Following is our newest 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
Who needs big trades? 21 free agents joined AL Tout rosters this Sunday night.
$328 was the high bid across all leagues, the amount Mike Gianella paid for some pitcher named Corey Kluber. Interestingly, the second-highest offer was just $69. The Klubot is progressing toward a mid-August return and Gianella wisely made a stash move now. (Kluber’s original owner cashed him out for a FAAB rebate earlier.)
Howard Bender spent $108 on two free agents, Houston’s Rogelio Armenteros ($66) and Ryan Cordell of the White Sox ($42). Armenteros fanned six over five innings in his first starting opportunity this past week and looks to be in the rotation going forward. Outfielder Cordell has a hit in six of his last seven games, but just one RBI and one run scored.
Doug Dennis acquired pitcher Jalen Beeks of the Rays for $69. The 26-year old lefty continues to deliver strong stats from his long relief role, including 56 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings.
National League
16 players were acquired this week as everyone is waiting for the trade market to open up.
While many thought Nick Williams would receive the at-bats vacated by injured Jay Bruce, the Phils have instead called on Adam Haseley instead. Obliques can be tricky and Haseley has seemed to show enough in his first week (two home runs and five RBI) to continue to play until Bruce is ready. Tristan H. Cockcroft bid an aggressive $101 to roster Haseley.
At $52, league leader Phil Hertz of BaseballHq grabbed third base prospect Zach Green of the Giants. With Evan Longoria out with a foot injury, Green, who has 23 home runs this season in Triple-A, should see time over the known quantity, Kung-Fu Panda.
For $25, Grey Albright snagged another Giant, Connor Menez. The 24-year old lefty seems to be part of a youth movement with Derek Holland (DFA) and Drew Pomeranz (bullpen) pushed aside and allowed two runs in five innings against the Mets in his Sunday debut.
The Angels’ loss is the Marlins’ gain as outfielder Cesar Puello was acquired for cash considerations after being bumped off the Halos’ roster by the return of Justin Upton. The 28-year old Puello seems to be poised to get a long look in the revolving door Miami outfield. Derek Carty had the winning $22 offer.
Mixed Auction
18 free agents found new homes this week in Tout Mixed Auction.
It is Shark Week, as Jeff Samardzija joined the roster of Zach Steinhorn for $52. This month, the veteran Giants right-hander had three straight quality starts before giving up four runs in five innings against the Mets on Saturday.
Long a prospect, Colorado outfielder Raimel Tapia was acquired by Ray Flowers for $39. The now-25-year old came out of the break with every-day playing time and logged a six-game hitting streak that included nine hits, five runs scored and a steal.
$33 was the winning offer for Jose Urquidy of Houston, now on Al Melchior’s roster. After two so-so starts to open his MLB career, the 24-year old right-hander dominated the Rangers on Saturday, allowing just one run on two hits with nine punchouts over seven innings.
Review all 7/21 Mixed Auction bids here.
Mixed Draft
14 players were added in Mixed Draft this week, a fairly quiet level of action.
League-leader Rudy Gamble spent $64 to acquire Cardinals infielder Tommy Edman. The rookie has shown surprising power while filling in for injured Matt Carpenter. Though the latter is expected back soon, Edman has shown enough to steal some playing time away from Kolten Wong at second and become a super-utility player for the Cardinals.
Tim MacLeod was busy, spending $184 on four players, including Giants Tyler Beede at $68 and Mike Yastrzemski at $52. The latter is showing no signs of slowing down in his rookie campaign, with three home runs and 10 RBI since the break. Beede has made three strong starts this month, most recently throwing eight shutout innings on three hits and a walk against the Mets on Friday.
Review all 7/21 Mixed Draft bids here.
Head to Head
16 players were acquired via free agent bidding this Sunday in the Head-to-Head league.
RotoLady, aka Andrea Lamont, spent $252 on a pair of outfielders with Cardinals connections. Slugger Tyler O’Neill ($177) is playing every day for the Redbirds with Marcell Ozuna out and may have earned regular time even afterward. Former Cardinal Oscar Mercado ($77) has been a bright spot for the Tribe since his call up in mid-May. His primary claim to fame is steals, but the center fielder muscled up for three long balls and eight RBI this past week.
Urquidy went to Jake Ciely for $51.
Reliever Hunter Wood of the Rays joined the roster of Dan Strafford for $50. The 25-year old righty has a strong 2.08 ERA and 1.115 WHIP this season and 21 strikeouts in 26 innings, but no save opportunities.
Outfielder Danny Santana has arisen from the scrap heap in Texas, hitting .317 with a .567 SLG in 2019. The 28-year old has been on fire since the All-Star Game with four homers, seven driven in and a .433 average. Santana now rocks the roster of AJ Mass for $40.