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 serves as 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 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubba Chandler | PIT | SP | B/C | $1 | $4 | $7 (stash call up bid) |
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (same injury return bid) |
| Anthony DeSclafani | AZ | SP | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Nolan McLean | NYM | SP | B/C | $1 | $4 | $7 (same stash bid) |
| Brandon Sproat | NYM | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (same stash bid) |
| Jason Adam | SD | RP | C | $2 | $7 | Rostered |
| Kyle Backhus | AZ | RP | E | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Kevin Ginkel | AZ | RP | D | $2 | $7 | $11 |
| Juan Morillo | AZ | RP | E | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Adrian Morejon | SD | RP | C | $0 |
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 serves as 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 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubba Chandler | PIT | SP | B/C | $1 | $4 | $7 (stash call up bid) |
| Nestor Cortes | MIL | SP | D | $1 | $5 | $9 (same injury return bid) |
| Anthony DeSclafani | AZ | SP | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Nolan McLean | NYM | SP | B/C | $1 | $4 | $7 (same stash bid) |
| Brandon Sproat | NYM | SP | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (same stash bid) |
| Jason Adam | SD | RP | C | $2 | $7 | Rostered |
| Kyle Backhus | AZ | RP | E | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Kevin Ginkel | AZ | RP | D | $2 | $7 | $11 |
| Juan Morillo | AZ | RP | E | $0 | $1 | $6 |
| Adrian Morejon | SD | RP | C | $0 | $2 | $7 |
| Carson Spiers | CIN | RP | E | No | No | $5 |
| Victor Vodnik | COL | RP | E | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| James McCann | AZ | C | E | $1 | $4 | $7 |
| Reese McGuire | CHI | C | E | No | $0 | $7 |
| Yohel Pozo | STL | C | D | $1 | $5 | $9 |
| Tristin English | AZ | 1B | E | No | No | $5 |
| Andrew Vaughn | MIL | 1B | D | $2 | $7 | $11 |
| Luisangel Acuna | NYM | 2B | D | $0 | $2 | $7 |
| Nacho Alvarez | ATL | 3B | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Luke Williams | ATL | 3B | E | No | $0 | $6 |
| Mark Vientos | NYM | 3B | D | $3 | $9 | Rostered |
| Otto Lopez | MIA | SS | D | $5 | $11 | Rostered |
| Jerar Encarnacion | SF | OF | D | $0 | $2 | $7 (early injury return bid) |
| James Outman | LA | OF | E | No | No | $5 |
| Blake Perkins | MIL | OF | D | $0 | $1 | $6 (same injury return bid) |
| Jack Suwinski | PIT | OF | E | No | No | $6 |
| Jared Young | NYM | OF | E | No | No | $6 |
STARTING PITCHER
Bubba Chandler, Pirates: Following a rough June where Chandler failed to complete more than four innings across five starts with a 12:11 K:BB, he's gotten back on track with consecutive scoreless outings while working a combined 12 frames and posting a 13:4 K:BB. While he may not be promoted immediately, it's a good bet we'll see him in the Majors soon after the Jul. 31 trade deadline after room is created in the Pittsburgh rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (stash call up bid)
Nestor Cortes, Brewers: Cortes, diagnosed with a left elbow flexor strain and placed on the injured list on Apr. 6, made his second rehab appearance and first at High-A Wisconsin where he struck out two and allowed three hits and no walks through four scoreless innings while tossing 54 pitches (34 strikes). He also blanked the opposition for Triple-A Nashville during his first rehab start, with 25 of his 37 pitches for strikes and only giving up one hit alongside four Ks and no walks. Cortes will likely only need one more rehab start to get further stretched out and could rejoin the Milwaukee rotation shortly after the All-Star break. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (same early injury bid)
Anthony DeSclafani, Diamondbacks: DeSclafani may have made a spot start in place of Zac Gallen last Sunday, though it's possible he receives additional turns in the rotation. In that outing, he surrendered four runs on four hits and zero walks over four innings with six strikeouts on 60 pitches. The 35-year-old sports a 6.08 ERA across 13.1 total innings this season - or five appearances - largely as he's yielded five long balls while managing a solid 1.13 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6
Nolan McLean/Brandon Sproat, Mets: McLean and Sproat continue to show they should be next up if the Mets require a long-term starter. I say long-term as GM David Stearns prefers not to promote prospects for only a spot start. McLean, drafted 2023 in the third round as a two-way player, has thrived since solely concentrating on pitching. He's steadily moved up the ladder and has delivered a 2.59 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 54:20 K:BB through 48.2 innings from his last nine Triple-A Syracuse outings, including back-to-back starts with 10 punchouts. Sproat, who's seen his prospect shine dip, is now coming off three straight strong starts at Syracuse with no runs allowed and seven hits while registering an 18:5 K:BB in 18 innings. McLean - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same stash bid); Sproat - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (same stash bid)
See which projected starters are going and when with RotoWire's Probable Pitchers page!
RELIEF PITCHER
Jason Adam, Padres: Adam continues to post elite numbers out of the bullpen for the fourth straight season. The right-hander was credited Friday with his 23rd hold of the year, which is second-most in baseball behind Abner Uribe (27) and just ahead of Bryan Abreu (22). Adam was named to his first All-Star Game as a reward for a dominant campaign where he's produced a 1.70 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 52:21 K:BB across 47.2 innings spanning 47 appearances. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Rostered
Kyle Backhus/Kevin Ginkel/Juan Morillo, Diamondbacks: Each of the three pitchers mentioned are in the mix to close for Arizona with Shelby Miller shelved due to a forearm injury. Backhus has a 1.86 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 10 Ks and three walks over 9.2 innings since his contract was selected in early June. He's just moving into high-leverage usage with Miller out, so consider him a longshot for now. Ginkel previously closed for the Diamondbacks and earned the save on Monday. Despite three straight scoreless appearances, he still lists an 8.57 ERA and 1.65 WHIP - yet is the favorite. The 26-year-old Morillo is 29 games into his MLB career with a 3.91 ERA and 1.58 WHIP while registering 26 strikeouts and 15 walks in 25.1 innings. Like Backhus, he's just moving into high-leverage usage. Backhus//Morillo - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6; Ginkel - 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Adrian Morejon, Padres: Morejon, added Friday to the NL All-Star roster as a replacement for the Phillies' Zack Wheeler, may have been the most dominant lefty reliever in the league during the first half. He recorded his seventh win of the season Friday with a dominant 1.71 ERA and 0.83 WHIP alongside a 39:9 K:BB while picking up two saves and 12 holds through 45 appearances covering 42 innings. Morejon is part of a San Diego bullpen - that also includes Robert Suarez, Jason Adam and Jeremiah Estrada - that's been brilliant during 2025. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7
Victor Vodnik, Rockies: Seth Halvorsen had been on a roll, yet conceded five runs in a non-save situation Wednesday. Likely due to that implosion, Colorado turned to a hot Vodnik to close on Friday and Saturday against Cincinnati, where he first allowed a hit and a walk while striking out the side to get the save. That effort meant the 25-year-old has 10 Ks over his last 5.2 innings while his overall ERA is down to 2.30. Vodnik didn't do as well on Saturday as he gave up a pair of runs to lose the contest, so it remains to be seen who the Rockies will turn to for the next save opportunity. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
CATCHER
James McCann, Diamondbacks: McCann, signed over two weeks ago by Arizona and profiled then, deserves another mention. His solid bat has been a surprise, though that's not been his biggest addition to the club. At the plate, McCann is 7-for-20 (.350) with six walks, four extra-base hits, four RBI and six runs during his first seven contests. He's also guided Zac Gallen and Brandon Pfaadt to solid outings from behind the plate, which could be his role when Gabriel Moreno returns by the end of the month. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Reese McGuire, Cubs: McGuire has been productive as the Cubs' backup catcher. While his BA and OBA are weak, he's managed five homers in 65 plate appearances while supporting Carson Kelly. Miguel Amaya (oblique) is reported as not being close to returning to game action, affording McGuire additional time and at-bats. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $7
Yohel Pozo, Cardinals: Pozo has made the most of his opportunities despite getting most of his action as a pinch-hitter or defensive replacement. He's slashing .312/.330/.605 with four home runs, 14 RBI and 11 runs across 97 plate appearances. Pozo saw a slight uptick in playing time, along with Pedro Pages, with Ivan Herrera (strained left hamstring) sidelined since Jun. 20. Herrera is expected back when play resumes after the All-Star break, but his time at catcher during the second half will be reduced - if not outright eliminated - as the Cardinals look to keep him healthy and prioritize defense at the position. This likely should allow Pozo to remain on the roster and receive more responsibility. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
FIRST BASE
Tristin English, Diamondbacks: English was promoted from Triple-A Reno last Sunday to replace Pavin Smith (oblique) on the active roster. A third-round pick by the Diamondbacks in the 2019 First-Year Player Draft, he never developed into a marquee prospect. English produced a .336/.388/.546 line with nine homers in 58 games with Triple-A Reno, but isn't likely to have a big role while up with the parent club. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Andrew Vaughn, Brewers: Last week, Jake Bauers was discussed as it was expected he would operate as a short-term bump with Rhys Hoskins sidelined. Vaughn - acquired in June from the White Sox for Aaron Civale - is now here as he was promoted from Triple-A Nashville with Hoskins landing on the IL. He struggled to consistently produce in ML as he slashed .259/.338/.500 with three home runs and a 10.8 percent walk rate through 65 plate appearances with Nashville. Vaughn went deep on his first at-bat with the Brewers and looks likely to as the primary option at first with Hoskins out until August and Bauers playing versus southpaws. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
SECOND BASE
Luisangel Acuna, Mets: Acuna was recalled to the Majors on Thursday. He went .241/.293/.283 with 11 steals across 65 games for the Mets before being sent down to Triple-A Syracuse last month. Acuna was slightly better in the minors as he posted a .289/.346/.378 in 13 outings. He'll see time across the infield and possibly center field, where he appeared the last two times before getting recalled. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7
Check out where all the players on your fantasy baseball team fit into RotoWire's MLB Cheat Sheet!
THIRD BASE
Nacho Alvarez /Luke Williams, Braves: Austin Riley went on the 10-day IL Saturday with a right abdominal strain. Atlanta promoted Alvarez to replace him on the active roster, with Williams likely getting most of the work at the hot corner. Alvarez has gone 3-for-30 across eight MLB games, though also boasts a 1.120 OPS from 12 Triple-A contests this year after missing most of the first two months with left wrist irritation. Williams has also yet to do anything offensively in the bigs across 211 outings, leaving the Braves with a big hole at third. Both -12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6
Mark Vientos, Mets: Vientos' rostered percentage was just at the threshold, resulting in his inclusion. The activation of Jesse Winker on Thursday was expected to likely move the slumping Vientos down the pecking order. Winker reinjured his back during the opener of the doubleheader, forcing Vientos into action. He went 2-for-7 and should get a shot at being the semi-full-time DH with Winker back on the IL supported by Starling Marte (knee bruise) and Jared Young until the team gets healthy. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Rostered
SHORTSTOP
Otto Lopez, Marlins: Lopez's overall numbers mirror last year. But after a slow start, he's been highly productive and keeps finding ways to make fantasy contributions. Over the last 24 games, the 26-year-old infielder is slashing .289/.346/.402 with three of his nine homers and three of his 10 steals alongside 15 runs and 20 RBI. Lopez also qualifies at second and shortstop to add to his value. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered
OUTFIELD
Jerar Encarnacion, Giants: Encarnacion, on the 10-day IL Jun. 17 due to a left oblique strain, took batting practice at Oracle Park on Monday. The 27-year-old has struggled to stay healthy during 2025 having already missed over two months after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left hand in mid-March. Encarnacion has been limited to 22 at-bats this season and has continued ramping up his hitting progression this week. He'll likely need at least a short rehab stint before rejoining the Giants, at which point he should get work at first, DH and the outfield. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7 (early injury return bid)
James Outman, Dodgers: Outman was promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday. The Dodgers are banged up in the outfield, so he provides depth before the All-Star break. Outman had gone 3-for-24 with two homers during his brief stint in the Majors, yet produced 20 long balls while driving in 74 at Triple-A Albuquerque. He could end up being demoted during the break. 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 in his rehab, he turned the corner and kicked off a rehab assignment. Perkins moved from the Arizona Complex League to Triple-A Nashville before suffering a groin strain last week. He restarted his rehab assignment on Friday and barring another setback should be ready to return shortly after the All-Star break. As a switch-hitter with elite defensive skills, Perkins is a prototypical fourth outfielder with speed his main value. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (same injury return bid)
Jack Suwinski, Pirates: Suwinski hit his first homer of the year on Saturday during his 21st game. Recalled on Tuesday, he spent almost all the last two-plus months in the minors after a brutal start while making a one-day stint as the 27th man in a doubleheader on Jun. 19. Suwinski slashed .333/.481/.619 with three homers, 12 RBI, 12 runs and two steals over the 12 contests after being sent down. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $6
Jared Young, Mets: Young was promoted Friday to replace Jesse Winker (back) on the Mets' active roster. He went .171/.227/.415 with three home runs through 44 plate appearances during his last stint with New York, yet did well at Triple-A. Mark Vientos is likely to take over as New York's primary DH, leaving opportunities for Young to appear at the corner infield positions and at DH. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $6
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