Following is the latest weekly report 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
It was another busy week in AL Tout, with 23 free agents added to team rosters this period.
Leading the way across all five leagues at $145 is Delino DeShields, acquired by Jeff Erickson of RotoWire. The outfielder has either been on the IL or in Triple-A for half of the season to-date, but with the injury to Joey Gallo, some at-bats could be had.
The Seattle bullpen lottery continues to draw more money, with the latest a $53 winning bid on Anthony Bass by Colton and the Wolfman. The 31-year old recently opted out of his Triple-A deal with the Reds and scored a big-league deal with the M’s. Everything about Seattle is uncertain, so why not take a shot?
Lefty Devin Smeltzer took over Michael Pineda’s rotation spot (injured again!) with the Twins and spun seven masterful innings in his MLB debut against a very strong Milwaukee lineup. While there were multiple bids, the winner was just $45, a nice pickup by Larry Schechter.
National League
The Sunday (or is it Monday?) trade of Jay Bruce from Seattle to Philadelphia was the major news for this waiver period. The NL East returnee was listed among eligible minor leaguers by our stats provider, onRoto. However, the bids for him were not yet accepted. A ruling is pending on whether the trade is yet official, and that may also be tying up some contingent bids (like mine).
Fernando Rodney has changed homes again. This time, the straight arrow fittingly joins the bullpen mess in our Nation’s Capital. Lenny Melnick submitted a $24 winning bid.
Down in Miami, Martin Prado has had a season to forget. However, the utilityman is still receiving regular at-bats from manager Don Mattingly and that was enough to draw $18 of Phil Hertz’ cash.
Just eight others were acquired in NL in this quiet week of bidding, with none going for more than $6
Mixed Auction
26 players received bids this week in Mixed Tout.
Top dollar was the $108 paid for Detroit’s Niko Goodrum by Gene McCaffrey. The second baseman is coming off a huge week during which he batted .370 with two home runs and five RBI. Gene won’t get those stats, though. For the season, Goodrum raised his batting average to .235 and doubled his home run output.
At $79, Michael Rathburn submitted the best offer for Baltimore’s D.J. Stewart. The newly promoted outfielder may get a chance for regular playing time with Chris Davis on the shelf. The former first rounder, who was also up for 40 games last season, has a decent all-around offensive profile.
Smeltzer fetched a $64 winning offer from Bret Sayre of Baseball Prospectus.
Review all 6/2 Mixed Auction bids here.
Mixed Draft
While 22 players found new homes this week in Mixed Draft, bidding was muted, with no player fetching as much as $70.
At $69, Smeltzer joined the roster of Tom Kessenich of the NFBC. Kessenich also picked up Jose Suarez for $48. The lefty, the Angels’ no. 5 prospect, made his MLB debut for the Halos on Sunday and picked up a win over Seattle. Suarez allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings on five hits, three walks and four strikeouts and could stay around for the struggling Angels.
Of course, Steven Brault of the Pirates joined the roster of Captain Hook, aka Perry, for $37. The left-hander held the Reds scoreless on three hits in 5 1/3 frames this past week, but still carries a 5.87 ERA this season.
Review all 6/2 Mixed Draft bids here.
Head to Head
Just 14 players were acquired in the Head to Head league this period, with only one going for more than $25.
$74 was the winning offer by Ian Kahn for Baltimore third baseman Renato Nunez. After a great start in April, the 25-year old slumped for much of May before turning it back on over the last two weeks with a whopping eight home runs and 16 RBI.
Bryan Reynolds of the Pirates joined the roster of AJ Mass for the aforementioned $25. The rookie outfielder arrived with a bang a little over a month ago and continues to hit, with a .345/.406/.569 slash line and 17 RBI and 20 runs scored in 37 games.
Dr. Roto spent a total of $43 on two NL Central pitchers working their way back from injury. Jimmy Nelson ($22) has returned to the Brewers, while St. Louis’ Alex Reyes ($21) is at Triple-A, but is still having consistency issues.