Welcome to our weekly reports, summarizing the top free agent bids in each of the five Tout Wars leagues, with links to the detailed bidding action following our 8 p.m. ET deadline each Sunday evening. All prices are on a $1000 base.
After you scan the detail below, please join our live chat, starting at 9 p.m. ET Sunday evening, to discuss these results with Todd Zola of Mastersball and other Touts.
American League
The big money in AL Tout this week went toward Yankees outfielder Clint Frazier, the recipient of regular playing time now that about half the Bronx Bombers’ roster is on the injured list. Chris Liss of Rotowire made sure he got his man, spending a hefty $443, the top bid of the week across the five leagues. Interestingly, the next two offers were exactly $348 and $347.
Alen Hanson, always a stolen base threat, but never hitting enough to earn regular playing time, moved this week to his third MLB stop, Toronto. Nando DiFino of The Athletic needed an infielder to replace Troy Tulowitzki and took home Hanson for $133.
15 other AL players were acquired this Sunday evening.
National League
The Giants needed a center fielder and were willing to give up three players to Toronto to acquire veteran Kevin Pillar. Never an OBP machine but a consistent source of double-digit steals, the 30-year old should get regular at-bats by the Bay. Despite a dreadful start to the season, Pillar was in demand in a very shallow talent pool. Mastersball’s Todd Zola’s $312 topped bids of $225 and $221, among others.
Another outfielder receiving at-bats currently is Jason Martin of Pittsburgh. However, this may be short-lived as Gregory Polanco has already begun his minor league rehab with two other mates soon to follow, Lonnie Chisenhall and Corey Dickerson. Yet, Craig Mish of SiriusXM bought for today, paying $57 for the 23-year old.
A total of 15 players were added to NL rosters this period.
Mixed Auction
21 players were rostered in this busy week in Mixed Auction.
Scott Pianowski of Yahoo whipped out his bankroll, spending a total of $462 on two veterans enjoying an early season power revival – second baseman Kolten Wong of St. Louis ($331) and Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward ($131).
Seattle Opening Day starting pitcher Marco Gonzales had to complete a pair of starts before generating interest, but the lefty, not known for high strikeouts, drew a stout $146 winning offer from Ray Flowers of Fantasy Guru.
Jake Lamb’s return to his home away from home, the IL, opened the door for Christian Walker to secure regular playing time at first base in Arizona. Michael Rathburn made the purchase for $129.
Review all 4/7 Mixed Auction bids here
Mixed Draft
A whopping 28 players were purchased in Mixed Draft this Sunday evening, with all 15 owners participating in the action.
The dollar amounts were somewhat muted, however, with just one player fetching triple digits. Arizona first baseman Walker went to Michael Beller for $179.
Ask Rotoman, aka Peter Kreutzer, acquired Yankees pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga for $97. It is not clear how long the 24-year old will remain up, but the prospect tossed four one-run innings his first time out.
Thought to be a fourth or fifth outfielder coming into the season, injuries to others not only elevated Jarrod Dyson to a starting role for the Snakes, but he is leading off. Anthony Perri submitted the winning bid of $86.
Review all 4/7 Mixed Draft bids here
Head to Head
Many observers scratched their heads when D.J. LeMahieu and the Yankees paired up this off-season. It took less than a week for Miguel Andujar’s injury to create a need at third base, now filled by LeMahieu. Dan Strafford paid an even $200 get D.J. on his roster.
Jake Ciely targeted saves, spending a total of $165 for Anthony Swarzak of Seattle ($83) and a dollar less for Minnesota Twin Blake Parker.
20 players were acquired across the league this week, with Andrea LaMont executing a major spring housecleaning. RotoLady bought a whopping seven free agents, coupled with one IL move and six releases. Her winning bids ranged from $41 (Heyward) to just $1 (Kelvin Herrera).