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
Mike Podhorzer was the high bidder this week, dropping $77 on Mac Williamson. The oft-injured slugger was released by the Giants after coming up short in his latest audition. Williamson is a disciple of the launch angle revolution, but injuries and failure to make consistent contact have interrupted his opportunities to demonstrate if it he’ll join those displaying an increase in power. Williamson should see decent playing time with Mitch Haniger on the shelf.
The next highest bid came courtesy of Glenn Colton and Rock Wolf as they needed an arm to replace Domingo German. The dynamic duo snagged Brandon Workman for 27 units. The Red Sox don’t have a traditional closer with Workman curving his way into some saves.
The only other double digit bids were offered by league leader Jason Collette who dropped $16 on Tommy Milone and Colton/Wolf who doubled down on save speculation with $12 on Miguel Castro.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Quiet week in the Senior Circuit with only six purchases. The top bid was a $75 expenditure on Kevin Cron. The corner infielder could be in line for more playing time after going deep twice this weekend.
Lenny Melnick decided $23 was a fair price for Drew Pomeranz. The veteran lefty is coming off his best start of the season, holding the potent Dodgers scoreless over five frames, fanning seven with just one walk.
MIXED AUCTION
Scott Swanay hopes to fortify his lead adding Colin Moran for $57. Moran should continue to see regular time at the hot corner as Cole Tucker was sent back to the farm, clearing shortstop for the recently returning Jung Ho Kang.
The second highest winning bid was $53, submitted by Zack Steinhorn on Lourdes Gurriel Jr. The utility man has been playing a lot of left field lately, slashing a robust .314/.364/.667 since being recalled May 23.
Starting pitching dominated the rest of the bidding with Adrian Sampson, Freddy Peralta, Anibal Sanchez, Framber Valdez, Jalen Beeks, Michael Wacha, Jon Duplantier and Jason Vargas all finding new homes.
Review all 6/9 Mixed Auction bids here.
MIXED DRAFT
D.J. Short was the big spender, topping the bidding with $70 on Framber Valdez. Valdez is needed with Corbin Martin sent back to Triple-A for more seasoning.
Perry Van Hook was next, offering $43 for Jerad Eickhoff. Van Hook also took a $13 shot on Rockies rookie Peter Lambert.
Adam Ronis hoped to upgrade his pitching with a $34 bid on Ryan Yarbrough. Last season’s primary beneficiary of following an opener, Yarbrough seems to have regained his form after a time-out in Triple-A. Ronis also snagged Anthony Desclafani for $23 as he needs to replace Carlos Carrasco and Matt Strahm.
Review all 6/9 Mixed Draft bids here.
HEAD TO HEAD
Ian Kahn took advantage of James Paxton’s availability, besting two other triple-digit bids with a healthy $276 purchase. The losing bids were $237 and $188.
Clay Link aims to fortify his lead with a $57 buy of Zach Plesac while Ryan Bloomfield hopes the recent surge from Brian Dozier if is a harbinger of things to come.