This article is part of our NL FAAB Factor series.
We have two goals for this article:
1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.
Bids in general are best guesstimates. With so much uncertainty at least initially, those values may be even greater estimates than usual. The FAAB chart below lets users easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.
The chart, which is sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This is a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. An "A" grade is reserved for a high-impact prospect stepping into an everyday role.
If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.
| PLAYER | TEAM | POS | GRADE | 12-Team Mixed $ | 15-Team Mixed $ | NL-Only $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Burns | CIN | SP | A/B | $3 | $4 | $14 (upped bid from prior) |
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (same early injury bid) |
| Didier Fuentes | ATL | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | No | $0 | $5 (up in keeper leagues) |
| Janson Junk | MIA | SP | E | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Joey Lucchesi | SF | SP/RP | E | No | No | $5 |
| Frankie Montas | NYM | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (same injury return bid) |
| Andrew Painter | PHI | SP | B | $1 | $4 | $6 (same stash candidate bid) |
| Carson Palmquist | COL | SP | E | No | No | $5 |
| Chase |
We have two goals for this article:
1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.
Bids in general are best guesstimates. With so much uncertainty at least initially, those values may be even greater estimates than usual. The FAAB chart below lets users easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.
The chart, which is sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This is a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. An "A" grade is reserved for a high-impact prospect stepping into an everyday role.
If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.
| PLAYER | TEAM | POS | GRADE | 12-Team Mixed $ | 15-Team Mixed $ | NL-Only $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Burns | CIN | SP | A/B | $3 | $4 | $14 (upped bid from prior) |
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (same early injury bid) |
| Didier Fuentes | ATL | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | No | $0 | $5 (up in keeper leagues) |
| Janson Junk | MIA | SP | E | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Joey Lucchesi | SF | SP/RP | E | No | No | $5 |
| Frankie Montas | NYM | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (same injury return bid) |
| Andrew Painter | PHI | SP | B | $1 | $4 | $6 (same stash candidate bid) |
| Carson Palmquist | COL | SP | E | No | No | $5 |
| Chase Petty | CIN | SP | D | $0 | $2 | $7 |
| Blade Tidwell | NYM | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (stash bid) |
| Justin Verlander | SF | SP | C/D | $2 | $7 | $11 |
| Brandon Woodruff | MIL | SP | C | $3 | $9 | $14 (same injury return bid) |
| Seth Halvorsen | COL | RP | C | $3 | $7 | $11 |
| Porter Hodge | CHI | RP | D | $0 | $1 | $5 (early injury return bid) |
| Orion Kerkering | PHI | RP | C | $2 | $7 | $11 (upped bid from prior) |
| Joey Bart | PIT | C | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Aramis Garcia | AZ | C | E | No | No | $4 |
| Jose Herrera | AZ | C | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Pedro Pages | STL | C | D | $0 | $1 | $7 |
| Yohel Pozo | STL | C | E | No | $0 | $5 |
| Luis Torrens | NYM | C | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Trenton Brooks | SD | 1B | E | No | No | $5 |
| Michael Toglia | COL | 1B | D | $3 | $9 | $14 |
| Buddy Kennedy | PHI | 2B | E | No | No | $5 |
| Thomas Saggese | STL | 2B | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Rafael Devers | SF | 3B | A | Rostered | Rostered | $95 |
| Brady House | WAS | 3B | B | $3 | $9 | $14 (upped from prior) |
| Noelvi Marte | CIN | 3B | D | $0 | $2 | $7 (same injury return bid) |
| Paul DeJong | WAS | SS | E | No | No | $5 (same injury return bid) |
| Isaac Collins | MIL | OF | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Stuart Fairchild | CIN | OF | E | No | No | $6 |
| Derek Hill | MIL | OF | E | No | No | $5 (early injury return bid) |
| Bryce Johnson | SD | OF | E | No | No | $6 |
| Daniel Johnson | SF | OF | E | No | No | $4 |
| Mickey Moniak | COL | OF | D | $2 | $7 | Rostered |
| Jurickson Profar | ATL | OF | C | $2 | $7 | $11 (early return bid) |
STARTING PITCHER
Chase Burns, Reds: Burns is expected to be called up from Triple-A Louisville and make his major-league debut against the Yankees on Tuesday. He continued his dominance in the minors last Wednesday as he struck out seven over seven innings while allowing one run on three hits and no walks. Burns has only given up more than one earned run twice through 13 starts this year. He made the jump to Triple-A after posting an impressive 1.29 ERA and 0.71 WHIP with 55 strikeouts across 42 innings and eight outings with Double-A Chattanooga. Burns was advanced there in mid-April after producing a 3.09 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 20 Ks through 11.2 innings at High-A Dayton. In addition to a straight upper-90s fastball (touches 102), the second overall pick from 2024 boasts a monster upper-80s slider. Burns' curveball is also a plus offering and a seldom-used changeup will flash plus to provide several options to retire hitters. He gets the nod with both Hunter Greene (groin) and Wade Miley (elbow) sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped bid from prior)
Nestor Cortes, Brewers: Cortes, diagnosed with a left elbow flexor strain and placed on the injured list on Apr. 6, progressed to throwing a bullpen with two up-downs on Wednesday and no after-effects. He'll next throw a live bullpen before advancing to starting a rehab assignment. Cortes's progress has been slow, but he could be back around the All-Star Game barring any setbacks. Acquired in the Devin Williams deal this offseason, he should be part of the team's starting rotation when healthy. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same early injury bid)
Didier Fuentes, Braves: Fuentes, who just turned 20 earlier in the week, was promoted to start Friday against Miami where he surrendered four runs on six hits and one walk in five innings while fanning three. He started the year at High-A Rome, then was moved to Double-A Columbus after three starts before advancing to Triple-A Gwinnett for one outing. Fuentes' overall numbers weren't, yet he collected a 2.41 ERA and 23:4 K:BB across 18.2 innings covering his last four appearances. It was expected to just be a spot start, though Chris Sale's fractured left ribcage likely means Fuentes will remain in the rotation. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 (up in keeper leagues)
Janson Junk, Marlins: Junk moved into the Miami rotation on Friday, where he picked up the win after five innings of one-run ball with five hits and no walks while striking out five. This was his first start since 2023 after working in bulk relief. Junk's fastball is up almost two MPH from last year while his walk rate has been halved. With Max Meyer on the shelf with a hip injury, Junk may have earned himself more starts - with the next scheduled appearances set to come on the road against the Giants. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Joey Lucchesi, Giants: Lucchesi was called up last Sunday from Triple-A Sacramento to provide bullpen depth following the trade of Kyle Harrison to the Red Sox. He previously started in 77 of his 81 ML appearances, but worked exclusively in relief with Sacramento this year a 3.23 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 31:8 K:BB through 30.2 innings. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Frankie Montas, Mets: Montas, sidelined with a high grade lat strain and profiled the last month, finished his rehab assignment on Wednesday with his outing going as poorly as his other minor-league outings as he allowed five runs on seven hits and a walk in five innings at Triple-A Syracuse. Over six rehab starts and 18.2 innings between High-A and Triple-A, he's struggled to a 12.05 ERA and 12:10 K:BB while serving up eight homers. Despite the poor numbers, Montas will be activated and start Tuesday against the Braves due to the team's starting needs. The right-hander, who signed a one-year, $17 million contract with a similar player option for 2026 with the Mets last December, should remain part of the middle/back-end of the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (same early injury return bid)
Andrew Painter, Phillies: Pitching on regular (four days) rest for the first time after conceding a career-high six runs during his previous start, Painter gave up one hit and two walks with six strikeouts across five scoreless frames last Sunday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He's recovering from Tommy John in Jul. 2023 and is building towards an All-Star break promotion, with his last solid outing alleviating some concerns after a rough patch. Painter showed that his stuff was back in the Arizona Fall League by using all four of his plus pitches with his four-seam fastball up to 99 and averaging 97. He'll slot into the Philly rotation once promoted. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same stash candidate bid)
Carson Palmquist, Rockies: Palmqvist, sent down last Thursday, was called back up Sunday to take the place of the injured Kyle Freeland (back) where he gave up four runs on four hits and three walks with two Ks during 4.2 innings on Monday while yet to go more than five innings in an outing. He should remain in the rotation at least until Freeland or one of the other injured starters returns. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Chase Petty, Reds: The Reds placed Wade Miley on the 15-day IL on Friday - retroactive to Jun. 17 - due to a left flexor strain. Stepping into his roster and rotation spot - at least in the short-term - is Petty, though he operated in a bulk relief role Saturday. His big-league numbers in two outings before Saturday's start were ugly, but he's been extremely good at Triple-A Louisville other than one subpar appearance. Petty will need to pitch well to keep that spot with Chase Burns next up. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7
Blade Tidwell, Mets: Tidwell was called up to make his second career major-league start on Friday, where he gave up two runs on four hits and three walks with four strikeouts over 3.2 innings versus the Phillies. In his first MLB start back on May 4 against the Cardinals, he allowed six earned with nine hits and three walks across 3.2 frames. This is more of a need than an earned start as Tidwell registered a 4.76 ERA and 1.27 WHIP at Triple-A Syracuse, though did notch 73 Ks through 62.1 innings. It was a one-and-done outing for him as Frankie Montas will start Tuesday and Sean Manaea could return at the start of July. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (stash bid)
Justin Verlander, Giants: Verlander, who missed about three weeks with a right pectoral strain, returned to action Wednesday after eschewing a rehab start. He tossed a 65-pitch simulated game to lead to his activation and came back to concede four runs (three earned) on three hits and one walk while striking out six across 4.2 innings. Verlander went 0-2 in six outings before going on the IL while registering a 2.97 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 24:12 K:BB from 33.1 innings, yet his overall numbers are a far cry from that. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Brandon Woodruff, Brewers: Woodruff, first recovering from right shoulder surgery and then a tweaked right ankle, was close to returning when he was hit on the right elbow with a comeback on Jun. 3. He threw his first bullpen session since the injury last Sunday lasting 25 pitches. On Thursday, he threw an up-down bullpen session of 40 to simulate two innings and will do one more BP session on Tuesday, which should pave the way for resuming his rehab assignment. When that happens, Woodruff hopes to throw around 60 pitches during his first outing and then 75-80 next time out. If all goes well, that might be enough for him to return to the Brewers, possibly before the All-Star break. Once back, Woodruff should occupy the second or third spot in the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (same injury return bid)
Check out which projected starters are going and when with RotoWire's Probable Pitchers page!
RELIEF PITCHER
Seth Halvorsen, Rockies: Halvorsen notched back-to-back saves this week, though he blew the chance on Thursday and took the loss. Through 30.1 innings, he's posted a 4.45 ERA and a 28:14 K:BB with five saves. Zach Agnos was optioned down earlier in the week, leaving Halvorsen as the probable closer with Tyler Kinley and Victor Vodnik also in the mix. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Porter Hodge, Cubs: Hodge (oblique, hip impingement) threw a hitless inning on Tuesday during his second rehab outing for Iowa. He'll require at least one more Triple-A rehab appearance before rejoining the Cubs. Ryan Pressly and Daniel Palencia have ably handled closing duties, meaning Hodge will settle into a setup spot upon returning. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Orion Kerkering, Phillies: Kerkering was mentioned a few weeks ago and is back here as he earned his first save of the year Monday and then his second on Thursday. He's now made 18 consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run, a stretch where he's tossed 16.1 innings with a 15:8 K:BB. Jordan Romano and Matt Strahm, who each set up Kerkering on Monday, have also recently picked up saves. If Phillies manager Rob Thomson is trending towards employing a closer committee, Kerkering and his 2.37 ERA across 30.1 total innings could be in line for more save opportunities. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped bid from prior)
CATCHER
Joey Bart, Pirates: Bart, out with a concussion since late May, returned on Tuesday. He went 3-for-13 with four walks, two RBI and a run from five minor-league games to prove he was healthy enough to come back. Now out of concussion protocol and fully healthy, Bart has resumed his place as Pittsburgh's primary catcher with Henry Davis backing up. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Aramis Garcia/Jose Herrera, Diamondbacks: Gabriel Moreno took a wild pitch off his right hand on Jun. 6. And after trying to play through the injury, he finally went on the IL Thursday. Moreno was finally diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his right pointer finger, which likely will sideline him for several weeks. Garcia was slashing .250/.399/.524 with 10 homers and 22 RBI in 158 plate appearances for Triple-A Reno and was promoted (again) to provide some depth behind the plate. Herrera, who's been the backup, becomes the primary catcher supported by Garcia. Garcia - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4; Herrera - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6
Pedro Pages/Yohel Pozo, Cardinals: Ivan Herrera was diagnosed with Grade 2 strain in his left hamstring to put him out for two-to-six weeks. Filling the hole at catcher will be Pages along with Pozo. Pages has shown a little power while Pozo was known for his bat - and not his glove - in the minors. If Pozo can prove he's up to the task defensively, he could receive more playing time. For now, Pages is the one to roster. Pages - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7; Pozo - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5
Luis Torrens, Mets: Francisco Alvarez is still working through the modifications to his swing mechanics that began this offseason, which has resulted in a rough start. While the team believes he's showing progress of late, his lack of production and defensive issues could result in a demotion to Triple-A Syracuse. If that occurs, Torrens - who's already in line for an increase in action while Alvarez struggles, would be the No. 1 catcher. He hasn't recently been much better than Alvarez, so temper your expectations even if a change is made. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6
FIRST BASE
Trenton Brooks, Padres: Brooks was promoted from Triple-A El Paso on Sunday after producing a .313/.415/.585 line with 13 home runs and 53 RBI through265 plate appearances. He provides another left-handed bench bat, though it's unlikely he'll regularly bump Gavin Sheets or Luis Arraez out of the lineup at first or left field while the Padres can rotate several other players in at DH. Brooks will likely see indirect competition for playing time from Tyler Wade and Jose Iglesias while he's on the big-league roster while Jackson Merrill (concussion) and Jason Heyward (oblique) are on the IL. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Michael Toglia, Rockies: The Rockies recalled Toglia from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday. He was sent down in late May after only slashing .194/.266/.349 with a 39.1 percent strikeout rate from his first 54 games. Toglia cut his strikeout rate to a more respectable 29.4 at Albuquerque while collecting a .921 OPS and three homers across 11 contests. Making contact remains an issue, but he should play every day at first. Toglia's power upside - as witnessed through his three home runs this week - makes him worth picking back up in fantasy leagues for managers requiring corner infield/outfield help, provided there's a 15-game position requirement. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16
SECOND BASE
Buddy Kennedy, Phillies: Kennedy was promoted from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday. He turned in an .835 OPS across 464 plate appearances in the minors last season and re-upped with the club during the spring. Kennedy posted a .283/.388/.447 line with eight homers and a 41:31 K:BB over 61 games with Lehigh Valley, though he's cooled off in June with a .185/.323/.259. He'll operate as a utility infielder. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Thomas Saggese, Cardinals: Saggese was promoted from Triple-A Memphis Friday to replace Ivan Herrera (hamstring) on the Cardinals' roster. The 23-year-old was up with St. Louis for most of April while Masyn Winn was sidelined and was productive with a .341/.364/.512 line and one home run across 14 games. Saggese was boxed out for playing time, which resulted in returning to Memphis where he's recorded an .836 OPS in 185 overall plate appearances - but he could get work against lefties. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
See where all the players on your fantasy baseball team fit into RotoWire's MLB Cheat Sheet!
THIRD BASE
Rafael Devers, Giants: In case you've been living under a rock, Devers was traded last Sunday to the Giants. He's covering third with Matt Chapman outing, yet is expected to get action at first and DH. Devers is added solely because he's now eligible to be added in NL-only leagues. 12-team Mixed: Rostered, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $95 (save a few dollars for future bids)
Brady House, Nationals: House was discussed the last two weeks and has earned another repeat as he was promoted Sunday. The Nationals' 2021 first-rounder earned the call up via his red-hot play at Triple-A Harrisburg after rebounding from a slow start. House slashed .304/.353/.519 with 13 homers and 41 RBI while upping his walk rate and slightly cutting his strikeouts to prove he was ready. The Nationals received little production at third base, which should allow House to play almost daily. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped bid from prior)
Noelvi Marte, Reds: Marte was doing well offensively before being sidelined in early May with a Grade 2 left oblique strain. He began hitting from soft tosses in a batting cage on Jun. 6 and met Friday's target to start a rehab assignment. Cincinnati has several available options for the hot corner, but Marte - who'll require a few weeks of action before being ready to return - should get a chance to regain his starting spot upon returning. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7 (same injury return bid)
SHORTSTOP
Paul DeJong, Nationals: Dejong, hit in the face by a Mitch Keller pitch on Apr. 15, required surgery to repair his nose and sinuses. He was cleared by his surgeon and began a rehab assignment Tuesday at Double-A Harrisburg. DeJong will be brought along slowly, yet remains on track to rejoin the Nationals' roster at the end of June/start of July. When he does come back, the presence of Andres Chaparro and recent promotion of Brady House would relegate him to utility duty. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 (same early injury return bid)
OUTFIELD
Isaac Collins, Brewers: Collins has been on fire by notching four multi-hit performances over his last nine games where he's gone 11 for-33 with five extra-base hits, nine RBI and seven walks. As long as both Blake Perkins (shin) and Garrett Mitchell (oblique) are on the IL, Collins should continue in a regular outfield role. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Billy Cook, Pirates: Cook was brought up from Triple-A Indianapolis Wednesday after Bryan Reynolds (personal) was placed on the paternity list. He had spent all of 2025 at Triple-A, where he registered a .266/.350/.329 line with no homers and 10 steals through 62 games, a far cry from his numbers at the same level last year. Cook will likely head back to the minors when Reynolds returns. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Stuart Fairchild, Braves: Fairchild, shelved since late May with a dislocated pinky finger, was activated Monday. He went 5-for-12 in three rehab contests before coming and is set to receive occasional action in the outfield against left-handed pitching. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $6
Derek Hill, Marlins: Hill had been sidelined for four weeks with a sprained left wrist before beginning a hitting program Monday. He'll need to progress to live batting practice and will likely require a rehab assignment before rejoining the Marlins. Once activated, Hill should resume his role as a platoon outfielder mainly against lefties. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 (early injury return bid)
Bryce Johnson, Padres: Johnson was promoted from Triple-A El Paso on Monday. He provides additional outfield depth while Jackson Merrill (concussion) and Jason Heyward (oblique) are on the IL. Johnson made 47 appearances for the Padres last season, where he only slashed .206/.286/.238. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $6
Daniel Johnson, Giants: Johnson did a same day U-turn Tuesday back to San Fran to replace Jerar Encarnacion (oblique) on the active roster. He's set to continue coming off the bench most days while with the parent club. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
Mickey Moniak, Rockies: Moniak, who sits against most lefties, is enjoying a big June against righties hitting .387 (12-for-31) in 10 games with five of his 10 homers overall along with two steals, nine runs and nine RBI. He's also worked at all three outfield positions, which should continue to happen. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Rostered
Jurickson Profar, Braves: Profar completed an 80-game suspension and started a two-week assignment at Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday. Barring any additional postponements, he'll be eligible to return on Jul. 2. Manager Brian Snitker indicated Tuesday that Profar will be slotted into the No. 2 spot while playing almost daily in left. It's fair to question how productive he'll be as he comes back from a PED suspension, especially after last year's numbers season - though the upside is evident. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early return bid)
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