AL FAAB Factor: Waivers Pickups of the Week

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 $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.

We've incorporated grids into the FAAB articles, so users can easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The grids, which are sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and talent on an A-E scale. Luis Robert would have been an "A" grade player last year – that mark will be reserved for similarly high-impact prospects that could thrive in an everyday role.

As always, if there is a player that was not discussed in the article that you would like to know about, feel free to ask about the player in the comments.

AL FAAB | NL FAAB

Starting Pitcher

Keegan Akin, Orioles: Something seems to be clicking for Akin. The 26-year-old lefty has a 2.65 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 14:8 K:BB over his last three starts and 17 innings, a stretch which includes matchups against the Jays and Atlanta. Akin was a second-round pick in 2016 and posted some intriguing minor-league strikeout rates on his way up the ladder, so don't write off his upside. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4

A.J. Alexy, Rangers: An 11th-round pick by the Dodgers in 2016, Alexy was part of the Yu Darvish deal the following year and has progressed nicely since then despite barely pitching the last two years. He's got a high-spin mid-90s fastball and a big curveball and posted strong numbers in the high minors this year before blanking the Rockies over five innings in his big-league debut. Alexy is the kind of pitcher who would draw a lot more attention if he were, say, an Astros prospect, but the 23-year-old has a much clearer path to a rotation job with the Rangers and he could get a long look down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2

Chris Ellis, Orioles: Ellis rewarded everyone who gambled on him as a streaming option last week, giving up one run in 9.2 innings over two starts and no-hitting the Yankees for five frames Saturday. He also has a 4:4 K:BB over that stretch, and there's no real upside here, but the O's will probably keep rolling with the 28-year-old in the rotation until he gives them a reason to bump him aside. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Taylor Hearn, Rangers: The 27-year-old has gotten stretched out and escaped the fantasy limbo of a tandem starter role, lasting 16.2 innings over his last three outings and delivering a quality start against Houston last Sunday. Hearn has a 3.78 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 14:2 K:BB over those 16.2 IP, and Texas will give him a chance to lock himself into a 2022 rotation spot down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4

Jackson Kowar, Royals: Kowar returned to the big-league rotation Wednesday and surprised with a quality start against Cleveland, a far cry from his awful results back in June. The 2018 first-round pick is expected to be a big part of Kansas City's future rotation, and his 96 mph fastball and plus changeup give him plenty of upside. He's a better keeper stash than re-draft asset, but Kowar could still provide some value down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $3

Joe Ryan, Twins: Part of the Nelson Cruz deal in July, Ryan posted outstanding numbers at Triple-A this season including a 92:12 K:BB through 66 innings, but there's always been a big question whether his deceptive delivery and plus fastball command would be enough to succeed in the majors without better offspeed offerings. His big-league debut against a Cubs squad that's barely above a Triple-A lineup in talent didn't supply any answers, but the Twins will let him sink or swim down the stretch. He's worth gambling on with a modest bid, but Ryan has enough of a name as a prospect that the bidding could soar well above the risk/reward break point. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2

Jose Suarez, Angels: Suarez's eight-K complete game against the Rangers on Saturday will attract some FAAB attention, but the 23-year-old had a 6.06 ERA since the All-Star break heading into that start, and it was only the Rangers. Maybe he figured something out, but the downside if he hasn't is steep. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Michael Wacha, Rays: Wacha has been pitching better recently, putting together a 3.52 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 22:2 K:BB over his last three starts and 15.1 innings. The 30-year-old has an 11.57 ERA in the three starts before that, so the volatility here is off the charts. Tampa's track record with reclamation projects makes Wacha worth gambling on if you're desperate for pitching help, but be aware that there's no real floor here if his luck runs out. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Other two-start options, Mon-Sun (12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $1)

Jaime Barria, Angels (vs. TEX, at HOU)

Kris Bubic, Royals (at BAL, at MIN)

Matt Harvey, Orioles (vs. KC, vs. TOR)

Packy Naughton, Angels (at SD, at HOU)

Austin Wells, Orioles (vs. KC, vs. TOR)

Relief Pitcher

Andrew Chafin / Sergio Romo, Athletics: Lou Trivino appears to be fading down the stretch, as he was pitching poorly even before back issues cropped up. That potentially leaves the closing role for Oakland up for grabs, but unfortunately, Romo's run of success ended at exactly the wrong time. The 38-year-old has coughed up five runs in his last two innings and three appearances. Chafun, on the other hand, has surpassed Jake Diekman as the top lefty in the A's bullpen, and he has a 1.00 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 19:2 K:BB in 18 innings since coming over from the Cubs. Oakland's shown less hesitation to let a southpaw close than some other organizations, at least for short stretches, (see: Sean Doolittle's 2014 and 2017 campaigns), so if Chafin is the most effective reliever the team has in September, he could well wind up as the most valuable from a fantasy perspective as well. Chafin -- 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team AL: $7 / Romo -- 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4

Nate Pearson, Blue Jays: Called back up Wednesday, Pearson didn't look any better in his first relief appearance for the Jays than he did in his only big-league start of the year back in May. It's fair to wonder if he'll ever work out in the rotation given his difficulties staying healthy, but he's still got some stash appeal as the 25-year-old has ace potential if he ever puts it all together. His re-draft value is almost nil, however. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Catcher

Danny Jansen. Blue Jays: Activated off the IL on Tuesday, Jansen is stuck as part of a three-headed catching committee for the Jays alongside Alejandro Kirk and Reese McGuire, but he did slug a homer and two doubles in Saturday's win. Whoever gets hot could wind up seeing at least a plurality of the playing time as Toronto fights for a playoff spot, so Jansen is off to a good start in reclaiming the top spot on the depth chart. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2

Ryan Lavarnway, Cleveland: Lavarnway has surprisingly started two of four games at catcher since rejoining the Cleveland roster this week, going 3-for-8 with a couple doubles. Roberto Perez will be back from his shoulder injury soon, and Austin Hedges is the team's best defensive option behind the plate, but Lavarnway could still carve out a role if he keeps hitting. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Sebastian Rivero, Royals: The 22-year-old was called up Saturday and saw action right away, as Salvador Perez can't handle defensive duties right now due to a neck issue and Cam Gallagher is on the shelf. Rivero isn't close to the player MJ Melendez is though, and it's a bit disappointing he got the nod over the team's No. 3 fantasy prospect -- not just because it probably closes the door on a Melendez debut, but because it's a poor omen for the chances of No. 1 fantasy prospect Bobby Witt getting the nod at some point in September too. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Second Base

Niko Goodrum, Tigers: Goodrum came back off the IL when rosters expanded, and he's started two of four games since while going 1-for-9. The utility player could see semi-regular playing time down the stretch, but the Tigers might prefer to give those at-bats to younger players rather than a 29-year-old who's proven he can't handle a starting role. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2

Jack Lopez, Red Sox: Per the current depth chart, Boston has six position players on the COVID-19 list, with five of them being part of the infield mix. That helps explain why a 28-year-old minor-league journeyman like Lopez is getting consistent playing time for a team fighting for a playoff spot. He did steal 11 bases in 58 games for Triple-A Worcester this year, but that's about all Lopez has to recommend him from a fantasy perspective. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Danny Mendick, White Sox: Tim Anderson is out with a hamstring strain and Yoan Moncada is nursing a sore wrist, which gives Chicago's utility players a window in which to shine. Good thing the team has a bazillion-game lead in the AL Central. (OK, it's only about 10 games, but it feels like a bazillion). Mendick hasn't really taken advantage yet, starting only one game since being called back up Tuesday, but he did go 2-for-5 in that start and is capable of a good week now and then. He could be a useful short-term option in deep formats. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Luis Rengifo, Angels: The left side of the Angels' infield is in even worse shape than the White Sox's, as Jose Iglesias got the boot and Anthony Rendon is done for the year. That leaves Phil Gosselin and Jack Mayfield as the nominal starters, but Rengifo could spot in at shortstop now and then as he did Saturday. The 24-year-old has yet to show his contact-heavy approach can work in the majors, but his .329/.386/.560 slash line in 53 games at Triple-A Salt Lake this year should buy him more chances. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2

Third Base

Yu Chang, Cleveland: Chang continues to bludgeon his way into a semi-regular role for Cleveland, slashing .435/.435/1.087 over seven games since Aug. 24 with three doubles, four homers and eight RBI. The 26-year-old utility man has shown power in the minors and offers more upside at the plate than the likes of Owen Miller, so the team doesn't have much to lose by letting Chang loose and seeing what happens. He's the kind of guy who could put you over the top in a tight race with only a small investment. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4

Shortstop

Romy Gonzalez, White Sox: One of the September callups for the White Sox, Gonzalez is a 24-year-old infielder who had a breakout this season, slashing .275/.357/.525 in 87 games between Double-A and Triple-A with 23 homers and 22 steals. Like most power-speed guys in this organization, Gonzalez has some contact issues but his 27.8 percent strikeout rate in the minors this year wasn't horrific, although he has whiffed four times while going 0-for-7 since his MLB debut. The power didn't come out of nowhere either -- Gonzalez looked like a possible early-round pick as a sophomore in college before a big slump as a junior caused him to tumble to the 18th round in 2018. Chicago's probably more comfortable with Garcia and Mendick handling the extra infield at-bats available right now, but if Gonzalez begins to flash, he could be the answer at third base if Moncada needs to be shut down. He's also an intriguing dynasty stash, although this could be a crowded infield again in 2022 if the White Sox pick up Cesar Hernandez's option. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2

Taylor Motter, Red Sox: Claimed off waivers from the Rockies on Thursday, Motter gives the Red Sox another warm body around the infield to plug their many, many, many COVID holes. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Taylor Walls, Rays: Called back up when rosters expanded, Walls has seen regular at-bats this week while Wander Franco deals with headaches that don't seem to be concussion-related. Franco was back in the lineup Saturday, so Walls will probably return to a bench role. He's got some speed upside if he were to start (and find a way to get on base consistently), but as is he's little more than a keeper stash -- and even then, you'll probably be hoping he gets traded over the winter, since Franco isn't budging off shortstop. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Outfield

Jose Marmolejos, Mariners: For whatever reason, whenever I see this guy's name, my brain subs it in to the lyrics for the Bruce Springsteen classic, Rosalita. "Marmolejos, jump a little lighter!". I mean, how many other songs are there with four-syllable names, right? Anyway, the 28-year-old played regularly earlier in the year, got dropped off the 40-man, stayed in the organization at Tacoma and is now back in Seattle in September. Perseverance, baby! With the M's outfield again in rough shape, Marmolejos has seen action in four of six games since his recall, going 3-for-13 with a homer. He might supply a bit more power down the stretch, which gives him a bit of deep-league value. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Ryan McKenna, Orioles: The 24-year-old was demoted to Norfolk in mid-August but made a swift return, and he's started three games over the last week. He's also gone 0-for-11 with eight strikeouts, so, yeah. He's beat up Triple-A pitching this year though, so there's always a chance things might begin to click if he keeps getting playing time. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Gavin Sheets, White Sox: Sheets made a dramatic return to the majors Wednesday with a two-homer game, but with Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert healthy, his only path to semi-consistent playing time in September runs through Brian Goodwin. That's not a high hurdle to clear though -- Goodwin's slashing .192/.294/.342 since the beginning of August -- but Andrew Vaughn needs at-bats somewhere in there too. It wouldn't be surprising if Vaughn and Sheets form a makeshift platoon over the final weeks that's more an even split, but that's probably the best-case scenario for Sheets. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2

Jose Siri, Astros: Jake Meyers and Chas McCormick were already fighting for playing time in center field, but now the Astros have brought up this guy too. "Siri, show me a logjam." The 26-year-old certainly earned the promotion at least, slashing .318/.369/.552 at Triple-A with 16 homers and 24 steals in 94 games, and Houston could spend the rest of the month trying to sort out the best approach to the situation ahead of the playoffs. Siri's definitely got upside if he wins a regular role, and if Yordan Alvarez needs more time off down the stretch that offers up some more playing time for the young outfield trio, but it's getting tough to be optimistic about any of them in re-draft. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4

Designated Hitter

Khris Davis, Athletics: Maybe you can go home again? Davis looked like his career might be over after flopping with the Rangers following poor efforts in 2019 and 2020 with the A's, but Oakland picked up back up and he went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI in his first game back in green and gold. With Mitch Moreland potentially done for the rest of the regular season, there are DH at-bats available, and even if Davis splits them with Jed Lowrie, his power potential is hard to overlook. So is his .214/.292/.376 slash line since 2019 though, and that carries a little more weight than one game and a fun narrative. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1