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.
| Name | TEAM | POS | GRADE |
|---|
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.
| Name | TEAM | POS | GRADE | 12-Team Mixed $ | 15-Team Mixed $ | 12 team NL-Only $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason Adams | COL | SP | E | $0 | $1 | $5 |
| Corbin Burnes | AZ | SP | C | $1 | $4 | $7 (upped early injury return bid) |
| Jose Cabrera | AZ | SP | E | No | $0 | $5 |
| Connelly Early | WAS | SP | C | Rostered | Rostered | $7 (if available) |
| Zac Gallen | AZ | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (same early injury return bid) |
| Yunior Marte | SF | SP | E | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Joe Musgrove | SD | SP | C | $2 | $7 | $11 (upped early return bid) |
| Nick Pivetta | SD | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (same early injury return bid) |
| Gavin Stone | LA | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (upped bid, double if he starts) |
| Jonah Tong | NYM | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (spec call up bid) |
| Brandon Williamson | CIN | RP | E | $0 | $1 | $5 (same early injury return bid) |
| Kohl Drake | AZ | SP | E | No | No | $4 |
| Graham Ashcraft | CIN | RP | C | $0 | $1 | $5 (injury return bid) |
| Jonathan Bowlan | PHI | RP | C | $0 | $1 | $6 (saves speculation) |
| Josh Ekness | MIA | RP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (saves speculation) |
| Calvin Faucher | MIA | RP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (saves speculation) |
| Michael Petersen | MIA | RP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (saves speculation) |
| Juan Morillo | AZ | RP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Luis Perales | WAS | RP/SP | C | $0 | $1 | $6 (stash bid in keeper leagues) |
| Ryan Walker | SF | RP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (saves speculation) |
| Rainiel Rodriguez | STL | C | B/C | $2 | $7 | $11 (stash bid in case promoted) |
| Connor Norby | COL | 1B | D | $2 | $7 | $11 |
| Jose Fermin | STL | 2B | E | No | No | $5 |
| Pedro Ramirez | CHI | 2B | C/D | $2 | $7 | $11 |
| Tommy Troy | AZ | 2B | D | $0 | $1 | $5 (same early injury return bid) |
| Nolan Gorman | STL | 3B | E | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Thomas Saggese | STL | 3B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Matt Shaw | CHI | 3B | C | $1 | $4 | $7 (same return bid) |
| Mark Vientos | NYM | 3B | D | No | No | $5 (same early injury return bid) |
| Ramon Urias | STL | 3B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Osleivis Basabe | SF | SS | E | No | No | $4 |
| Nate Furman | SF | SS | E | No | No | $4 |
| Christian Koss | SF | SS | D | No | $0 | $5 |
| Shay Whitcomb | SF | SS | E | No | No | $4 |
| Sal Frelick | MIL | OF | C | $2 | $7 | $11 (upped return bid) |
| Drew Gilbert | SF | OF | D | $0 | $2 | $7 |
| Dustin Harris | SD | OF | D | No | $0 | $5 |
| Heriberto Hernandez | MIA | OF | C/D | $5 | $11 | $16 |
| Grant McCray | SF | OF | E | No | No | $4 |
STARTING PITCHER
Mason Adams, Rockies: The Rockies selected Adams' contract from Triple-A Albuquerque to start Tuesday against the Nationals, where he allowed one run on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts over four innings. He notched a 3.67 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 49:20 K:BB across 49 innings at Triple-A, including a 2.08, 0.92 and 13:3 from three starts. Adams was acquired from the White Sox in the Brenton Doyle trade and could get at least a couple turns through the rotation after Kyle Freeland (neck) was placed on the injured list on Monday. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Corbin Burnes, Diamondbacks: Burnes threw one inning and 13 pitches in a bridge game at the Diamondbacks' training facility on Tuesday, paving the way for him to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Reno Saturday. He retired all six batters through two scoreless innings and only needed 17 pitches. Despite limited work, Burnes could make his next appearance for Arizona. He tore the UCL in his right elbow that required Tommy John surgery after 10 starts last season. Burnes' time on the shelf was extended when he suffered a teres major strain while throwing to live hitters in June and finally progressed to a rehab outing. He would only go three innings (45 pitches) if activated, but the club could piggy-back him with another starter or group of bullpen arms when rosters expand. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (upped early injury return bid)
Jose Cabrera, Diamondbacks: Cabrera was recalled from Triple-A Reno to start Thursday. He had completed four starts for the D-Backs this season, giving up 11 earned runs across 17.2 innings. Since making the last big-league appearance on Jul. 8, Cabrera has posted a 6.83 ERA and 1.66 WHIP during 29 frames. He gave up two runs on three hits and one walk while fanning four over 4.1 innings while replacing Michael Soroka (shoulder) in the Snakes' rotation and likely did enough to earn at least another opportunity. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5
Connelly Early, Nationals: Boston traded Early to Washington on Aug. 3 for Curtis Mead. He was on the 15-day IL due to left elbow inflammation and will begin a rehab assignment Sep. 8 as he's also recovering from forearm tightness that only came up earlier this month. Across 21 career starts, Early has registered a 3.24 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 122:38 K:BB spanning 111 innings and could pitch in the majors before the end of the year. 12-team Mixed: Rostered; 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $7 (if he returns by year end)
Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks: Gallen was sidelined with right elbow inflammation and tossed three innings and 45 pitches in a bridge game on Tuesday. He's scheduled to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Reno Sunday, where he could top out at 60 pitches. The right-hander looks like he'll be activated around when first eligible on Sep. 7 when the D-Backs kick off a three-game set versus the Royals. Gallen surrendered 24 earned runs in 22.1 innings during his four-game losing streak prior to going on the IL to push his overall ERA up to 6.34 - last among MLB qualified starters in MLB. His 1.56 WHIP also ranked last in the league, so temper your expectations when he comes back. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (same early injury return bid)
Yunior Marte, Giants: Marte was promoted from Double-A Richmond to make his major-league debut on Saturday. He allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out three through 4.2 innings in a no-decision. Marte opened the campaign at High-A Eugene where he logged nine appearances - seven starts - before moving up in June. He was traded from the Royals to the Giants last July in exchange for Mike Yastrzemski and made 13 Double-A while producing a 3.92 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 72:22 K:BB over 64.1 frames. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
Joe Musgrove, Padres: Musgrove missed all of 2025 recovering from 2024 Tommy John surgery and has been profiled the last month, and he gets another mention as he worked five innings for Triple-A El Paso on Thursday and conceded one run on five hits with three Ks over 60 pitches (42 strikes). This outing might have been his last rehab start as he could join the parent club with the rosters expanding on Tuesday. Once activated, Musgrove should slot into the rotation - potentially sometime this week - though may initially be limited to 75 pitches. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped early return bid)
Nick Pivetta, Padres: Pivetta, sidelined by a right flexor strain since mid-April and then for three weeks in August due to a setback with his right arm, resumed his minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday where he struck out four and allowed three earned runs on four hits and one walk through three innings for Single-A Lake Elsinore (47 pitches, 35 strikes). Prior to going on the shelf, Pivetta was inconsistent from four starts. He finally broke through in 2025 after signing a two-year, $23-million contract with the Padres that includes a $14-million player option for 2027 and an $18- million player option for 2028 to give him protection. Pivetta will require at least one more rehab appearance to continue building up his pitch count before the Padres consider bringing him back from the 60-day IL and insert him into the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (same early injury return bid)
Gavin Stone, Dodgers: Stone was discussed the last few weeks and is right back here as he struck out five and gave up one hit and no walks over four shutout innings during his rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Through four starts there, he's submitted a 1.54 ERA, 0.43 WHIP and 18:1 K:BB in 11.2 innings. Stone led the Dodgers in wins during 2024 and held a 3.25 ERA during 25 starts, but missed all of the following year recovering from surgery to repair the capsule, labrum and rotator cuff in his shoulder. The magnificent run at Triple-A and Roki Sasaki's (finger) impending move to the 15-day IL could clear the way for Stone to claim a starting spot in the six-man rotation or work in bulk relief behind Shohei Ohtani (knee) when he comes back from the IL. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (upped injury return bid, double if he starts)
Jonah Tong, Mets: Tong could join the Mets when rosters expand on Sep. 1. He's struggled this season to maintain his extreme over-the-top arm angle while incorporating new pitches into his arsenal - primarily a cutter - though the 23-year-old right-hander may have finally figured things out. Coming into Saturday, Tong had allowed one run or fewer from five of his last six starts at Triple-A Syracuse while recording a 2.48 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 34:15 K:BB over 29 innings. Robert Stock will stay on turn Monday - the final day of August - for a road start against the Rays, but Tong went seven innings and conceded no runs on one hit alongside eight Ks on Saturday, possibly resulting in his next outing coming in the bigs. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (spec call up bid)
Brandon Williamson, Reds: Williamson went on the IL during April due to a shoulder issue before suffering a finger injury late in June. He kicked off a rehab stint Aug. 2 at Double-A Chattanooga and tossed two innings. Williamson made his fourth appearance - and sixth overall - at Triple-A Louisville on Thursday where he completed 4.1 innings. He should be ready to rejoin the Reds when the rosters expand on Tuesday. Williamson posted a 6.11 ERA and 1.64 WHIP through 28 innings and six starts before landing on the IL after missing 560 days recovering from a full UCL tear in his left elbow. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same early injury return bid)
Others: Kohl Drake, Diamondbacks
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RELIEF PITCHER
Graham Ashcraft, Reds: Ashcraft, out of action since May 29 when he suffered a right UCL strain, gave up one hit and one walk while striking out two over a scoreless inning from his first rehab appearance for Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday. He threw another scoreless frame Friday and was slated to work Saturday. Ashcraft likely will rejoin the Reds' bullpen when rosters expand Tuesday. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (injury return bid)
Jonathan Bowlan, Phillies: Bowlan - and not Jhoan Duran - earned the save Friday. No injury has been reported for Duran, who last pitched Wednesday and whose prior save came on Aug. 19. Bowlan was called upon and closed the door, yet did so somewhat shakily. He's picked up both saves and six of his 11 holds since the All-Star break, a span where he's allowed five runs over 18 innings. Heading into Saturday. Bowlan was at a 2.77 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 60:14 K:BB across 48.2 innings while gaining trust in high-leverage spots along the way. Bowlan appeared during the eighth inning, on Saturday while Duran covered the ninth and 10th to get the win, so all may be fine in Philly. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (saves possibility)
Josh Ekness/Calvin Faucher/Michael Petersen, Marlins: Pete Fairbanks received injections to alleviate nerve irritation in his right hand after visiting a specialist on Tuesday. He should be reevaluated early this week, at which point he could be cleared to start throwing again. While Fairbanks is on the shelf, the Marlins will likely take a committee approach to the ninth inning. Ekness has been stellar since his Aug. 4 activation off the 60-day IL while Faucher led Miami with 15 saves in 2025 and Petersen tops the club at 22 holds with no clear favorite for the role. Ekness/ Faucher/Petersen - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Juan Morillo, Diamondbacks: Morillo has become a valued member of the D-Backs' bullpen having not been tagged for a run since Jul. 17 as he's reeled off 15 straight scoreless appearances with a 0.80 WHIP and 16:3 K:BB through 15 innings while earning a win, a save and seven holds. Morillo isn't closing for Arizona, but still carries value. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
Luis Perales, Nationals: Perales, acquired from Boston during the offseason, endured a bumpy start to 2026 after completing his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Over his next eight starts for Triple-A Rochester, he put together a 2.79 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 41:25 K:BB across 38.2 innings. The 23-year-old right-hander was moved to the bullpen early in August, which is the role he's filling with the Nats following his call-up on Wednesday. Perales is still working to improve his control and stamina, though offers 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 ialongside a low-90s cutter. He should contend for a rotation spot next spring. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (stash bid for next season)
Ryan Walker, Giants: Walker opened the year as the Giants' closer, yet lost it after struggling and going to the minors after being torched for 11 runs from his last 6.1 innings. He's been solid at Triple-A Sacramento through 12 appearances by posting a 1.47 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 19:6 K:BB in 18.1 frames. Walker was recalled Monday and hasn't surrendered a run from any of his three appearances while surrendering four hits and one walk and fanning three across 3.2 innings, so he could get another chance to close. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (saves speculation)
CATCHER
Rainiel Rodriguez, Cardinals: Rodriguez is destroying Double-A pitching by slashing .316/.393/.572 with 19 homers and 55 RBI at Springfield. He's caught 59 games, but has also made 22 appearances at first and DH. Rodriguez may spend the rest of the year in the minors, but his elite bat is worth a stash bid in case he's promoted when the rosters expand Tuesday. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (stash bid in case of promotion)
FIRST BASE
Connor Norby, Rockies: Norby went without a hit through his first three games following an Aug. 10 call-up before compiling a 12-game hitting streak. That ended on Friday, yet he went 2-for-3 Saturday. Norby is eligible at first, second and third in most leagues, having played at least 14 contests at each position. He's gone 16-for-53 with a pair of home runs and nine RBI from his first 17 Colorado appearances. The key for Norby's success is to control his strikeout rate, which hovers around 30 percent. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
SECOND BASE
Jose Fermin, Cardinals: Fermin has gone 10-for-40 with a homer and seven RBI while operating as the Cardinals' primary option at second base while JJ Wetherholt is needed at shortstop as a replacement for Masyn Winn (thumb) after the latter went on the IL. Thomas Saggese was just promoted on Friday and could also factor in the mix at the hot corner. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Pedro Ramirez, Cubs: Ramirez has emerged as Chicago's top pick at second as Nico Hoerner has shifted over to cover shortstop recently with Dansby Swanson (oblique) on the IL. He's produced a .292/.355/.446 line with four home runs, 24 runs driven in and 28 scored through 60 games since joining the Cubs. Ramirez has also played 13 games at third with a shot to hit 20 that will provide dual eligibility in leagues next season. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Tommy Troy, Diamondbacks: Troy, out since mid-July with a sprained right AC joint, was expected to be sidelined for 3-to-4 weeks. Before that, the rookie outfielder went .223/.299/.364 with four homers, nine RBI, 22 runs, one steal and a 13:31 BB:K across 134 plate appearances since making his big-league debut on May 24. The 2023 12th-overall pick kicked off a rehab stint with Triple-A Reno Tuesday and completed seven innings at second followed by nine in center field on Wednesday. Troy should be back with the Diamondbacks around when rosters expand Tuesday, but will contend for action 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 (same early injury return bid)
Others: Edwin Arroyo, Reds
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THIRD BASE
Nolan Gorman/Thomas Saggese, Cardinals: Gorman was moved up on Tuesday to fill the roster spot vacated by Masyn Winn (thumb). He slashed .182/.328/.430 with 13 homers in 46 games since being demoted to Triple-A Memphis, with seven of those coming during August. Gorman started two of the first three and is line for consistent playing time due to Blaze Jordan expected to miss "several weeks" with a left ankle sprain. The Cards recalled Saggese from Memphis on Friday to replace Jordan on the active roster. He went .258/.340/.446 with 10 home runs, 33 RBI and nine stolen bases over 249 plate appearances and should also see action at the hot corner. Gorman - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Saggese - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
Matt Shaw, Cubs: Shaw, out since Jun. 28 with a sprained left hand, was activated off the IL on Friday. He was cleared after going 10-for-33 with two doubles and two steals over nine rehab outings at Triple-A Iowa. Shaw will mainly contend with Michael Conforto and Pedro Ramirez for playing time, but could be relegated to reps versus lefties as the only purely right-hander of the group (Ramirez is a switch-hitter) he, especially with Ramirez and Conforto hot of late. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same return bid)
Mark Vientos, Mets: Vientos, sidelined with a fractured right hand suffered Jul. 9, moved his rehab assignment after two appearances with Double-A Binghamton to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday. There's still no timetable yet for the infielder's return and he may require another week on his assignment due to his lengthy absence before being reinstated to the active roster. Vientos was suffering through another poor offensive campaign while his defense continued to be a concern aftering switching to first base. Jared Young has stepped in nicely there, which may relegate Vientos to spot duty when/if he returns in September. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 (same early injury return bid)
Others: Ramon Urias, Cardinals
SHORTSTOP
Osleivis Basabe/Nate Furman/Christian Koss/Shay Whitcomb, Giants: San Francisco has a four-headed monster at shortstop replacing Willy Adames, who's expected to miss three to four weeks with a sprained left elbow. The Giants could opt to have him miss the rest of the year rather than try and return with the team out of playoff contention. Of the four, Koss has been the most productive, though each will likely appear at either second, shortstop and third. Check league roster eligibility as it's possible some of them may not qualify at short. Basabe/Furman/Whitcomb – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4; Koss - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5
OUTFIELD
Sal Frelick, Brewers: Frelick played though shoulder discomfort for most of the season before finally landing on the 10-day IL during July and returned as expected during Milwaukee's series against the Mets. He went 9-for-32 with two homers and a 5:5 BB:K through nine rehab appearances with Triple-A Nashville with three of those in the outfield and five at DH. Frelick's struggles may be attributable to the shoulder issue, so the hope is the time off has allowed the injury to heal. He's 5-for-12 with two RBI and two runs through three contests since coming back while resuming as the team's starting center fielder. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped return bid)
Drew Gilbert, Giants: Gilbert is locked in as the strong-side platoon in center. The 25-year-old has gone 5-for-17 during his last six games, with four of his knocks going for extra bases (three doubles and a homer). Those have come against righties as Gilbert sits versus southpaws, giving him more DFS value. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7
Dustin Harris, Padres: Harris was promoted from Triple-A El Paso on Monday. He inked a minor-league contract with the Padres before the All-Star break after being granted his release from the White Sox in July. Harris posted a 1.039 OPS with 10 steals, six homers and 26 RBI across 135 plate appearances with El Paso, so the move should bolster an outfield without Ramon Laureano (hip), Samad Taylor (oblique) and Miguel Andujar (wrist) - and possibly Luis Rengifo (knee). 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5
Heriberto Hernandez, Marlins: Hernandez is shockingly only rostered in 31 percent of CBS Sports leagues. He's hit four of his 22 long balls during his current seven-game hitting streak. Over his last 10 games, Hernandez has gone 11-for-38 (.289) with one steal, eight RBI and four extra-base hits. This has upped his OPS to .785 overall, matching his 2025. Hernandez is locked in as the Marlins' starting left fielder. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (if not rostered)
Others: Grant McCray, Giants
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