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.
This is the final
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.
This is the final column of the regular season. Thank you to everyone who read and commented, and I hope the column and advice helped you win your league. Please provide any comments or suggestions on the column or email to either [email protected] or [email protected].
| Name | TEAM | POS | GRADE | 12-Team Mixed $ | 15-Team Mixed $ | 12 team NL-Only $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kris Bubic | LA | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $5 (starter stash bid) |
| Connelly Early | WAS | SP | C | Rostered | Rostered | $7 |
| Josiah Gray | WAS | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $5 (up in keeper leagues) |
| Quinn Mathews | STL | SP | C | $15 | $25 | Rostered |
| Ryne Nelson | AZ | SP | D | No | $0 | $4 (same injury return bid) |
| Nick Pivetta | SD | SP | D | $3 | $9 | $14 |
| Jose Quintana | COL | SP | E | No | No | $4 |
| JR Ritchie | ATL | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $5 |
| Dedniel Nunez | NYM | RP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Robert Suarez | ATL | RP | B | $1 | $4 | $7 (up in keeper leagues) |
| Devin Williams | NYM | RP | D | $0 | $1 | $5 (up if he closes) |
| Carson Kelly | CHI | C | D | $2 | $7 | Rostered |
| Braxton Fulford | COL | C | E | No | No | $4 |
| Brett Baty | NYM | 1B | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Ryan O'Hearn | PIT | 1B | C | $3 | $9 | $14 (injury return bid) |
| Pavin Smith | AZ | 1B | D | $0 | $2 | $7 |
| Juan Brito | CIN | 2B | E | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Ronny Mauricio | NYM | 3B | D | $0 | $1 | $5 |
| Javier Sanoja | MIA | 3B | B/C | Rostered | $25 | Rostered |
| Oswaldo Cabrera | CIN | 3B | E | No | No | $4 |
| Jose Fernandez | AZ | SS | D | No | $1 | $5 |
| Scott Bandura | SF | OF | E | $0 | $2 | $7 |
| Jonah Cox | SF | OF | C | $7 | $14 | $22 |
| Dustin Harris | SD | OF | D | $5 | $11 | $16 |
| Jakob Marsee | MIA | OF | C | $11 | $22 | Rostered |
| Esteury Ruiz | MIA | OF | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Jesus Sanchez | AZ | OF | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Victor Bericoto | SF | OF | E | No | No | $4 |
STARTING PITCHER
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, was activated on Wednesday. He tossed 5.2 shutout innings with a 9:2 K:BB across six rehab outings with Triple-A Oklahoma City while adding a scoreless frame during his LA debut. Bubic was acquired from KC at the deadline and will be used as a reliever down the stretch. He was brilliant over 2024 and 2025 before being sidelined and could possibly re-sign with the club as a starter. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same starter stash candidate bid)
Connelly Early, Nationals: Boston dealt Early to Washington on Aug. 3 for Curtis Mead. He went on the 15-day IL due to left elbow inflammation and is tentatively scheduled to make his team debut Sep. 26 versus the Mets. Early completed his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday and gave up three runs on 35 pitches in one inning. The southpaw is scheduled to throw again Sunday before making his Nationals' debut on the penultimate day of the regular season. Early has posted a 3.24 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 122:38 K:BB spanning 111 MLB innings and coming back before the end of the year may allow him to head to make his offseason less stressful. 12-team Mixed: Rostered; 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $7
Josiah Gray, Nationals: Gray underwent Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure in 2024 and didn't pitch for the Nationals the next season, but was able to make three rehab starts in September. He was expected to compete for a rotation spot this spring, yet was diagnosed with a right flexor strain late in camp and opened on the 60-day IL. Gray kicked off a rehab stint last month while going unscored upon through his final eight rehab appearances, though only struck out only four in 8.1 innings. He was activated on Thursday and will be used out of the bullpen, but could eventually earn another opportunity in the rotation next year. Gray also threw a scoreless inning on Friday. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (up in keeper leagues)
Quinn Mathews, Cardinals: Mathews continues to perform well as he only conceded one run on four hits and two walks while fanning eight over 6.2 innings to earn the win over the Giants last Monday. The outing marked the fourth time from seven outings where he's only given up one run. Mathews has maintained a 3.62 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 36:16 K:BB through 37.1 major-league innings after registering a 3.27 ERA and 120:61 K:BB over 99 frames covering 21 starts at Triple-A Memphis. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: Rostered
Ryne Nelson, Diamondbacks: Nelson, who went on the IL Jun. 19 due to a flexor strain and UCL sprain in his right elbow, was activated and pitched put of the bullpen Wednesday. He was cleared to return after yielding two runs with a 4:0 K:BB across 2.2 innings in two rehab outings with Triple-A Reno. Nelson allowed a hit and two walks over 1.1 scoreless frames during his return. He began the year in the rotation with a mediocre 4.97 ERA over 15 starts, yet also managed six quality starts from his last eight outings prior to the injury. Nelson will work out of the bullpen for the last week. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4 (same 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, was activated and started Sep. 7. He's gone on to surrender three runs on 11 hits with an 11:1 K:BB through 14 innings from three appearances. Pivetta has thrown 63, 69 and 76 pitches in those outings and should top 80 during his start this week. He finally broke through in 2025 after signing a two-year, $23-million contract with the Padres in February that included a $14-million player option for 2027 and an $18-million player option for 2028. Pivetta has been included here as his roster percentage was under 60 when activated. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14
Jose Quintana, Rockies: Quintana, out since May 24 with a sprained left elbow, was activated and started Saturday against the Padres where he gave up three runs on five hits - including a pair of homers - along with a walk and two Ks in four innings. The veteran southpaw made nine starts for Colorado before going down alongside a 2-3 record with a 5.27 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 20:17 K:BB across 41 innings. Look for Quintana to make another start this week. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
JR Ritchie, Braves: Ritchie was promoted from Triple-A Gwinnett to start last Wednesday. Despite allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five through 4.2 innings, he should make additional starts down the stretch with Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) on the 15-day IL and AJ Smith-Shawver dropped to the bullpen. Ritchie now lists a 5.03 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 62.2 innings this, but had been on a roll at Gwinnett with a 2.14 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 44:14 K:BB over 33.2 frames consisting of six starts. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
See which projected starters are going and when with RotoWire's Probable Pitchers page!
RELIEF PITCHER
Dedniel Nunez, Mets: Nunez has become a key member of the Mets' bullpen following his return after 2025 Tommy John surgery. He notched his first save since 2024 on Friday and his fourth hold of the season Saturday. Nunez is now up to a 3.71 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 15:0 K:BB in 17 innings over 16 games. Nunez should head into spring training with a bullpen role. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Robert Suarez, Braves: Suarez, out since Jun. 19, faced live hitters last Sunday where he threw 15 pitches and touched 98 MPH with his fastball. He's scheduled to appear for Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday and could rejoin the Braves this week to operate as a setup man for Raisel Iglesias. Suarez posted a sparkling 0.56 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 26:6 K:BB through 32 innings with four wins, four saves and 12 holds in 31 outings when before being sidelined. He was signed to a three-year contract during the offseason and could close for Atlanta next year if Iglesias retires or isn't brought back. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up in keeper leagues)
Devin Williams, Mets: Williams, out since early August with a strained right shoulder, is likely to be activated this week. He'll make his return without a rehab stint having already recently completed a pair of live batting practice sessions. Prior to getting hurt, Williams recorded a 4.66 ERA, a career-worst 1.66 WHIP and 51:21 K:BB with 16 saves through 19 chances across 38.2 innings as the Mets' closer. The right-hander may not be in his usual role as it appears the team will script his appearances, so it's not guaranteed he'll be closing games. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (up if he closes)
CATCHER
Carson Kelly, Cubs: Kelly has shown that last season's production wasn't a fluke. After blasting 17 home runs and driving in 50 during 2025, he's gone deep 10 times while driving in 58. Kelly has also set a new high for runs with 57 while also posting his best career batting average. Miguel Amaya was thought to be the team's No. 1 catcher, yet Kelly has been extremely solid. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Rostered
Others: Braxton Fulford, Rockies
FIRST BASE
Brett Baty, Mets: Baty qualifies at first, second and third along with the outfield while playing at least 20 games at each. His overall production has declined slightly from last season in terms of slash line and power, calling into question his future role. For the final week with Jared Young (concussion) out, look for Baty and Mark Vientos to get most of the work at first. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Ryan O'Hearn, Pirates: O'Hearn missed six weeks with a left quad strain and returned for the Sep. 11-13 series. He was red-hot the first three months, though slumped in July prior to being sidelined with a .270/.334/.454 line alongside 17 homers from 96 contests. Now active, O'Hearn is starting at either first or DH to not risk aggravating his quad issue in the outfield. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (injury return bid)
Pavin Smith, Diamondbacks: Smith was promoted by the Diamondbacks last Saturday. He opened the year as Arizona's main DH against right-handed pitching, but only slashed .141/.236/.192 with two extra-base hits and six RBI across 89 plate appearances before being DFA'd in early July. Smith passed through waivers and went to Triple-A Reno, where he notched a .925 OPS across 43 appearances. He's seeing a decent share of work at first to close out the campaign. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7
SECOND BASE
Juan Brito, Reds: Brito, normally a second or third baseman, has been operating in the outfield. He's earned those at-bats by going 13-for-40 with five runs, two home runs and 10 RBI from the 13 games since his Sep. 1 promotion. Stay with the hot hand for the final week. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Check out where all the players on your fantasy baseball team fit into RotoWire's MLB Cheat Sheet!
THIRD BASE
Ronny Mauricio, Mets: Mauricio was called up Friday with Jared Young (concussion) going on the IL. He heads back to the bigs for the first time since Jul. 7, though isn't coming back hot as his bat hasn't produced much the last six weeks. Mauricio is out of minor-league options after the season and likely needs to head elsewhere to get consistent action. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Javier Sanoja, Marlins: There is hot, and then there's Sanoja hot. He continues to rake, having upping his average close to .300 by slashing .356/.392/.588 during his last 30 outings through Friday. Sanoja's set new career-highs in runs, homers, RBI and steals along with every other hitting category. He's eligible at second, third and in the outfield in almost all leagues and at shortstop in formats requiring 10 contests. Ride the wave. 12-team Mixed: Rostered; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: Rostered
Others: Oswaldo Cabrera, Reds
SHORTSTOP
Jose Fernandez, Diamondbacks: Fernandez was recalled last Sunday after being sent down on Aug. 31, as the move corresponds with the Diamondbacks designating Lourdes Gurriel for assignment. He went .262/.305/.356 to go with nine steals, three home runs and 16 RBI across 207 major-league plate appearances prior to the demotion. Fernandez is receiving sporadic work on the left side of the infield. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
OUTFIELD
Scott Bandura, Giants: Bandura was promoted last Sunday by the Giants. The 27-year-old outfielder earned that by posting an .895 OPS with 13 homers and 34 steals in 131 games between Double-A and Triple-A. Bandura filled the roster spot vacated by Rafael Devers, who was placed on the 60-day IL Sunday due to a core muscle injury. After initially sitting, he started four of the next five with three against a southpaw and one versus a righty as the club plays out the string. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7
Jonah Cox, Giants: Cox extended his hitting streak to eight games on Friday in which he's gone 11-for-32 with six runs scored, four driven in and four stolen bases. Since being activated from the IL on Aug. 29, he's 29-for-99 with three home runs, 11 RBI, 19 runs and nine steals alongside a .302/.350/.427 line while starting nearly every day. Cox is splitting time between center and right field. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22
Dustin Harris, Padres: Harris has found his footing since arriving in San Diego having hit safely in his last eight going 13-for-31 over that span. The outfielder has provided some speed with three steals and two triples as the Padres look to clinch a playoff berth. On the season, Harris is batting .314 with a .776 OPS, no homers, 18 RBI, 17 runs, three doubles, three triples and nine stolen bases through 117 plate appearances between the Padres, White Sox and Astros with most of that production coming in SoCal. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16
Jakob Marsee, Marlins: Marsee is hitting .227 overall with a .702 OPS, 11 home runs, 23 steals, 39 RBI, 78 runs scored, 19 doubles and six triples across 147 contests. Those numbers only tell part of the picture as he's slashed .313/.421/.523 from his last 39 games through Thursday with five home runs, 11 RBI, 25 runs and four stolen bases and looks to be a staple in the Marlins' lineup. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Rostered
Esteury Ruiz, Marlins: Ruiz is earning additional outfield work with Owen Caissie's lumbar stress reaction that put him on theIL. Griffin Conine is also in the mix now that Kyle Stowers (first base/outfield) and Xavier Edwards (second base) have both returned, meaning that Ruiz needs to pick it up to receive continued playing time. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
Jesus Sanchez, Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks claimed Sanchez off waivers from the Blue Jays on Monday. Arizona takes on the $6.8-million left on his 2026 salary and will retain his rights for next year, though is a likely non-tender candidate. Sanchez has produced a .260/.318/.416 line with eight home runs from 99 appearances for Toronto and provides manager Torey Lovullo with another option in left and DH. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
Others: Victor Bericoto, Giants (activated off injured list)
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