AL FAAB Factor: Correa Getting Closer

This is our weekly look at American League free agents. We have two goals for this article:

1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your free-agent budget you should bid on them.

One size does not fit all, and we could never hope to encompass all league structures, so bids are based on:

• 12-team league (either AL or Mixed, we'll specify)
• 5x5 categories
• $100 FAAB budget

Starting Pitching

Kendall Graveman, A's - Promoted from Triple-A Nashville, Graveman threw six shutout innings Saturday against the Rays with six strikeouts and two walks and only three hits allowed. He's back in the rotation, after Drew Pomeranz (shoulder) hit the DL and figures to hang around as long as he's effective. In his first four starts this season, Graveman showed poor command with seven strikeouts and nine walks over 16.1 IP. A groundball pitcher, he's at his best when his sinker is effective. This week he gets the Yankees at home. Mixed: $2; AL: $8

Andrew Heaney, Angels - Heaney has a 3.02 ERA (2.28 FIP) with 49 strikeouts and 12 walks over 50.2 IP at Triple-A Salt Lake. Looking at those numbers, the Angels have to be considering if the time is right to promote him and give Matt Shoemaker a rest, as he has a 6.29 ERA (5.86 FIP). In Heaney's last three starts he's given up three earned runs with 18 strikeouts and six walks in 18 innings. Last season, Shoemaker was a breath of fresh air with a 3.04 ERA (3.33 FIP), but that was last season, and if you've looked at the standings lately, the Astros aren't going away. Mixed: $1; AL: $5

Brian Johnson/Eduardo Rodriguez, Red Sox - Only one member of the Red Sox rotation has an ERA less than 4.50, and that's knuckleballer Steven Wright, who just joined the group. It seems logical that at some point soon the team will turn to its farm system to help stop the bleeding. At Triple-A Pawtucket Brian Johnson has a 2.55 ERA (3.39 FIP) with 41 strikeouts and 17 walks over 42.1 IP and has allowed three earned runs in his last three starts over 18.2 innings. He's a polished product, but doesn't hold as much upside as his teammate Eduardo Rodriguez, who has a 2.98 ERA (2.35 FIP) with 44 strikeouts and seven walks in 48.1 IP. If one or both came up they'd be able to help the Red Sox now as either a starter or reliever, so expect to see one up soon. Both - Mixed: $1; AL: $5

Phil Klein, Rangers - In his MLB debut as a starter, Klein, 26, held the Red Sox to one run over 5.1 innings with one walk and four strikeouts. A career reliever, Klein only recently converted to a starter, making two starts in the minors, before coming up to help the Rangers. Given his inexperience as a starter and turning over a lineup, it's tough to recommend Klein in most formats. Last season he had a 2.84 ERA (4.73 FIP) with 23 strikeouts and 10 walks in 19 innings with the Rangers, all as a reliever. This week he gets the Indians on the road and possibly the Red Sox at home. Mixed: $1; AL: $4

Shaun Marcum, Indians - In his season starting debut, Marcum pitched 6.2 innings with two earned runs, both on solo shots, no walks and six strikeouts against the White Sox on the road. Considering he hadn't started a game in the majors since July 2013, this was a welcomed performance from the veteran. Earlier this season at Triple-A Columbus he had a 1.36 ERA (3.78 FIP) with 22 strikeouts and eight walks over 33 innings. With a career 3.86 ERA (4.25 FIP), as long as Marcum can stay healthy, he should continue to get the ball as a starter. Pick him up in all AL-only formats to see if he can build on his great minor league starts and effective debut. This week he gets the Rangers at home and Mariners on the road. Mixed: $2; AL: $8

Lance McCullers, Astros - After two starts, McCullers has pitched 10.2 innings with three earned runs, four walks, and 11 strikeouts against the A's and Tigers. Those are pretty good results for someone who has pitched only 29 innings above High-A and skipped Triple-A on his way to the majors. And while it's only two starts, the strikeouts are what stand out, as McCullers has shown an ability to miss bats at every level. If he can keep walks to a minimum, he could be a valuable back-of-the-rotation starter for the Astros and AL only owners. This coming week he gets the White Sox at home. Mixed: $3; AL: $12

Matt Moore, Rays - Moore is close to a rehab assignment, as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. In 2013 he had a 3.29 ERA (4.10 FIP) with 143 strikeouts and 76 walks over 150.1 IP. Considering control is one of the last things to come back for a pitcher, after TJ surgery, Moore will be an interesting pitcher to watch in his rehab starts, as he previously already had problems with his control and walking batters. Still, owners would be wise to stash him now, the Rays have a strong track history of developing pitchers, and Erasmo Ramirez and his 6.44 ERA won't last long in the team's rotation. Mixed: No; AL: $3

Ivan Nova, Yankees - Nova (elbow) might begin a rehab assignment this week and then might need only two or three starts before the organization deems him ready to return to the majors. In 2013, as a starter he had a 3.17 ERA (3.55 FIP) with 104 strikeouts and 42 walks over 127.2 IP. Last season, he made four starts before hurting his elbow and needing Tommy John surgery. Now that he's on the comeback trail, owners will want to watch his control in his rehab starts, as that's often the last part of a pitcher's game to come around, following TJ surgery. Stash him in AL-only formats. Mixed: No; AL: $3

Mike Wright, Orioles - After his start yesterday against the Marlins, Wright has pitched 14.1 innings with no earned runs allowed, three walks and 10 strikeouts. He's taking the rotation spot left open by Bud Norris (illness), who hit the DL and is making rehab starts at Double-A Bowie. Norris got shelled in his latest rehab outing, which isn't surprising as he's been getting lit up all season and has an ERA close to 10. As such, there is really no reason to pull Wright from the rotation, especially given his first two starts. Earlier this season at Triple-A Norfolk, he had a 2.64 ERA (3.07 FIP) with 30 strikeouts and nine walks over 30.2 IP. This week he should get the White Sox. Mixed: $3; AL: $12

Relief Pitching

Carson Smith, Mariners - Fernando Rodney has 12 saves this season with his most recent one coming Saturday against the Blue Jays, but he also has a 6.23 ERA (4.93 FIP), which shows no signs of shrinking. He has given up an earned run in five of his last seven outings, but even before that, he had an ERA north of 5.00, after April. As such, it's time to get familiar with Carson Smith, who has a 0.90 ERA (2.45 FIP) with 23 strikeouts and five walks over 20 IP. He has been lights out this season and is likely first in line for the closer role, when/if Rodney is removed. Pick Smith up in all leagues where you're speculating for saves. Mixed: $2; AL: $8

Shawn Tolleson/Keone Kela, Rangers - Tolleson is the new closer for the Rangers, after Neftali Feliz was stripped of the role, as he's sporting a 5.09 ERA (4.50 FIP) and has shown weak command this season. Tolleson has a 3.26 ERA (2.48 FIP) with 26 strikeouts and four walks over 19.1 IP this season. In his first two save opportunities he got the job done, which bodes well for continued save chances. It's tough to see Feliz regaining the job, considering the poor command he showed last season too, but relievers are a fickle bunch, so I wouldn't write him off completely. If you're looking to hedge or Tolleson was already owned in your league, consider Ross Ohlendorf, who closed out the Yankees on Saturday when Tolleson needed a day off, but gave up a run in the process. He was called up this week from Triple-A Round Rock and likely will need to prove himself further. Also in the mix is Keone Kela, who has a 2.25 ERA (3.00 FIP) with 19 strikeouts and seven walks over 20 IP. He throws hard and is the likely setup man to Tolleson for now. Tolleson - Mixed: $12; AL: $25; Kela - Mixed: $2; AL: $8

Catcher

Welington Castillo, Mariners - Traded from the Cubs this week, Castillo is set to serve as the backup to Mike Zunino initially, though his role could grow if he produces offensively. Zunino is hitting just .179 with five home runs over 128 PA this season and will need to get going offensively or watch Castillo steal playing time. Castillo is a career .253 hitter, so this is a possibility. He's only hitting .180 this season, but the Cubs were using a three-catcher rotation, so he didn't get much playing time to warm up offensively. Castillo needs to be owned in AL-only formats that use two catchers. Mixed: $1; AL: $5

John Jaso, Rays - Jaso (wrist) resumed swinging this week, as he continues his rehab. Unfortunately, the Rays have yet to announce a timetable for his return, but when he is back, he should provide some offense, as he's a career .259/.359/.399 hitter. His wrist injury may sap some of his power. Still, he'll likely function as a DH, which means he shouldn't be out of the lineup much. Mixed: $2; AL: $8

Josmil Pinto, Twins - Twins catchers are hitting a combined .212/.282/.308 with two home runs this season over 164 PA. Meanwhile, at Triple-A Rochester, Pinto is hitting .275/.358/.420 with four home runs over 148 PA. The team seems wed to Kurt Suzuki as its starting backstop, but at some point it will have to give Pinto a shot, as there's little left for him to prove in the minors. Putting him at DH and working him into games, as a catcher is one option, after the team demoted Kennys Vargas to the minors. Whatever the plan, he needs to be on the radar of owners, as he's the team's catcher of the future. Mixed: $1; AL: $4

First Base

Jesus Montero, Mariners - Logan Morrision is hitting .224/.302/.399 with six home runs over 159 PA this season, as the Mariners everyday first baseman. Meanwhile, Montero is hitting .318/.351/.471 with five home runs over 168 PA at Triple-A Tacoma. The home runs are nice for Morrison, but he's not a power hitter and once that part of his game slows down, the team could give Montero a shot. If he were to see time primarily at DH, he might be a more stabilizing force than Rickie Weeks and Brad Miller. Panned for his defensive shortcomings at catcher and his weight, Montero doesn't have much more to prove in the minors and figures to be an option sooner rather than later, as the Mariners look to jumpstart their offense that is among the league leaders in fewest runs scored. Mixed: No; AL: $3

Mitch Moreland, Rangers - Moreland has come back hitting for power, as he has three home run in his last five games. He has bumped hit batting line to .321/.394/.543, which is much higher than his career .256/.320/.436 line. He's coming off a stint on the DL, when he had bone chips removed from his elbow. It's unlikely he continues this power surge all season, but he's worth owning in all leagues until he cools off. The fact that Kyle Blanks (back) is on the DL means he won't have to worry about playing time for a little while. Mixed: $4; AL: $16

Max Muncy, A's - Muncy hit two home runs in the last week, as he's filled in for Mark Canha (illness) and Ike Davis (quad). This season, Muncy is hitting .265/.366/.529 over 41 PA. He hasn't seen much playing time until recently, but that may change, as he's started to prove himself offensively. He hit .264/.385/.379 with seven home runs at Double-A Midland last season, though he did deal with a fractured finger that cost him some time and likely some power. It makes sense for the team to platoon Muncy (LHB) and Canha (RHB), until Davis returns, which means Muncy should continue to see at-bats in the short-term. Mixed: $2; AL: $8

Jonathan Singleton, Astros - Singleton is hitting .293/.402/.640 with 13 home runs over 179 PA at Triple-A Fresno, as he pushes for another promotion. Last season he got off to a similar start, before being promoted and continuing to hit for power, but with far too much swing-and-miss in his bat. Considering this is his third stint at Triple-A it's fair to be somewhat conservative in projecting what he might do, when promoted, but there's no denying he's earned another shot. Now it's just a matter of where he slots into the lineup, as Chris Carter is at first base and Evan Gattis is at DH, neither of whom are batting above .200. Unless the plug is pulled on one of them, which is doubtful, Singleton will have to remain patient. Mixed: $1; AL: $5

Second Base

Rougned Odor, Rangers - In his nine games at Triple-A Round Rock, since being demoted, Odor has hit .281/.395/.688 with three home runs over 39 PA. In his absence, Tommy Field has held his own, but he doesn't hold the long-term upside that Odor does, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Odor back up soon. He's only 21, so some patience is likely in order, when he returns. For now, he makes for a nice stash in AL only formats. Mixed: $1; AL: $4

Rob Refsnyder, Yankees - While they Yankees use Jose Pirela and Stephen Drew at second base, at some point they're likely to give Refsnyder a shot, as he's hitting .300/.367/.420 with two home runs and five stolen bases over 166 PA at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Refsnyder, 24, doesn't have much power or speed, but he's shown an ability to hit for average in the upper minors. If he can find himself defensively, a promotion may be in order, as that seems to be the only part of his game holding him back. Mixed: No; AL: $3

Steve Tolleson, Blue Jays - With Devon Travis (shoulder) on the DL, Tolleson should see playing time at second base, at least for another week. He's hit .278/.350/.444 with two stolen bases over 40 PA this season. At 31, he's made a career of being in the minor leagues and never shown much power or speed. Still, he's starting now, which gives him value in AL only formats. Travis figures to be back by the end of the month, so don't invest much on his replacement. Mixed: $1; AL: $4

Shortstop

Everth Cabrera, Orioles - Cabrera was activated from the 15-day DL this week, after dealing with a foot injury. He returns to a lineup in flux, as Steve Pearce, Jimmy Paredes and Ryan Flaherty have been used at second base, and now J.J. Hardy is back at shortstop. As such, Cabrera figures to go into a utility role defensively. Offensively, he'll only help owners with his speed, as he's a career .246 hitter. Owners in mixed leagues can likely ignore him. Mixed: $1; AL: $4

Carlos Correa, Astros - Promoted from Double-A Corpus Christi to Triple-A Fresno, Correa hasn't missed a beat with a .318/.392/.545 batting line, two home runs and three stolen bases over just 51 PA. It's now just a matter of when, not if, Correa will be promoted to the majors. With an ability to hit for average and power and steal bases, he figures to be a superstar, once he settles into the majors. For now, he needs to be owned in all leagues, as he's likely to be with the Astros sooner rather than later. Mixed: $10; AL: $30

Francisco Lindor, Indians - Hitting .253/.324/.358 with one home run and seven stolen bases over 184 PA, Lindor is still in the minors, as the organization thinks he still needs work on his offense and defense. Offensively this makes sense, as he hasn't shown much power, but consider that the incumbent to his job, Jose Ramirez, is hitting just .195/265/.254 with five extra-base hits over 136 PA. Defensively, Lindor might need some more work, but Ramirez is among the worst shortstops in baseball, and it's hurting the team's pitching staff. As soon as Lindor gets his bat going, expect to see him in the majors, as Ramirez can't do much else to give the job away. Mixed: No; AL: $3

Brad Miller, Mariners - Since being promoted from the minors, Chris Taylor has hit .136 with two stolen bases and one extra-base hit over 49 PA. The plan was for him to take over the starting shortstop role and build on the .287 batting average he had last season, but hasn't been able to hold up his end of the bargain offensively. Instead, Miller, who Taylor replaced, has turned it on and hit three home runs in the last week. He's been in the outfield and DH, but he could reclaim his starting shortstop role, unless Taylor gets things turned around in a hurry. Mixed: $4; AL: $15

Third Base

Mike Aviles, Indians - Back from the restricted list, as he tended to a family matter, Aviles has settled into a platoon with Lonnie Chisenhall at third base. Stats wise, he's not all that much of a better hitter against LHP vs. RHP, but Chisenhall has really struggled this season, so maybe this will get him going. It's somewhat surprising Aviles hasn't seen more time at short stop, as Jose Ramirez has really struggled at the plate this season and is in line for a demotion, as soon as Francisco Lindor gets his bat going. For now, though, Aviles will see time at third, as he's hitting .323/.384/.508 with three home runs over 74 PA. Mixed: $2; AL: $8

Eduardo Nunez, Twins - Activated from the 15-day DL this week, after dealing with an oblique injury, Nunez has reprised his role as utility infielder for the Twins. So far he's only had two at-bats, but that should pick up, as he can play second, third, shortstop and outfield. Skills wise, he offers minimal power with slight speed. Last season, he hit .250/.271/.382 with four home runs and nine stolen bases in 213 PA with the team. Mixed: No; AL: $2

Danny Valencia, Blue Jays - A corner-infielder by glove, Valencia has started to see almost regular playing time in the Jays outfield, as he continues to hit, particularly against LHP. Against southpaws this season he has hit a robust .433/.433/.533, which isn't that much of a surprise in a small sample size, as he's a career .333/.371/.504 hitter against them. Hitting fifth in the Jays lineup against lefties isn't a bad place to be these days, and he's starting to see playing time against RHP too. With Michael Saunders (knee) out 4-to-6 weeks and manager John Gibbons shying away from using Ezequiel Carrera, Valencia looks like a solid play in mixed leagues, until he cools down. Mixed: $2; AL: $8

Outfield

Oswaldo Arcia, Twins - Arcia (hip) should begin a rehab assignment this Sunday, before being activated sometime early next month. Before he hit the DL, he hit .276/.338/.379 with two home runs over 65 PA. He has nice power, but needs to make better contact. Considering what the Twins have in their outfield, Arcia can't get back soon enough. If he was dropped in your league, pick him up, as 20 home runs last season over 410 PA and should hit for power once he returns. Mixed: $4; AL: $15

Byron Buxton, Twins - At Double-A Chattanooga, Buxton is hitting .267/.321/.512 with five home runs and 13 stolen bases over 190 PA. He could stand to get more at-bats in Double-A or Triple-A, but it really wouldn't surprise me to see the team promote him to the majors by the All-Star break, given how injured and underperforming the outfield has been this season. An elite prospect, he needs to be on the radar of all owners in all formats, as while his defense is ahead of his offense, he's still likely to be an asset, when called up. If he were to come up now, he'd help owners with his speed and ability to score runs. He needs to be owned now in most AL only and deep mixed formats. Mixed: $1; AL: $6

Rusney Castillo, Red Sox - Finally called up this week from Triple-A Pawtucket, Castillo finds himself in a rotation with Mookie Betts and Shane Victorino for playing time in center and right field. At Pawtucket he hit .293/.341/.440 with two home runs and six stolen bases over 82 PA. It's still somewhat difficult to forecast what we'll see from him in the majors, but more speed than power seem likely. Given the rotation he's in, he'll need to hit to continue to earn playing time. Owners likely will need to bid him up, as his name carries value, so get your FAAB dollars ready. Mixed: $10; AL: $30

David DeJesus, Rays - With a .330/.383/.500 batting line and four home runs, DeJesus has been surprisingly effective this season. He's getting steady playing time, as Desmond Jennings (knee) remains out and without a timetable for his return. He's sitting against LHP, which hurts his value some, but also limits him from exposure. If he's still available in your mixed league, he's not the flashiest name, but he's giving steady production. Mixed: $5; AL: Owned

Josh Hamilton, Rangers - Hamilton is set to join the Rangers on Monday, after dealing with a shoulder injury and offseason fueled by self-destructive behavior. At 33, his power is in decline, while his strikeout rate is on the rise. Combine those two elements with his shoulder injury and it's unclear as to what Hamilton has left in the tank. Fortunately, he returns to Texas, which is a familiar team and ballpark. Given all he's been through, bid cautiously, in mixed leagues, while those in AL-only formats likely will need to go after him on the playing time he'll see alone. Mixed: $7; AL: $25

Slade Heathcott, Yankees - Brought up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Heathcott has gone 3-for-7 with a run in his first two games. He's on the roster to replace the injured Jacoby Ellsbury (knee), though it's Chris Young who figures to see the bump in playing time. At Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he hit .285/.335/.358 with one home run and five stolen bases over 165 PA this season. He's got speed, so if you're looking for a cheap source of stolen bases, he may be it. Mixed: $1; AL: $4

Note: Got another player to discuss? Drop a line in the comments.