The latest in our weekly reports for 2019 summarizes 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 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.
Since Tout rules allow speculative bids on draft day and any time following, many of the top names promoted to the majors this week have been owned since March – but not all, in all formats. After all, teams are allowed just four reserves.
American League
The big money was flowing on two standouts plus 14 others purchased at more moderate prices in AL Tout this week.
$560 is the amount Patrick Davitt of BaseballHQ paid for Ranger Willie Calhoun, back from Triple-A. The 24-year old outfielder returned with a bang, batting .450 including two home runs and six RBI in his initial four contests of 2019. Bidding was widespread and heavy, with the second-best offer $433.
Speaking of which, Colton and the Wolfman spent that $433 on their second choice, Royals middle infielder Nicky Lopez. The 24-year old also made an impact in his initial five games, batting .300, with half of his six hits going for doubles. No stolen bases yet, but they are expected to part of his game along with a solid OBP (he has three walks already). The winning bidding edge was just $9.
Renato Nunez of Baltimore was acquired by Mike Gianella of Baseball Prospectus for $110. The third baseman is batting .088 over the last three weeks and .215 for the season. Mike must feel Nunez can return to his early-season form (batting over .300 as late as April 25).
National League
Bidding in National League was subdued, with 13 players acquired by nine owners. Leading the way was Pirates infielder Kevin Newman. Since being released by Justin Mason two weeks ago, the 25-year old hit .343 and received 35 at-bats, which is a lot for a free agent in the only-leagues. Newman’s new owner, Phil Hertz, spent $147.
From there, it was quite a drop to the $37 Todd Zola paid for pitcher Shaun Anderson of the Giants. The 24-year old right-hander was promoted from Triple-A and yielded two earned runs over five innings in his debut.
Needing Michael Conforto coverage, I spent $35 for recycled outfielder Carlos Gomez, who recently joined the Mets. Being totally honest, I am hoping Conforto gets over his concussion very soon.
Mixed Auction
The members of Mixed Auction were in a buying mood, with a whopping 30 players acquired via FAAB this week.
Leading the way is top prospect third baseman/temporary left fielder Austin Riley of the Braves, who was acquired by Bret Sayre of Baseball Prospectus for $384. Playing time should not be an issue, especially after Riley’s strong debut week (.533, two home runs, four RBI in four games).
Sayre opened his pocketbook widely this week, also adding another top prospect, infielder Brendan Rodgers of the Rockies, for $232.
Another high-dollar player is Calhoun at $311, the proud purchase of Al Melchior. Lopez was acquired by Ron Shandler for $177. Cleveland rookie speed threat, outfielder Oscar Mercado, fetched $134 of Zach Steinhorn’s FAAB.
Review all 5/19 Mixed Auction bids here.
Mixed Draft
Of the 18 players added this week in Mixed Draft, four went for $222 or more.
Charlie Wiegert acquired the two most expensive players, Riley at $350 and Lopez at $303. League leader Rudy Gamble dropped $236 on Rodgers and Ray Murphy paid $222 for Calhoun. From there, prices dropped off very quickly.
Review all 5/19 Mixed Draft bids here.
Head to Head
20 players were picked up across the Head to Head league this week.
The same names were most popular. The leader was Rodgers, at an even $200 paid by A.J. Mass. Dr. Roto acquired Calhoun for $142 and Lopez went for $120 to Alex Chamberlain.
A new name to watch is next. In a speculative bid by Dr. Roto, Houston prospect Yordan Alvarez was acquired for $110. One week of zero stats doesn’t seem like a high price to pay considering the outfielder’s expected impact when finally promoted from Triple-A.
League leader Clay Link of Rotowire picked up new Brewers second baseman Keston Hiura for a nice-buy price of $81.
Note there is a discrepancy in the bidding, that once resolved, could alter the Head to Head League information provided here.