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 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javier Assad | CHI | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $5 |
| Kris Bubic | LA | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $5 (starter stash candidate) |
| Corbin Burnes | AZ | SP | C | $1 | $5 | $9 (upped early injury return bid) |
| Zac Gallen | AZ | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (same injury return bid) |
| Justin Hagenman | NYM | SP | E | $0 | $1 | $5 |
| Reynaldo Lopez | ATL | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Brad Lord | WAS | SP | E | $0 | $1 | $6 (up if he starts) |
| Anthony Molina | SF | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Ryne Nelson | AZ | SP | D | No | $0 | $4 (early injury return bid) |
| Nick Pivetta | SD | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (same early injury return bid) |
| Justin Steele | CHI | SP | C | $0 | $1 | $5 (starter stash bid) |
| Jonah Tong | NYM | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (same call up bid) |
| Brandon Williamson | CIN | SP | E | $0 | $1 | $5 (same injury return bid) |
| Justin Wrobleski | LA | SP | D | No | No | $4 (up if he starts) |
| Graham Ashcraft | CIN | RP | C | $0 | $1 | $5 (same return bid) |
| Bobby Miller | LA | RP | E | No | No | $3 (strikeout potential) |
| Leo Bernal | STL | C | C | $2 | $7 | $11 |
| Sean Murphy | ATL | C | D | $2 | $7 | $11 (if not rostered) |
| Ethan Salas | SD | C | B | $2 | $7 | $11 (upped bid from prior) |
| Zach Morgan | SF | C | E | No | No | $4 |
| Bo Naylor | MIL | C | E | No | No | $4 |
| Ryan O'Hearn | PIT | 1B | C | $1 | $4 | $7 (early injury return bid) |
| Adael Amador | COL | 2B | D | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Tommy Troy | AZ | 2B | D | $0 | $1 | $5 (same injury return bid) |
| Juan Brito | CIN | 2B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Kyle Farmer | ATL | 2B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Alex Freeland | LA | 2B | D | No | No | $4 (up if sees playing time) |
| Cesar Prieto | STL | 2B | E | No | No | $4 |
| BJ Murray | CHI | 3B | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Mark Vientos | NYM | 3B | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (slightly upped return bid) |
| Vimael Machin | COL | 3B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Ryan Ritter | COL | 3B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Sung-Mun Song | SD | 3B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Jared Serna | MIA | SS | E | No | $0 | $5 |
| Jonah Cox | SF | OF | C | $5 | $11 | $16 |
| Turner Hill | SF | OF | D | $2 | $7 | $11 |
| Lourdes Gurriel | AZ | OF | D | No | $0 | $5 (same injury return bid) |
| Carlos Jorge | CIN | OF | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Nick Morabito | NYM | OF | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Dane Myers | CIN | OF | D | $3 | $9 | $14 |
| Samad Taylor | SD | OF | D | $0 | $1 | $5 (up if sees playing time) |
| Victor Scott | STL | OF | E | No | No | $4 |
STARTING PITCHER:
Javier Assad, Cubs: Assad was promoted from Triple-A Iowa to start Saturday where he allowed three runs on three hits and five walks with three strikeouts in 4.2 innings. He had posted a 3.46 ERA and 1.10 WHIP across 83.1 big-league innings and gave up four runs through nine frames after being sent down to Triple-A during late August. Assad's latest so-so performance doesn't guarantee him a rotation spot moving forward. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Kris Bubic, Dodgers: Bubic, who initially went down with left elbow soreness in mid-May and had to be pulled off an initial rehab assignment due to left shoulder discomfort, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday where he fanned two in a perfect inning. He was acquired from KC at the trade deadline and will be used as a reliever down the stretch if activated. Bubic was brilliant over 2024 and 2025 before being sidelined, and could re-sign with LA as a possible starter. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (starter stash candidate)
Corbin Burnes, Diamondbacks: Burnes threw two perfect frames and 17 pitches (10 strikes) during his only rehab start, which was for Triple-A Reno last Saturday. He completed his second bridge outing on Thursday, with the first coming Aug. 25 in Arizona and both paving the way for him to potentially make his season debut for the Diamondbacks Tuesday in Kansas City. Burnes tore the UCL in his right elbow that required Tommy John surgery after 10 starts last season. His time on the shelf was extended when he suffered a teres major strain while throwing to live hitters in June and finally bridge games and a rehab start. He'll likely only go two or three innings (30-45 pitches) if activated, but the team could piggyback him with another starter or group of bullpen arms with rosters expanding. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped injury return bid)
Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks: Gallen was sidelined with right elbow inflammation and logged 60 pitches from four innings during a simulated game on Friday. This comes after he went three innings and 45 pitches in a bridge game Aug. 27 and 1.2 scoreless innings (46 pitches, 28 strikes) over a rehab outing last Sunday with Triple-A Reno. The right-hander will be activated around when first eligible to return on Monday and possibly start Wednesday versus the Royals. Gallen gave up 24 earned runs across 22.1 innings across his four-game losing streak prior to landing on the IL to push his ERA to 6.34, last among qualified MLB starters. His 1.56 WHIP is also worst in the league, so temper your expectations when he does make his way back. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (same injury return bid)
Justin Hagenman, Mets: Hagenman surrendered one run on two hits and one walk alongside two Ks through three innings in a no-decision against the Rays Wednesday. He had been on the shelf all season after suffering a fractured rib during spring training and kicked off a rehab stint in mid-August. Hagenman produced a 2.89 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 9.1 innings from three rehab appearances, which is why he was limited to only three last time out. Christian Scott is set to receive extra rest, meaning Hagenman could make a start or two down the stretch even with Jonah Tong starting Monday. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Reynaldo Lopez, Braves: Lopez has been out since the beginning of August while nursing left knee inflammation and made the third start of his minor-league rehab assignment Thursday at Triple-A Gwinnett. The 32-year-old tossed five scoreless innings while allowing two hits and two walks and fanning six batters with 53 of 93 pitches for strikes. Lopez will make his next appearance with the major-league club - potentially on Wednesday - after getting fully stretched out with Gwinnett, though the question is who he'll replace in the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Brad Lord, Nationals: Lord was cruising on Wednesday when a 90-minute delay knocked him from the game. He had conceded two hits and a walk over 3.1 scoreless innings while striking out six. Lord may have been nearing his limit anyway as the right-hander tossed 39 of 55 pitches for strikes and hasn't reached 60-plus pitches in any outing this year. He'll likely return to a long-relief role, but he's making a case to remain in the rotation as he's recorded a 2.40 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB through 15 innings since the start of August. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (up if he starts)
Anthony Molina, Giants: Molina, acquired from Atlanta at the trade deadline, has allowed three runs with a 7:1 K:BB over 9.1 innings covering one start and one relief appearance since joining the Giants. He made his second straight start Saturday against the Mets, allowing two unearned runs on one hit and a walk while striking out six in five innings to notch the win. Molina, who has bounced from the Rockies to the Braves and then the Giants the past few seasons, should get a long look in the San Francisco rotation during the final three weeks of the regular season. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Ryne Nelson, Diamondbacks: Nelson, who went on the IL Jun. 19 due to a flexor strain and UCL sprain in his right elbow, could rejoin the D-Backs next week. He began a bullpen progression in mid-August, moving to live batting practice, and then a rehab assignment with Single-A Visalia on Saturday. Nelson opened the campaign in the rotation, where he managed a mediocre 4.97 ERA in 15 starts, yet also compiled six quality starts from his last eight appearances prior to getting hurt. He'll return to Arizona out of the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4 (early injury 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, fanned seven and allowed two hits and one walk over 4.1 scoreless innings during a rehab start with Triple-A El Paso last Sunday. He tossed 44 of 64 pitches for strikes in his scoreless outing while mostly sitting around 93 MPH. That outing was Pivetta's second since resuming his minor-league rehab assignment after four Ks and three earned runs on four hits and a walk across three innings for Single-A Lake Elsinore (47 pitches, 35 strikes). Prior to going on the shelf, Pivetta was inconsistent through four starts. He finally broke out in 2025 after signing a two-year, $23-million contract with the Padres. Pivetta's deal includes a $14-million player option for 2027 and an $18-million for 2028 to give him protection. He'll require at least one more rehab outing to continue building up his pitch count before the Padres activate and insert him into the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (same early injury return bid)
Justin Steele, Cubs: Steele only made four starts last season before undergoing UCL revision surgery that ultimately sidelined him for the remainder of 2025. He then suffered a flexor strain this April that sidelined him until June when he resumed throwing on flat ground. Steele progressed to mound work during July before facing hitters in August. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday and allowed three runs - one earned - on four hits through 1.2 innings. Steele is slated to make a few more minor-league appearances before potentially joining the team out of the bullpen. He should move back into the team's starting rotation next year. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (stash starter bid)
Jonah Tong, Mets: Tong was profiled last week and returns here as he'll join the Mets on Monday. He's struggled to maintain his extreme over-the-top arm angle while incorporating new pitches into his arsenal - primarily a cutter - yet the 23-year-old right-hander may have finally figured things out. Coming into Monday's outing, Tong gave up one run or fewer during six of his last seven starts at Triple-A Syracuse while posting a 2.00 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 42:17 K:BB over 36 innings. Robert Stock started last Monday, but looks to have moved to the bullpen to open a spot for Tong after five starts for the club last season. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (same call up bid)
Brandon Williamson, Reds: Williamson, on the IL since April with a shoulder issue before a finger injury late in June, made his return to the Reds after four rehab starts in the minors. He compiled a 5.94 ERA, 1.86 WHIP and 14:12 K:BB from 16.2 innings, but went 4.1 frames and 84 pitches right before being activated. Williamson picked up the win on Wednesday as he surrendered three runs on seven hits and two walks with five strikeouts over 5.1 innings in a spot start to provide Chase Burns additional rest. He'll provide some value working with Burns next time through the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same injury return bid)
Others: Justin Wrobleski, Dodgers (up if he starts)
See which projected starters are going and when with RotoWire's Probable Pitchers page!
RELIEF PITCHER
Graham Ashcraft, Reds: Ashcraft has been out of action since May 29 after suffering a right UCL strain and was activated off the 60-day IL on Sunday. He conceded two runs with a 6:3 K:BB in 4.2 frames across five rehab appearances at Triple-A Louisville, leading to his return. Ashcraft was working in a setup role when he got hurt, but could be eased back into high-leverage situations. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same return bid)
Others: Bobby Miller, Dodgers (strikeout potential)
CATCHER
Leo Bernal, Cardinals: The Cardinals recalled Bernal from Triple-A Memphis Tuesday after he slashed .278/.363/.468 with 16 home runs and 78 RB over 101 contests. He started the first two following the promotion and could receive the lion's share of reps behind the plate in September as the Cardinals look to see where he might fit into their 2027 plans. St. Louis is also carrying fellow catchers Ivan Herrera and Pedro Pages, though the former will DH most of the time while Pages operates as a backup to give Bernal a clearer path to playing time. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Sean Murphy, Braves: Murphy has caught fire at the plate now that he's fully healthy for the first time in a few years having hitting safely in five straight games. He batted .500 (9-for-18) during that heater with two doubles, three homers, seven runs and seven RBI. Murphy's surge has allowed Drake Baldwin to get more rest while Atlanta's primary DH, and Murphy should continue to earn regular action as the team tries to keep their key players fresh for the playoffs. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (if not rostered)
Ethan Salas, Padres: Salas was discussed two weeks ago and gets another mention as he was promoted on Tuesday. A top prospect after signing in 2023, he saw that status dim after struggling the next season and injured for most of 2025. Salas regained some of that after producing a .285/.361/.415 line alongside seven home runs, 37 runs batted in and 14 steals through 72 appearances at Double-A Antonio before moving up to Triple-A El Paso in July. He continue to roll there by going .326/.410/.539 through 105 plate appearances. Salas started behind the plate on Wednesday and should see the bulk of the starts at catcher down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped bid from prior)
Others: Zach Morgan, Giants; Bo Naylor, Brewers
FIRST BASE
Ryan O'Hearn, Pirates: O'Hearn missed the last five weeks with a left quad strain and hopes to be activated for the Pirates' Sep. 11-13 series against the Cubs. He's been ramping up baseball activities, yet still has a way to go and put that target date as optimistic. O'Hearn was red-hot the first three months, but slumped during July prior to being sidelined. Once active, he should start at either first or DH. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early injury return bid)
Others: Deyvison De Los Santos, Marlins
SECOND BASE
Adael Amador, Rockies: Amador was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque with the rosters expanding on Tuesday. He slashed .264/.367/.428 with 11 home runs and 11 stolen bases while seeing most of his action at second. Amador has started at the keystone for the Rockies with Connor Norby at third and move Willi Castro as a backup with Kyle Karros (concussion) still out. Amador did little to impress over his 51 outings the last two years, though currently looks to be getting a chance at consistent playing time. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Tommy Troy, Diamondbacks: Troy, out since mid-July with a sprained right AC joint, was activated Friday. Expected to be sidelined 3-to-4 weeks, he missed nearly double that estimate. Before being hurt, the rookie outfielder produced a .223/.299/.364 line 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 selection went 9-for-25 with one home run and a 6:5 BB:K from seven rehab appearances at Triple-A Reno. Troy 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 injury return bid)
Others: Juan Brito, Reds; Kyle Farmer, Braves; Alex Freeland, Dodgers (up if sees semi-consistent playing time); Cesar Prieto, Cardinals
Check out where all the players on your fantasy baseball team fit into RotoWire's MLB Cheat Sheet!
THIRD BASE
BJ Murray, Cubs: Murray was called up from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. He was enjoying a fine campaign there by going .294/.395/.500 with 16 homers, nine stolen bases and a 69:110 BB:K through 118 games. Murray is primarily a corner infielder, but can also handle left field. Look for him to receive sporadic action with the Cubs in a Wild Card spot. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Mark Vientos, Mets: Vientos, sidelined with a fractured right hand suffered Jul. 9, was activated on Monday and went deep on his return. He moved his rehab assignment after two contests with Double-A Binghamton to Triple-A Syracuse, where he logged another five. Vientos was suffering through another poor offensive year while his defense continued to be concerning following the move to first base. Jared Young has stepped in nicely at the position, which has relegated Vientos to spot duty as start against southpaws. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (slightly upped injury return bid)
Others: Vimael Machin/Ryan Ritter, Rockies; Sung-Mun Song, Padres
SHORTSTOP
Jared Serna, Marlins: Serna, who also qualifies at second, was promoted from Triple-A Jacksonville on Monday. Over 337 plate appearances, Serna has slashed .218/.300/.364 with 11 home runs and 14 steals. Serna got the call after Xavier Edwards (thumb) was placed on the IL. He and Javier Sanoja are filling in at the keystone and the former getting action versus southpaws.12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5
OUTFIELD
Jonah Cox/ Turner Hill, Giants: Cox and Hill were discussed three weeks ago when called up and have received significant playing time during that stretch. Cox enjoyed a cup of coffee before being sidelined with a strained oblique and has gone 16-for-53 with 11 runs, three homers, seven RBI and five stolen bases. Hill is slashing .308/.400/.404 with seven runs scored and 12 runs driven in. Both should continue to get regular work as San Francisco is evaluating for the future, Cox - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16; Hill - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Lourdes Gurriel, Diamondbacks: Gurriel, on his third IL stint this season, was reinstated on Tuesday. He began a rehab stint with Triple-A Reno Aug. 18 with only three hits from 28 at-bats along with three RBI and three walks. Gurriel missed the start of the year while rehabbing from a torn ACL and then suffered a left hamstring injury in May before the adductor hit him July and limit him to 47 games and 189 plate appearances. The Diamondbacks hold a crowded outfield and it's unkown how exactly Gurriel fits now that he's back, so look for him to play sporadically. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 (same injury return bid)
Carlos Jorge, Reds: Jorge was promoted from Triple-A Louisville on Friday to make his big-league debut. He slashed .308/.376/.427 with eight home runs and 33 stolen bases between Double-A Chattanooga and Louisville to get the call-up. Manager Terry Francona said he plans to play Jorge in center field "probably against righties", which should allow the rookie outfielder to see substantial action down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
Nick Morabito, Mets: Morabito was summoned on Tuesday from Triple-A Syracuse to enhance the Mets' outfield depth. The 23-year-old was in the majors for a brief spell earlier this years where he went 0-for-11 with nine Ks. Morabito produced a .254/.355/.388 line with 13 homers and 42 steals across 114 contests at Syracuse. He'll mainly operate in left field while with the club. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
Dane Myers, Reds: Myers has caught fire the last few weeks to strengthen his case to remain in the Reds' lineup as he's gone .316/.371/.509 in the last 16 outings with three home runs, one steal, four RBI and 10 runs to allow him to approach career-best across-the-board numbers. Look for Cincy to continue to pencil Myers' name as a starting outfielder on a daily basis while he remains hot. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14
Samad Taylor, Padres: Taylor went down with a right oblique strain on Jul. 8 and was activated off the IL last Sunday. Prior to being sidelined, the 27-year-old was batting .330/.410/.398 with one home run, 11 RBI and six stolen bases through 102 ML plate appearances. Taylor is splitting time with Dustin Harris in left field and starting mainly against left-handed pitching. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (up if sees more playing time)
Others: Victor Scott, Cardinals
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