ryan O'Hearn (quadriceps) are on the IL. Cruz started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis Friday and could be back by the end of this week, which likely would relegate Simon back to spot duty - yet might earn more opportunities if Esmerlyn Valdez continues to struggle. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6
Others: Everson Pereira, Cardinals (short side of platoon in CF with Nathan Church). Andrew Pinckney, Nationals (PT vs. LHP with James Wood sidelined)
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