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.

STARTING PITCHER

Edward Cabrera, Marlins: Cabrera dealt with right shoulder discomfort and a back issue last year and was diagnosed with an inflamed nerve in his biceps that resulted in a late start to this season. He started a rehab assignment three weeks ago with Low-A Jupiter, making two starts of three innings each before advancing to Double-A Pensacola. Cabrera threw 4.1 innings in his first start there and then tossed six innings Thursday, which could pave the way for a promotion to Triple-A Jacksonville. He pairs a plus breaking ball with his plus-plus fastball, while his third-pitch changeup is still a bit of a work in progress as is his command. Considered one of the top pitching prospects in the organization, Cabrera could get a look in the big leagues at some point after the All-Star break if he's able to string together a few quality outings at Triple-A once he completes his rehab assignment. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped return bid, to be upped as she gets closer)

Jesse Chavez/Tanner Roark, Braves: Chavez served as an opener Thursday and allowed two runs over 2.1 innings. The 37-year-old right-hander pitched well at Triple-A Gwinnett in 2021 with a 2.25 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 27:8 K:BB across 20 innings to earn the call up. Roark posted a 6.75 ERA in 54.2 innings over the past two years for the Blue Jays, but he pitched better at Triple-A Gwinnett since joining Atlanta with a 3.06 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 19:5 K:BB across 17.2 frames to receive a promotion. Chavez and Roark could be paired together to get through the first 5-6 innings of a game, but Atlanta also has a few other options, meaning both are likely just bullpen arms. Both - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

Jerad Eickhoff, Mets: Promoted due to the injuries on the Mets' staff and the team in midst of a busy schedule, Eickhoff gave up three hits and three walks while striking three over four scoreless innings during the second game of last Monday's doubleheader. He's also tentatively scheduled to make a second start Monday. With Tylor Megill also up in the majors, Eickhoff - who followed up 12 scoreless innings over two starts at Triple-A Syracuse by allowing 12 runs over 11 innings his last two outings - may see a short stint in the majors. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 (same bid as prior week)

Jon Gray, Rockies: Gray, out since his Jun. 4 start with a right flexor strain, returned from the 10-day injured list to start Friday against Milwaukee. He allowed five hits and no walks while striking out 10 in five innings and 83 pitches (60 strikes) in a no-decision. Gray received the green light to return from the IL after he struck out six while allowing two runs over four innings and 62 pitches in his rehab start last weekend at Triple-A Albuquerque. After a decent start to the season, he struggled his last few outings - including the one he left with an injury. But now fully healthy, Gray is worth a look even though he pitches at Coors Field. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upper bid from prior week) 

Max Kranick, Pirates: Kranick was called up to start Sunday against the Cardinals, advancing from High-A last year through the two upper levels of the minors this season. He made 20 starts at High-A Bradenton in 2019 logging a 3.79 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 78:30 K:BB in 109.1 innings before making seven starts this season while striking out 24.7 percent of opposing batters and walking just 6.7 per cent en route to a 4.37 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. Kranick, selected in the 11th round in 2016, projects as not much more than a backend starter. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Chad Kuhl, Pirates: Kuhl's ERA was at 6.52 two starts ago, but he lowered that to 5.05 after tossing six scoreless innings for the second straight outing Thursday. Right shoulder soreness sidelined him for over a month before returning to action on May 31. Kuhl's ERA sat between 4.20 and 4.55 the previous four seasons, which seems like a reasonable range this year and gives him some remaining upside potential as he remains fairly locked into a spot in the Pirates' rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Tylor Megill, Mets: Megill, selected in the eighth round in 2018, made his major-league debut Wednesday and gave up two runs on three hits and two walks with four strikeouts over 4.1 innings. The 25-year-old posted a 3.77 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 17:5 K:BB over 14.1 innings (three starts) at Triple-A Syracuse after five solid outings at Double-A Binghamton to earn the call up. Megill is a 6'7" right-hander whose fastball sits in the mid-90s and he tired in his debut, but did enough to likely earn a second start - though that may depend on the status of Marcus Stroman's hip. If Stroman is healthy, a second spot is still open in the rotation which is currently being filled by Jerad Eickhoff but could end up going to Megill. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Matt Moore, Phillies: Moore, out over a month with back spasms, returned to the majors and started Friday against the Mets allowing three hits and a walk while striking out two over five scoreless innings. Prior to being sidelined - first with COVID-19 in April and then back spasms - he had struggled with a 7.36 ERA, 1.91 WHIP and 17:11 K:BB across 18.1 innings with five homers allowed. Moore made five middling rehab appearances for Triple-A Lehigh Valley before returning to the Phillies, where he should receive a chance to remain as the fifth starter over Spencer Howard. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

Kyle Muller, Braves: Muller made seven starts for Triple-A Gwinnett to begin the year while posting a 4.90 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 41:19 K:BB in 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. The Texan held the Mets to one run on one hit in four innings on Monday while throwing 56 pitches, striking out three and walking two. That solid start earned Muller a second outing Sunday in place of Max Fried (blister) with Kyle Wright sent to the minors after his disastrous start Wednesday. One more good start from Muller should secure his spot at least in the short-term with Mike Soroka (Achilles) out for the season. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up if he sticks) 

Aaron Sanchez, Giants: Sanchez, on the 10-day injured list with right biceps tightness since May 8, pitched for Triple-A Sacramento on Friday after he was scratched from his Tuesday appearance with a blister on his right middle finger that has sidelined him since Jun. 7. He allowed one run in two innings of work, but it sounds like he was once again troubled by a blister that forced his exit from the game. Prior to being sidelined with the original injury, Sanchez had 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 work. He'll likely need one or two more minor-league starts and resolve the blister issue before returning to the majors. Once back, Sanchez will be a candidate for the fifth-starter spot, though he could also head to the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same spec return bid) 

Zach Thompson, Marlins: I considered and was recommended by a few readers to profile Thompson, but had held off as he looked to be just a five-inning, back-end starter. But he showed that wasn't the case by only allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out a career-high 11 in six innings to pick up the win against the Nationals on Saturday. The 27-year-old now boasts an impressive 25:6 K:BB through his first 18 major league innings (four appearances) and has allowed just three runs (two earned) over his past three starts. But be a bit wary since Thompson's minor-league performance doesn't show this level of pedigree. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Touki Toussaint, Braves: Toussaint, sidelined since the latter part of spring training with a strained right shoulder, shifted his rehab assignment to Double-A Mississippi on Sunday covering 3.2 innings while giving up two runs on one hit and two walks and striking out four. Prior to being injured, he made four Grapefruit League appearances and posted a 2.00 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in nine innings. The right-hander - who just turned 25 - built his pitch count up to 53 in that outing, but Atlanta will likely want to see him reach the 75-to-100 range before he's viewed as a viable option for the big-league rotation. Atlanta may not have a spot on the active roster available for Toussaint once he's deemed ready to return from the 60-day injured list, so he could end up filling a starting role at Triple-A Gwinnett. But with Mike Soroka sidelined for the balance of the season, Toussaint could see the majors at some point soon. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec return bid) 

RELIEF PITCHER 

Jose Alvarado/Archie Bradley, Phillies: Let's play "Who is the Phillies' Closer?". Hector Neris was locked in to start the season, but he has imploded after blowing four of his last six chances. Alvarado looks to be next in line, but his wildness cost him a save Friday in Game 1 of the doubleheader against the Mets, resulting in Archie Bradley getting a chance. But the latter blew the save, though he earned the win with Neris closing out the win. But Neris fell apart again on Saturday, leaving the door open again for Alvarado and Bradley with Sam Coonrod placed on the 10-day injured list Friday with right forearm tendinitis retroactive to Jun. 24. Alvarado remains the best bet, as he recorded two saves, nine holds prior to Friday while posting a 2.70 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 36:23 K:BB across 26.2 innings with his 19.7 percent walk rate - his largest hurdle in his path to securing the closer's gig long-term. Bradley has substantive closing and set up experience, but he got off to a horrific start to the season before landing on the IL in late April. He's been much better the past month by only allowing two earned runs in his last 12 appearances over 10 innings - albeit with an 8:7 K:BB - which could earn him a chance at closing, as he received in Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader. Alvarado - 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: Rostered; Bradley - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Brad Boxberger, Brewers: Boxberger tossed a scoreless inning Saturday to record his third win of the season. Add in three saves and nine holds along with a 2.84 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 34:10 K:BB in 31.2 innings and you have a pretty solid relief option in front of Josh Hader. Boxberger has more value on leagues that play holds, but his overall numbers still likely warrant a roster spot in your lineup. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 

Brad Brach/Amir Garrett/Heath Hembree, Reds: Lucas Sims' elbow sprain is expected to keep him out for 3-to-4 weeks, leaving a hole at closer for the Reds. He's joined on the sidelines by Tejay Antone (forearm), so Cincy will use several relievers to try and lock down wins. Brach, Garrett and Hembree all will be in the mix. The most unlikely option is Brach, who notched the save Thursday and has been stellar having not allowed a run since Jun. 6 with a 2.51 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 14.1 innings. It was Brach's first save in the big leagues since Sep. 6, 2018 - while pitching for Atlanta – a span of 94 appearances between saves. Garrett closed on Saturday and has only been scored upon once over his last 10 appearances while posting a 2.84 ERA and 10:2 K:BB through 6.1 innings and racking up three saves and two holds. He opened the year as the team's closer, but ceded the role after struggling. Hembree is a long-shot option, as he's not pitched well. But he's a righty, which could afford him chances if Garrett – a southpaw – is used to retire a batter in the seventh or eighth inning. Brach - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Garrett - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered; Hembree - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Joakim Soria, Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks made the somewhat surprising decision to designate Stefan Crichton - who produced four saves - for assignment Wednesday to likely make Soria the favorite for ninth-inning duties going forward. Soria missed a month from Apr. 4 to May 4 with a strained left calf, but he's been up-and-down since his return. The good news is that he's notched three straight scoreless outings, but only lasted a third of an inning Saturday allowing a run in a 10-0 game. Soria is likely to close with Arizona not having any great alternate options as J.B. Bukauskas is still sidelined. And keep in mind the Diamondbacks have managed the fewest saves of any team this season. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

CATCHER

Patrick Mazeika, Mets: The Mets recalled Mazeika from Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday with Tomas Nido landing on the injured list with a wrist injury after being hit by a pitch and will operate as the backup catcher. Mazeika hit .214 in 14 at-bats with the Mets before being optioned May 31, most notably putting the ball in play for two walk-off winners. His stint this time will likely last as long as Nido is out. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

FIRST BASE

Garrett Cooper, Marlins: Cooper, sidelined since Jun. 9 due to a lumbar strain, was activated Friday after a very short rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville. Prior to the injury, he was filling a short-side platoon option at first while also seeing time in left field. With Corey Dickerson (foot) on the injured list, Cooper should once again see semi-regular starts between first and the corner outfield spots, but could have an expanded role in left field if Jesus Sanchez struggles to make consistent contact. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Keston Hiura, Brewers: Hiura was recalled by the Brewers on Wednesday after spending just over two weeks with Triple-A Nashville, but he'll return to the bigs and should be the primary first baseman after Daniel Vogelbach suffered a "significant" hamstring strain and was placed on the 10-day injured list. Hiura has struggled overall to continue the downward slide that began last season. He opened the year with the parent club before being demoted in May and was called back up late last month while mostly as a short-side platoon player at first base going 2-for-29 with 16 strikeouts before he was sent back to the minors. The 24-year-old resumed raking after returning to Nashville slashing .375/.490/.575 with two homers, two doubles, seven RBI, six runs, 25.5 percent strikeout and 17.6 percent walk rate in 11 games and should start daily at first with Vogelbach set to miss extended time. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (if think he reverts to 2019 form) 

SECOND BASE

Travis Blankenhorn, Mets: Blankenhorn was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday with Jonathan Villar (calf) placed on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. This is Blankenhorn's second stint with the Mets as he was sent to Syracuse on Jun. 11, but hit .389 with three homers, a double, 13 RBI, six runs and two stolen bases across seven games to earn the call up. As a result, he should mainly operate in a depth role. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

David Bote, Cubs: Bote, on the IL since May 30 with a dislocated left shoulder, could start a rehab assignment as soon as early next week. The infielder will likely need to get multiple games under his belt in the minors, but a return to the Cubs within the next week remains a possibility. Prior to being sidelined, Bote was only hitting .194 with five home runs, 23 RBI and 16 runs, but could see some time depending on when Nico Hoerner and Matt Duffy return from their injuries. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 

Chris Owings, Rockies: Owings, who sprained his thumb in early April badly enough to require surgery and a trip to the 60-day injured list, was activated from the 60-day injured list Tuesday. He went 8-for-15 with three triples, three doubles, three RBI, two stolen bases and six runs in seven games prior to the injury. Owings will back up at several positions now that he's back in the majors. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 

Josh VanMeter, Diamondbacks: VanMeter, recalled from Triple-A Reno last Sunday, is up with the Diamondbacks for the second time this season after batting .159 with a home run in 37 games during his first stint with the big club. He earned a call-up after catching fire at Triple-A with a .485/.581/1.212 slash line and seven home runs in his last eight outings. Manager Torey Lovullo said VanMeter will split time between second and third base, though that usage will depend on him hitting well - which has not yet been the case following his promotion. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

THIRD BASE

Matt Duffy, Cubs: Duffy, sidelined with back issues since May 25, said Saturday he is hoping to return sometime around next month's All-Star break. The utility man was enjoying a solid campaign at the plate prior to the injury slashing .278/.377/.356 across 106 plate appearances. Kris Bryant has been switching between the hot corner and outfield and could see additional time in right or left field if Duffy hits as he did prior to his injury after he returns. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

Evan Longoria, Giants: Longoria, on the injured list with a sprained left shoulder since Jun. 6, resumed baseball activities Friday. He's been targeting a mid-July return and the latest update indicates he remains on track to be activated sometime around the All-Star break. Prior to being sidelined, Longoria posted a solid .280/.376/.516 slash line with nine home runs, 30 RBI, 28 runs scored and a stolen base as a near-everyday option at third. Wilmer Flores should continue to receive the bulk of the playing time at the hot corner while Longoria continues to recover, but cede the role when the latter returns. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (early return stash bid)

SHORTSTOP

Brendan Rodgers, Rockies: Rodgers is locked in as the Rockies' starting second baseman, yet is only rostered in 38 percent of CBS Sports leagues. He's now produced at least one hit in 10 of his last 12 starts, while also chipping in seven RBI and two runs scored. Rodgers is hitting .274/.346/.463 with 17 RBI and seven runs scored across 106 plate appearances. He experienced right shoulder injuries and a left hamstring strain during his brief stints with the Rockies the past two years and only hit .196 in 32 games. Rodgers failed to build confidence because he didn't get the opportunity to play, but now is in the lineup almost daily and has rewarded the club with solid hitting. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: Rostered

OUTFIELD

Harrison Bader, Cardinals:  Bader, on the injured list since late May with a hairline fracture along his right ribcage, began a rehab assignment at Low-A Palm Beach on Friday. Injuries have limited him to just 22 games this season and it's not entirely clear how many games he will play in the minors, but a return to the Cardinals within the next week or two doesn't seem out of the question. Lars Nootbaar was called up this week to replace Lane Thomas. If he hits, he could remain in left field with Dylan Carlson in center and extend Bader's rehab stint. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (early return spec bid)

Kole Calhoun, Diamondbacks: Calhoun, sidelined since Apr. 27, said he plans to begin a rehab assignment next week. The 33-year-old hasn't fully tested his hamstring at game speed, so he figures to require a handful of games in the minors before rejoining the big-league roster. With Arizona in last place, the team will likely look to shop Calhoun, who is in the final year of a two-year, $16 million contract that includes a team option for 2022 at the trade deadline. He hit .292/.333/.479 with two home runs and one steal in 13 games prior to suffering the injury. Calhoun has recently been a moderate source of power, albeit with a weak batting average. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (same early spec return bid, to be upped)

Yonathan Daza, Rockies: Daza has taken over as the Rockies' primary center fielder and has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games. That hot stretch has upped his slash line to .328/.373/.413 with a pair of home runs and 20 runs driven in. Daza has been consistent by batting .316 in both April and May and increasing to .333 in June. His value in the minors was boosted by steals, which has not been the case in the majors with only two swipes this season. Daza has also been aided by a .400 BABIP, so a regression could be forthcoming, but he does benefit from the vast expanses of Coors Field. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered 

Alex Dickerson/LaMonte Wade, Giants: Dickerson wound up missing just under two weeks with an upper-back strain and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Monday. Prior to suffering the injury, he wasn't coming close to the .947 OPS he produced last year at .693. Despite the struggles, Dickerson was still starting every game against righties when healthy and will likely continue that role. Wade was originally optioned down, but was recalled with Brandon Belt landing on the IL and could see time in left field. He'll likely be the primary first baseman against righties at least until Evan Longoria returns, forcing Wilmer Flores back across the diamond. Dickerson - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: Rostered; Wade - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Nick Heath/Darin Ruf: The Diamondbacks and Giants activated/called up fifth outfielders this week. Heath was recalled by the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. He appeared in 13 games for Arizona earlier in the year and hit .161 with three runs and an RBI. Heath had been more successful with Triple-A Reno slashing .297/.386/.446 with two homers, 14 runs, 11 RBI and seven stolen bases across 18 contests. The 27-year-old should serve mainly as a depth outfield option going forward. Ruf missed about four weeks with a strained hamstring before being activated from the 10-day injured list Monday. Prior to being sidelined, he was slashing .256/.375/.523 with six home runs, 15 RBI, 18 runs scored and a stolen base over 104 plate appearances. The 34-year-old should be a reserve option at first base and left field, receiving some starts against left-handed pitching - especially at first base with Brandon Belt sidelined, as well as at DH when the Giants are in AL parks. Heath - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4; Ruf - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

Lars Nootbaar, Cardinals: Nootbaar, promoted earlier this past week with Lane Thomas being sent to Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding roster move, has started all five games since his call up. He earned the promotion after posting a strong .329/.430/.557 line with a solid 17:13 K:BB, five home runs and 17 RBI in 93 plate appearances with Memphis. Nootbaar has started in both left and right field with Tyler O'Neill in the other corner outfield spot and Dylan Carlson in center field. Nootbaar hit a so-so .264/.349/.364 across three minor league levels in 2019, but the former 2018 eighth-round pick out of USC made adjustments to warrant the promotion. However, he could be optioned when Harrison Bader is ready to return or could switch to a fourth outfielder role. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Brandon Nimmo, Mets: Nimmo, out since May 1 with a small ligament tear near the base of his left index finger, is expected back next week after he completes his rehab assignment at Triple-A Syracuse. Originally thought to be dealing with a nerve issue, a second opinion revealed the actual injury. Once activated, Nimmo should start almost daily and sit against certain lefties while providing solid across-the-board production - especially in leagues that play with OBA. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (upped spec return bid)