This is our final August weekly report for 2019, summarizing the top free agent bids in each of 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
Action for the Junior Circuit was fairly busy, with 17 players added via FAAB.
For $75, Chris Liss acquired Seattle prospect outfielder Jake Fraley. The 24-year old shot through Double-A and Triple-A this season, with a total of 19 long balls and 80 RBI in 96 games. Fraley has started five of the last six games, but is batting just .133 in very early action.
Mike Podhorzer acquired the next three highest-priced players this week – Houston’s Framber Valdez for $47, Matt Magill of Seattle for $38 and Brandon Dixon of Detroit for $36. The lefty Valdez was recalled from Triple-A to sub for Aaron Sanchez and spun six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts against the Angels on Sunday. Magill, the next in a long line of real and presumed Mariners closers, saved two games last week, but also had a blown save and a loss. First baseman Dixon is the cleanup hitter for the Tigers and leads the team with 14 homers, but is in the midst of a dismal August.
National League
With a week until rosters expand and a week and a day until the minor league seasons end, free agent activity was muted in the National League, with just seven acquired.
Billy Hamilton has returned to the National League, as a designated pinch-runner for the Atlanta Braves. In his first three games with his new club, the 28-year old has two steals, a run scored and a bonus RBI. Don’t expect many of the latter. Phil Hertz, in a battle for the league, spent $24 to acquire the former Red and Royal.
Word out of Miami is that Opening Day starter Jose Urena, sidelined by a back injury since June, may become the Marlins’ closer in September. Then again, the last-place Fish haven’t had a save in a month, so work could be sporadic for Urena. Marlins insider Craig Mish spent $20 for the acquisition.
Mixed Auction
20 players were picked up off the waiver wire this Sunday in Mixed Auction.
Leading the way, fetching $67 of Jeff Zimmerman’s cash, is Reds shortstop Freddy Galvis. Though he has yet to steal a base with his newest team, the 29-year old has shown surprising pop, with three home runs and seven RBI in his first 11 games there.
Ray Flowers dropped $39 on Magill and $38 for Nick Solak of the Rangers. The former Rays second base prospect is 7-for-21 including three extra base hits in his first six MLB contests and may see regular playing time in the final month.
For $27, reborn outfielder Harrison Bader of the Cardinals joined Zach Steinhorn’s roster. While demoted to Triple-A, Bader found his stroke and since his return has logged a .533 OBP by being more selective at the plate.
Review all 8/25 Mixed Auction bids here.
Mixed Draft
This week’s Mixed Draft action was slow, with 12 players being purchased.
Top dollar was just $23, paid by Perry Van Hook for Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco. The 26-year old spent three weeks in Triple-A before being recalled, but regular playing time down the stretch seems a question, with Scott Kingery holding down the hot corner as of late.
Shortstop Aledmys Diaz of Houston was acquired by Adam Ronis for $14. The veteran, who was out with dizziness, is scheduled to be activated on Tuesday and should be the regular while Carlos Correa is on the shelf.
Review all 8/25 Mixed Draft bids here.
Head to Head
15 free agents were acquired for FAAB (or $0 bids) this Sunday in Head-to-Head.
Magill was the top acquisition, going to Ryan Bloomfield for $39. Bloomfield also picked up Colorado outfielder Raimel Tapia for $26. The 25-year old has been a quiet success for the Rockies in the second half, but missed the last two games with a hand injury.
The Dodgers’ Dustin May had already been picked up in many leagues, but not here until Sunday, when $21 of FAAB was used for his acquisition by Ian Kahn. The rookie right-hander was bombed in his only relief appearance before being moved back into the rotation. May will bring a 4.26 ERA into his start on Monday against San Diego.