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 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braxton Ashcraft | PIT | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Chase Burns | CIN | SP | A/B | $3 | $9 | $14 (upped bid from prior) |
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (same early injury bid) |
| Frankie Montas | NYM | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (slightly upped return bid) |
| Carson Seymour | SF | SP | E | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Jackson Stephens | ATL | SP | E | No | $0 | $5 (spec call up bid) |
| Emmet Sheehan | LA | SP | C | $1 | $4 | $7 (spec call up bid) |
| Blade Tidwell | NYM | SP | D | No | $0 | $5 (lowered bid from prior) |
| Brandon Woodruff | MIL | SP | C |
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 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braxton Ashcraft | PIT | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Chase Burns | CIN | SP | A/B | $3 | $9 | $14 (upped bid from prior) |
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (same early injury bid) |
| Frankie Montas | NYM | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (slightly upped return bid) |
| Carson Seymour | SF | SP | E | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Jackson Stephens | ATL | SP | E | No | $0 | $5 (spec call up bid) |
| Emmet Sheehan | LA | SP | C | $1 | $4 | $7 (spec call up bid) |
| Blade Tidwell | NYM | SP | D | No | $0 | $5 (lowered bid from prior) |
| Brandon Woodruff | MIL | SP | C | $3 | $9 | $14 (same injury return bid) |
| Porter Hodge | CHI | RP | D | No | $0 | $5 (lowered return bid) |
| Michael Kopech | LA | RP | C | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Miguel Amaya | CHI | C | E | $0 | $1 | $6 (early injury return bid) |
| James McCann | AZ | C | E | No | $0 | $5 |
| Pavin Smith | AZ | 1B/OF | D | $2 | $7 | Rostered |
| Jose Fermin | STL | 2B | E | No | No | $5 |
| Nick Gonzales | PIT | 2B | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Garrett Hampson | STL | 2B | E | No | No | $6 |
| Hyeseong Kim | LA | 2B | C/D | $3 | $9 | Rostered |
| Blaze Alexander | AZ | 3B | E | No | $0 | $5 |
| Noelvi Marte | CIN | 3B | C/D | $0 | $2 | $7 (same injury return bid) |
| Paul DeJong | WAS | SS | E | No | No | $5 (same injury return bid) |
| Christian Koss | SF | SS | E | No | No | $5 |
| Brett Wisely | SF | SS | E | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Randal Grichuk | AZ | OF | E | $0 | $2 | $7 |
| Jake McCarthy | AZ | OF | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (SB potential) |
| Austin Hays | CIN | OF | C | $8 | $16 | Rostered |
| Heriberto Hernandez | MIA | OF | E | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Derek Hill | MIL | OF | E | No | No | $5 (same early injury return bid) |
| Rece Hinds | CIN | OF | D | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Ryan Vilade | CIN | OF | E | No | No | $5 |
| Travis Jankowski | NYM | OF | E | No | No | $5 |
| Blake Perkins | MIL | OF | D | $1 | $4 | $7 (slightly upped early injury return bid) |
| Jesse Winker | NYM | OF | D | $0 | $2 | $7 (early injury return bid) |
STARTING PITCHER
Braxton Ashcraft, Pirates: Ashcraft moved into the starting rotation on Monday, where he allowed one hit and no walks over three scoreless innings with two strikeouts. And that's after the first seven appearances after his May 26 promotion came out of the bullpen. The right-hander fared well while working in relief by producing a 1.54 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 10 Ks in 11.2 innings. Prior to being called up, Ashcraft had started 10 times for Triple-A Indianapolis, so it's possible the Pirates are looking to incorporate him into their rotation - though he pitched in relief Saturday. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Chase Burns, Reds: Burns was called up as expected from Triple-A Louisville to make his major-league debut against the Yankees last Tuesday where he gave up three runs on six hits and no walks across five innings while fanning eight, including his first five batters. He only conceded more than one earned run twice from 13 starts this year while blazing through the system. Burns made the jump to Triple-A after an impressive 1.29 ERA and 0.71 WHIP with 55 strikeouts through 42 innings (eight starts) at Double-A Chattanooga. He had been advanced there in mid-April after producing a 3.09 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 20 strikeouts from 11.2 innings (three starts) with 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 his seldom-used changeup will flash plus to give him several options to retire hitters. He should stick around in the bigs, at least until Hunter Greene (groin/back) is ready to return. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (same bid from prior)
Nestor Cortes, Brewers: Cortes, diagnosed with a left elbow flexor strain and placed on the IL on Apr. 6, threw two simulated innings Friday and is expected to go on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday. He was cleared to throw bullpen sessions in early June, and is now ready to take that next step. Cortes will require multiple rehab starts before rejoining the Brewers' rotation and is on track to return to the Majors around the All-Star break. Acquired in the Devin Williams deal this offseason, he should be part of the team's rotation when healthy. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same early injury bid)
Frankie Montas, Mets: Montas, sidelined with a high grade lat strain and profiled the last month, is here again as some leagues only allow for players to be acquired once they're off the IL. Through six rehab starts and 18.2 innings between High-A and Triple-A, he compiled a 12.05 ERA and 12:10 K:BB while serving up eight homers. Montas showed in his first ML outing that maybe the concerns over those poor numbers were overblown as he produced five scoreless innings while averaging 96 with his fastball in his Mets debut. Due to all the rotation injuries, he is all but locked into a spot. The right-hander signed a one-year, $17-million contract with a similar player option for 2026 with the club last December and now covers the middle of the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (slightly upped return bid)
Carson Seymour, Giants: The Giants promoted Seymour, who joined the organization in 2022 via trade, from Triple-A Sacramento on Friday. He worked exclusively as a starter at Triple-A while logging a 3.89 ERA and an 83:37 K:BB over 74 innings. While San Fran isn't in need of another starting pitcher, Seymour could replace Hayden Birdsong at the back end of the rotation if the latter's struggles persist. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
Jackson Stephens, Braves: Stephens could be promoted to replace the struggling Didier Fuentes – or possibly Bryce Elder – in the Atlanta rotation. Fuentes has coughed up 10 runs across 8.1 innings from his first two starts with a 4:1 K:BB. And while the organization still believes in his future, the 20-year-old doesn't appear ready for the big leagues. Stephens has spent most of the year in the bullpen for Triple-A Gwinnett, but has thrown nine scoreless frames with a 12:3 K:BB through two starts since being shifted to the rotation last week. The veteran righty has made appearances for Atlanta in each of the last three seasons while recording a 3.52 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 60:29 K:BB in 69 innings while primarily working in relief. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 (spec call up bid)
Emmet Sheehan, Dodgers: Sheehan, recovering from May 2024 Tommy John surgery, went four innings and 65 pitches (43 strikes) on Jun. 18 while surrendering one run on three hits and no walks and striking out six in what turned out to be a spot start. He surprisingly was sent down and pitched like he had a chip on his shoulder by striking out 13 through six perfect frames at Oklahoma City. Sheehan will make his next minor-league start and then could be back up once eligible to return. He appeared in 13 games - 11 starts - for LA during 2023 and has accumulated a combined 21.1 innings. Sheehan could move into the team's rotation, at least under Shohei Ohtani also gets stretched out. Then either he or Ben Casparius - who's scuffled a bit of late - could be the odd man out depending on if any of the injured LA starters are ready to come back. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (spec bid)
Blade Tidwell, Mets: Tidwell, promoted last week to make his second career ML start Friday, was sent down after the outing. He's now scheduled to rejoin the rotation and replace the injured Griffin Canning (torn left Achilles). Tidwell has made two starts this season while posting a 9.82 ERA and 6:6 K:BB across 7.1 innings and allowing four earned runs on five hits and two walks over 3.1 innings of relief on Friday. His rough numbers at both levels could result in the club turning to Nolan McLean or Jonah Tong to step into the rotation until Sean Manaea (oblique/elbow) is ready. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 (lowered bid from prior)
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 two weeks ago by totaling 25 pitches. Woodruff progressed to a sim game and resumed his rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville on Sunday. If all goes well, he could possibly rejoin the Brewers this upcoming weekend for the first time since late 2023. Once back, Woodruff would slot into the second or third spot in Milwaukee's rotation. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (same injury return bid)
See which projected starters are going and when with RotoWire's Probable Pitchers page!
RELIEF PITCHER
Porter Hodge, Cubs: Hodge (oblique, hip impingement) was activated off the IL Tuesday. He gave up eight runs (seven earned) with a 3:4 K:BB over three innings in four rehab outings at Triple-A Iowa, so the Cubs may ease him back into high-leverage situations. Ryan Pressly and Daniel Palencia have ably handled closing duties, meaning Hodge will likely remain in a setup role after he finds his form. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5
Michael Kopech, Dodgers: Kopech, who returned from the IL on Jun. 8, has pitched in eight games while not allowing a run across seven innings. He's produced five holds while averaging over a strikeout per inning, so he's a desirable asset in fantasy leagues that count holds. Kopech returned from right forearm inflammation and then a right shoulder impingement and was dominant at times last year after moving to the bullpen. The shorter stints served him well as he struck out 88 across 67.2 innings between the White Sox and Dodgers. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
CATCHER
Miguel Amaya, Cubs: Amaya was placed on the 10-day IL with a left oblique injury on May 24 and started a hitting program last week. He began to throw on Jun. 15 and barring any setbacks should be close to starting a rehab assignment. Once back in action, Amaya should split time with Carson Kelly, though Reese McGuire has done well filling that spot to allow Chicago to slow play Amaya if necessary. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (early injury return bid)
James McCann, Diamondbacks: Arizona signed McCann to be a veteran presence behind the plate and share catching duties with Jose Herrera while Gabriel Moreno (hand) is on the IL. Before Atlanta released him over the weekend, McCann had played exclusively in the minors during 2025 while slashing .305/.345/.510 in 165 plate appearances. The 35-year-old carries a .673 OPS over parts of 11 big-league campaigns, so his value to the D-Backs will be in pitch calling and defense. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5
FIRST BASE
Pavin Smith, Diamondbacks: Smith has found his RBI stroke of late by driving in 11 runs from the last nine outings. That's a greater number than he produced during each of March, April or May. Smith is locked into a near-everyday role at either DH or first while extending his modest hitting streak to five with a single on Saturday.12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Rostered
SECOND BASE
Jose Fermin, Cardinals: Fermin was called up from Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday. He got the nod after producing a .308/.431/.483 line with five homers, 19 steals and a 19:37 K:BB over 55 contests. The 26-year-old had registered a .504 OPS through 66 career ML contests and will mainly operate as a reserve infielder. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Nick Gonzales, Pirates: Gonzales got off to a slow start after coming off the IL in early June, yet has since found his form posting a .315/.346/.493 slash line with a pair of home runs, eight RBI and eight runs in 18 games. The 2020 first-round pick is locked in as the Bucs' starting second sacker. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Garrett Hampson, Cardinals: St. Louis claimed Hampson off waivers from the Reds on Tuesday. The utility player offers protection all over the field while logging back-to-back outings in center field this week. Early signs are that Hampson will form the short side of a platoon at the position with Victor Scott, though his career numbers indicate he'll eventually fade. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $6
Hyeseong Kim, Dodgers: Kim could be in line for additional playing time at second now that Tommy Edman is healthy enough to play the outfield. He had been part of the Dodgers' starting lineup during four of the last 13 matchups while making three starts in center and one at second, where he started on Saturday. The 26-year-old rookie is slashing .372/.410/.538 with two homers and six steals across 83 plate appearances. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Rostered
Check out where all the players on your fantasy baseball team fit into RotoWire's MLB Cheat Sheet!
THIRD BASE
Blaze Alexander, Diamondbacks: Alexander was promoted from Triple-A Reno on Wednesday. With fellow Reno infielder Jordan Lawlar out a month with a hamstring injury, Alexander moved up to the big club after the Diamondbacks lost Ildemaro Vargas to a fractured right foot. He can play three infield spots as well as center field and will work as a utility player with Eugenio Suarez (hand) back in the lineup. Alexander appeared in 61 games for Arizona during 2024, but has played exclusively at Triple-A so far in 2025 where he produced a .284/.413/.479 line with eight home runs and 11 stolen bases from 54 contests. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5
Noelvi Marte, Reds: Marte was red-hot at the plate before being sidelined in early May with a Grade 2 left oblique strain. He began a rehab assignment last week at the Arizona Complex League and then moved up to Double-A Chattanooga on Wednesday. Cincinnati has several available options for the hot corner, but Marte should get a chance to regain his starting spot when he returns after getting in a few more minor-league games. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7 (same injury return bid)
SHORTSTOP
Christian Koss/Brett Wisely, Giants: Koss and Wisely are covering second base following the demotion of Tyler Fitzgerald. Of the two, Wisely is the slightly better hitte - though neither has been overly productive when in the Majors. The Giants likely hope Fitzgerald finds his stroke at Triple-A Sacramento and is called back up quickly. In the short-term, target Wisely if picking up one. Koss - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5; Wisely - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6
OUTFIELD
Randal Grichuk/Jake McCarthy, Diamondbacks: Corbin Carroll is sidelined - likely for at least a month - with a fractured left wrist (yes, you did hear me cursing from my house), resulting in McCarthy coming up from Triple-A Reno. He struggled earlier in the season with Arizona, going 3-for-41 (.073) with a .170 OBP. McCarthy performed well at Reno - as he typically does - by recording 12 steals with a .401 OBP over 49 games. He looks to be the primary initial beneficiary with Grichuk receiving some time in right along with DH when Pavin Smith isn't in the lineup. Tim Tawa could also factor in the right field mix. Grichuk - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7; McCarthy - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (based on SB potential)
Austin Hays, Reds: Hays, out for nearly a month with a left foot contusion, was activated off the IL on Friday. In his first year with Cincy, he's slashing .303/.346/.555 with six homers, 25 RBI and 23 runs through 31 contests. Hays should once again start almost daily in either left or DH. 12-team Mixed: $8, 15-team Mixed: $15; 12-team NL: Rostered
Heriberto Hernandez, Marlins: Hernandez is seeing sporadic duty the past week after starting nearly every day since his May 30 promotion. He's made the most of his playing time by registering a .373/.389/.569 slash line with a pair of homers and nine RBI during 53 June plate appearances. Hernandez went .220/.319/.454 with nine home runs and six steals through 41 games at Triple-A Jacksonville, so be careful not to overrate while taking advantage of his bat while he's hot. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Derek Hill, Marlins: Hill, sidelined for the last month with a sprained left wrist, started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville Thursday. He'll likely only require a handful of rehab at-bats, with a return for the start of the Marlins' homestand on Tuesday representing a possible target. Once activated, Hill should resume his role as a platoon outfielder mainly against left-handers. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 (same early injury return bid)
Rece Hinds/Ryan Vilade, Reds: Hinds was promoted last Sunday after spending a month in the minors. He posted a healthy .298/.365/.556 line with 11 home runs, 44 RBI, 13 steals and 41 runs over 57 games for Triple-A Louisville to earn the call-up. Hinds is mainly being deployed as a short-side platoon (against southpaws) in the corner outfield or at DH. Vilade was summoned from Louisville on Wednesday as a replacement for outfielder Connor Joe, who was placed on the IL after coming down with hand, foot and mouth disease. The right-handed-hitting Vilade provides defensive versatility and could be used as a short-side platoon player. Hinds - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6; Vilade - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Travis Jankowski, Mets: The Stony Brook, LI product is back with the Mets. The 34-year-old saw time with the team back in 2022 and slashed .244/.286/.289 through 21 games between the White Sox and Rays this year. Jankowski will operate as a reserve outfielder while getting action as a defensive replacement and pinch runner. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Blake Perkins, Brewers: A fractured right shin has kept Perkins on the IL since the start of the regular season. After hitting a speed bump during his rehab, he turned the corner and kicked off a rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League on Jun. 14. Perkins went .389/.500/.389 with two RBI, one steal, a 4:4 BB:K and zero extra-base hits through seven games before joining Triple-A Nashville Thursday. Barring any setbacks, he should be ready to return early next month. As a switch-hitter with elite defensive skills, Perkins is a prototypical fourth outfielder with speed his main value. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (slightly upped early injury return bid)
Jesse Winker, Mets: Winker, shelved since early May with a Grade 2 oblique strain, kicked off a rehab assignment with High-A Brooklyn on Sunday. The 31-year-old is eligible for activation from the 60-day IL on July 4 and has a decent shot to return then. Once back, Winker should get plenty of action at DH versus right-handed pitching - yet Mark Vientos and Starling Marte will also see time there. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7 (early injury return bid)
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