NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

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.

Bids in general are best guesstimates. With so much uncertainty at least initially, those values may be even greater estimates than usual. The FAAB chart below lets users easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The chart, which is 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 role on an A-E scale. An "A" grade is reserved for a high-impact prospect stepping into an everyday role.

If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL THE DADS, INCLUDING MY FATHER, FATHER-IN-LAW AND BROTHERS-IN-LAW!

STARTING PITCHER

Jerad Eickhoff/Thomas Szapucki, Mets: With Joey Lucchesi landing on the injured list with elbow inflammation, the Mets have another hole in their rotation. Add in that the team is in the midst of 33 games in 31 days, so bullpening may not work. Eickhoff has followed up 12 scoreless innings over two starts by allowing 12 runs across 11 innings his last two outings. Despite those struggles, he could get the nod with a doubleheader Monday. Szapucki, taken in the fifth round in 2015, has endured an injury-plagued minor-league career, but has looked productive when on the mound. Like Eickhoff, Szapucki has struggled his two most recent starts, but his excellent fastball-curve combination should play up in the majors. Due to upcoming doubleheaders, the Mets will soon need to temporarily add sixth and seventh starters to the mix temporarily and Szapucki would appear to be a strong candidate to fill one of the openings. Both - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

Paolo Espino, Nationals: Espino had maybe the best start of his career Wednesday by allowing three hits while striking out a pair over five scoreless innings and 53 pitches filling in for the injured Max Scherzer (groin). He has provided some crucial depth for a Nats rotation currently missing its top two arms in Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg (neck), and he'll take a 2.28 ERA and 21:3 K:BB through 27.2 innings into his next appearance. Look for Espino to get at least one more start and possibly more, depending on how long both starters are out. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Jon Gray, Rockies: Gray, out since his Jun. 4 start with a right flexor strain, is slated to serve as the starter for Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday and could rejoin the Rockies' rotation next weekend in Milwaukee if all goes well. The right-hander threw a bullpen session Thursday and has recently been working on the timing of his delivery. After a decent start to the season, Gray struggled his last few outings - including the one he left with an injury. But if fully healthy, he's worth a look even though he pitches in Coors Field. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 

Corbin Martin, Diamondbacks: Martin was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Monday and will likely be used as a piggyback or tandem reliever as he was Tuesday. He allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out two over three relief innings that night against the Giants. Prior to that, Martin had made a pair of starts for the Diamondbacks this season allowing nine runs in nine innings of work while striking out eight and walking seven. Arizona pitching coach Matt Herges indicated Martin may continue his development in the majors where working as a reliever, as opposed to starting, looks to be the path forward. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 

Kyle Muller/Bryse Wilson, Braves: Muller and Wilson, the Braves' glimmer twins, will each get a chance at starting due to the injury to Tucker Davidson and upcoming twin-bill. Which one sticks is up in the air, but my bet is on Wilson. Muller made seven starts for Triple-A Gwinnett to begin the year posting a 4.60 ERA and 1.51 WHIP across 31.1 innings. The lefty features a plus mid-90s fastball, though his command of the offering tends to waver as he pushes the velocity. Wilson has been with Triple-A Gwinnett since May 23 and has made four starts in his most recent minor-league stint. He last pitched Jun. 15, which means that he'll be on full rest for his next outing. Wilson pitched well his last two outings in the majors before he was sent down. Saturday's rain out could alter the Braves' plans, resulting in only one of the two pitchers receiving a call up. Muller - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5; Wilson - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up if he sticks)

Johan Oviedo, Cardinals: Oviedo looks to be locked in as the Cardinals' fifth starter due to several injuries in the team's rotation. He struck out four and allowed six hits in seven shutout innings in his best start of the season Wednesday. Not only did Oviedo yield fewer than two runs for the first time since his Apr. 11 season debut, he also recorded more than 15 outs for the first time in 2021. The 23-year-old is expected to make his next start Tuesday against the Tigers and should remain in his current role until St. Louis gets healthy. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Aaron Sanchez, Giants: Sanchez, on the 10-day injured list with right biceps tightness since May 8, left his rehab start at Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday with a blister but is slated to start Tuesday. Prior to being sidelined, he posted a 3.18 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 24:10 K:BB through 28.1 innings, but did not record an out in the sixth inning as the Giants limited his innings. Sanchez will likely need 1-2 more minor-league starts before returning to the major-league roster. Once back, he will be a candidate for the fifth-starter spot, though he could also end up in the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same spec return bid)

Alex Young, Diamondbacks: Young made his first start of the season pitching four innings against San Francisco while allowing three runs on five hits and one walk and striking out two. That outing came after he worked exclusively out of the bullpen in his first 26 appearances posting a 3.45 ERA and 30:15 K:BB across 28.2 relief innings. With Arizona's rotation beset by injuries, Young – who tossed 57 pitches – will get another chance to start by facing the Dodgers at home Sunday. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

RELIEF PITCHER

Anthony Bender, Marlins: Bender extended his scoreless appearance streak since making his major league debut to 18 with another unscathed inning Tuesday. In 17.2 innings, he's compiled a 22:5 strikeout-to-walk ratio to continue his minor-league success into the majors. Bender hasn't been used in many high leverage situations, but still has three holds and has gained manager Don Mattingly's confidence with his strong performance since being promoted. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6.

Bailey Falter, Phillies: Falter was called up for last Monday's game against the Dodgers and was used to follow Spencer Howard, who has yet to throw more than four innings this season. The lefty pitched very well in six starts and one relief appearance for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, cruising to a 1.82 ERA and a 36.2 percent strikeout rate. That dominance is out of line with Falter's scouting reports, as he's considered more of a backend starter. He tossed three scoreless innings against LA allowing only one hit and striking out a batter and could remain as a bulk-inning reliever. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4 

Hunter Greene, Reds: The Reds promoted Greene from Double-A Chattanooga to Triple-A Louisville last Sunday, The top pick in the 2017 first-year player draft has been magnificent in his return to action in 2021 after losing his last two seasons due to Tommy John surgery and COVID. In his seven outings at Chattanooga, Greene posted a 1.98 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 60:14 K:BB in 41 innings, but struggled his first appearance at the higher level by allowing four runs on four solo home runs while striking out eight across four innings. The Reds will likely remain cognizant of managing his innings carefully the rest of the way. But if the big club remains in playoff contention in the second half and if Greene continues to perform at a high level at Triple-A, he could be in the mix for a late-season promotion to Cincinnati and see time out of the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 (early stash bid) 

Luke Jackson, Braves: Jackson's main value comes in leagues that count holds with seven on the season, including four in his last eight appearances. On the year, he's produced a 1.05 ERA and 1.09 WHIP along with a 25:11 K:BB in 25.1 innings. Jackson generates groundballs at a 54.5 percent rate to limit the damage against him, but his FIP is 3.51. Expect a little regression, although he still should notch holds. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Wade LeBlanc, Cardinals: LeBlanc signed with the Cardinals on Thursday and saw action in the first two games following his arrival. Manager Mike Shildt will use LeBlanc for middle/long-relief assignments similar to the one he carried out Friday. Such usage might net him an occasional decision or hold and provide the ability to record some counting stats, but will likely result in limited fantasy utility. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

Dominic Leone, Giants: Leone, called up from Triple-A Sacramento on Jun. 1, has delivered solid work out of the bullpen. Following a scoreless inning Friday, he's managed a 2.08 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB across 8.2 innings while recording three holds in eight appearances. Leone has found success with a 95.2 MPH average velocity on his fastball - up from 94.8 last year - yet he's experienced some luck in holding opposing batters to a .158 BABIP so far. Manager Gabe Kapler is using Leone as one of the bridges to Tyler Rogers and Jake McGee. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Sean Reid-Foley, Mets: Reid-Foley was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday. The 25-year-old had pitched well for New York this season with a 1.98 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 20:4 K:BB over 13.2 innings, but allowed a run in each of his last two appearances before being sent down. Reid-Foley gave up a run Wednesday and five runs Saturday, but will continue to be used as a multi-inning option out of the bullpen with Joey Lucchesi hitting the injured list and Jacob deGrom dealing with his ailments. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 

Riley Smith, Diamondbacks: Smith is an option to replace Jon Duplantier in the Arizona rotation. The D-Backs rotation has been decimated by injuries and poor performance with Duplantier contributing to the latter. Even though Smith's track record as a starter in 2021 hasn't been good (1-3, 7.36 ERA, five starts), the righty still has a 2.79 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over the last 19.1 innings as a reliever. Alex Young is starting Sunday, though Matt Peacock could be replaced by Smith if manager Torey Lovullo decides to go in that direction. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

CATCHER 

Daulton Varsho/Stephen Vogt, Diamondbacks: Varsho and Vogt will once again split catching duties with Carson Kelly likely out at least a month with a fractured right wrist suffered Saturday. They performed similar duties a little over a month ago when Kelly was out with a tuft fracture. Varsho failed to earn a roster spot this spring, but was recalled by the Diamondbacks when Kole Calhoun (hamstring strain) landed on the injured list. Vogt, who was backing up Kelly, will be in line for an uptick in playing time. Varsho struggled when he was up earlier in the year, but has been raking in the majors and will see most of his time behind the plate rather than in the outfield. Varsho - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Vogt - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

FIRST BASE

Brandon Belt, Giants: Belt, profiled last week after he came off the injured list, gets another mention as he has been on fire since being activated. The veteran first baseman has hit safely in six straight going .478 (11-for-23) with three home runs over that stretch to push his slash line on the season to .255/.372/.535. With Evan Longoria (shoulder) on the IL, Belt's return was a sight for sore eyes for the Giants and is showing his career-best slash line last season was no fluke. 12-team Mixed: $22, 15-team Mixed: $33; 12-team NL: Rostered

C.J. Cron, Rockies: Cron waited until I waived him in my home draft league to get hot at the plate. He's hit three homers in his last six outings and delivered a walk off single in extra innings Friday, For the year, the 31-year-old has a .260/.361/.452 slash line with eight long balls, 26 RBI, 28 runs scored and eight doubles across 206 plate appearances. Cron benefits from hitting at Coors Field and is fairly ensconced at Colorado's starting first baseman even though he will cede some playing time to Joshua Fuentes. 12-team Mixed: $18, 15-team Mixed: $28; 12-team NL: Rostered

SECOND BASE 

Luis Garcia, Nationals: Garcia is more valuable as a stash option in keeper leagues, as his current time in the majors could be shortly coming to an end. He was called up Wednesday with Starlin Castro (personal) landing on the restricted list after thriving following his demotion to Triple-A Rochester at the end of May by hitting .319 with three home runs, two doubles, 11 RBI and nine runs in 11 games. Garcia was to start against righties, but Castro was actually reinstated to the active roster Friday and in the lineup Saturday. The Nationals will need outfield depth with Andrew Stevenson (oblique) sidelined, meaning Garcia could be the odd man out. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Jonathan India, Reds: India, locked in at second base with Nick Senzel on the 60-day injured list after undergoing arthroscopic surgery and out until mid-July, has been hot at the plate going 8-for-23 his last six games while alternating multi-hit games with 0-fers and slashing .262/.371/.412 with six home runs, 29 RBI, 27 runs scored and four stolen bases across 225 plate appearances as Cincinnati's primary leadoff man. India, a 2018 first-round pick, has yet to unlock his power but is getting on base thanks to his solid eye at the plate and scoring runs atop the Reds' lineup. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: Rostered 

THIRD BASE

Jason Vosler, Giants: Vosler, called back up to the Giants in early-June, is seeing semi-consistent playing time at third while Evan Longoria (shoulder) is on the mend. Wilmer Flores is primarily manning the hot corner, but Vosler is also benefitting from Longoria's absence. Vosler had a six-game hitting streak snapped Saturday, but his recent hot run should help his chances to remain in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

Luke Williams, Phillies: Williams, profiled last week, gets another mention as he continues to see playing time all over the field.  Selected in the third round in 2015, Williams was promoted to the Phillies from Triple-A Lehigh Valley after slashing an impressive .352/.439/.465 across 82 plate appearances before going off to help Team USA qualify for the Olympics. Williams has made at least two appearances at second, third, short and in the outfield, which should continue due to the Phillies having several players on the injured list. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (up if think the Phils will be decimated for a while longer)

SHORTSTOP 

Kyle Farmer, Reds: Farmer was profiled about a month ago, but gets another mention as he will remain as the Reds' starting shortstop with Mike Moustakas landing on the 60-day IL with a foot injury. Jonathan India is locked in at second with Joey Votto covering first again now that he's back from his thumb injury and Eugenio Suarez handling the hot corner. Farmer has scuffled a bit lately, possibly due to him not being used to consistent playing time. Temper your expectations, but he should post counting stats that carry value in NL-only leagues. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Luis Marte/Miguel Rojas, Marlins: Marte, outrighted to Triple-A Jacksonville on Jun. 6, was called back up Saturday to replace Deven Marrero on Miami's active roster and will back up several infield spot. Rojas, sidelined since late May with a dislocated and fractured left index finger, was activated from the 10-day injured list and in the lineup Friday against the Cubs. Prior to being sidelined, he produced a .275/.354/.433 slash line with three homers, 14 doubles, 16 RBI, four stolen bases and 32 runs in 48 games. Now healthy, Rojas should reclaim the everyday role at shortstop with Jon Berti shifting to third base as Jazz Chisholm taking second. Marte - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Rojas - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered

Nick Maton/Ronald Torreyes, Phillies: Maton was called up to help fill in for Jean Segura (groin), whom the Phillies placed on the injured list Wednesday. Maton got off to a hot start before cooling, but hit .252 with two homers in 103 at-bats before being demoted. Torreyes only has two homers on the year, but both have come in June - including one Saturday - and is batting .256 (11-for-43) on the month with four doubles, six runs and seven RBI through 12 games. He should continue to draw regular playing time backed up by Maton until Segura (groin) is back in action. Maton - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Torreyes - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

OUTFIELD 

Albert Almora, Mets: Almora, profiled last week and out since May 11 with a left shoulder bruise after crashing into the center field wall, was activated Saturday after completing a rehab assignment at Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday. Brandon Nimmo (finger) and Michael Conforto (hamstring) are on the injured list, forcing New York to mix-and-match in the outfield - although Kevin Pillar (nose) returned from his injury almost two weeks ago. Almora's playing time will be dictated by when those aforementioned players return and the play of those brought in or called up. Nimmo is close to starting a rehab assignment with Conforto not far behind. When everyone is healthy, Almora will resume his role as a spot-starter and defensive specialist, but should see decent playing time for the next month with the Mets in the midst of a tight stretch of games. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 (same as prior week)

Abraham Almonte/Guillermo Heredia, Braves: Almonte is pretty much starting every day in left field and seeing more action over Ehire Adrianza, while Heredia has taken over in center field from Ender Inciarte. Almonte notched a hit in five of his last six outings and now has a .295/.458/.523 slash line, aided by a 14:10 BB:K ratio. He doesn't offer much power or speed, though he was raking at Triple-A Gwinnett when promoted on May 31. Heredia has hit in five straight to up his season line to ,276/.364/.472, but two of his three home runs and six of his 14 runs drive in came in one game. He's likely just keeping the space warm until Cristian Pache or Drew Waters is ready, but could play left when one of those two are promoted. Almonte - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Heredia - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7

Steven Duggar, Giants: Duggar has taken advantage of the additional playing time due to all the injuries in the San Francisco outfield. While his modest four-game hitting streak ended Friday, he's blasted six home runs, driven in 18, scored 24, gone 4-for-4 in stolen base attempts and posted a .313/.379/.571 slash line across 124 plate appearances. Duggar has basically taken over as the team's starting center fielder, though his playing time could take a hit when Alex Dickerson (back) returns this week. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered

Adam Duvall, Marlins: Duvall has been some kind of hot at the plate lately bashing a pair of home runs for the second straight day Saturday while driving in 10 runs during those two contests. He's also hit safely in nine of his last 11 (14-for-43) to lift his season slash line to .220/.268/.447 with 16 homers, 52 RBI, 29 runs scored and four stolen bases across 235 plate appearances. Duvall is starting daily in right field and should still be a solid source of power and RBI even when the hot streak ends. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: $28; 12-team NL: Rostered

Derek Fisher/Matt Vierling: The Brewers and Phillies activated/called up fifth outfielders this week. Fisher, sidelined since the start of the regular season due to hamstring and calf issues, resumed his rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville in early June. Across 17 rehab appearances, he hit .220 with a home run, eight runs and six RBI. The 27-year-old is out of minor-league options, so he's on the Brewers for now and should operate mainly in a depth role at least until Tyrone Taylor is ready to return. Vierling struggled to a .232/.297/.329 slash line in a full season at High-A Clearwater in 2019 and didn't get the chance to turn things around last year due to the canceled minor-league season. He's looked far better in 27 games at the two highest levels of the minors this season hitting .354/.426/.616 with six homers and five steals while making the majority of his starts in center field. Vierling will see spot duty for now and replace Matt Joyce (back), who landed on the injured list in a corresponding move. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Brandon Nimmo, Mets: Nimmo, out since May 1 with a small ligament tear near the base of his left index finger, could begin a rehab assignment this week. Originally thought to be dealing with a nerve issue, a second opinion revealed the actual injury. Nimmo has been taking swings for the past week without pain and appears to be tracking toward a late-June activation from the injured list if he avoids setbacks. Once activated, he should start almost daily while sitting against certain lefties, providing solid across-the-board production especially in leagues that count OBA. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same spec return bid)

Jesus Sanchez, Marlins: Sanchez, profiled several times so far this season gets another mention as he was promoted from Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday. He had slowed somewhat since his blazing start, but was .349 with a 1.043 OPS along with nine home runs and 28 RBI over 33 games when promoted. The BABIP was unsustainable and Sanchez's mild decline was expected, but he substantially cut his K rate to 19.3 per cent and that bodes well for possible future success. He was picked up from Tampa Bay in the deal that sent Nick Anderson cross-state and went 1-for-25 in his exposure to the majors last season after struggling at Triple-A in 2019. Adam Duvall is locked in playing right field, but Sanchez got the call with Corey Dickerson landed on the injured list with his foot injury. Sanchez projects for big raw power as seen in his first home run Saturday and big swing-and-miss issues, but his second big-league stint makes him well worth a roster spot. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22 (upped call up bid and go higher if think the drop in K rate is sustainable) 

Steven Souza, Dodgers: Souza was promoted by the Dodgers on Wednesday. He was released by the Astros in late March, but signed almost immediately with LA and began the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Souza appeared in 22 minor-league games and slashed .279/.444/.603 with six home runs, 17 runs and 16 RBI to earn the call up.  Injuries have derailed his career since breaking out in 2017 and he should fill a depth role in the outfield while seeing most of his time in right. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7