This article is part of our AL FAAB Factor series.
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.
This year, we're incorporating 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 role on an A-E scale. Carlos Correa would have been an "A" grade player last year -- that mark will be reserved for similar high-impact prospects stepping into 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.
| PLAYER | TEAM | POS | GRADE | $ (12-Team Mixed) | $ (15-Team Mixed) | $ (AL-Only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raul Alcantara | OAK | SP | C | No | No | 2 |
| Jose Berrios | MIN | SP | B | No | 2 | 5 |
| Clay Buchholz | BOS | SP | C | No | No | 3 |
| Jharel Cotton | OAK | SP | B | 2 | 5 | 12 |
| Colby Lewis | TEX | SP | C | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| Bryan Mitchell | NY | SP | C | No | No | 3 |
| David Paulino | HOU | SP | C | No | No | 2 |
| Brad Peacock | HOU | SP | D | No | No | 2 |
| Mike Pelfrey | DET | SP | D | No | No | 1 |
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.
This year, we're incorporating 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 role on an A-E scale. Carlos Correa would have been an "A" grade player last year -- that mark will be reserved for similar high-impact prospects stepping into 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.
| PLAYER | TEAM | POS | GRADE | $ (12-Team Mixed) | $ (15-Team Mixed) | $ (AL-Only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raul Alcantara | OAK | SP | C | No | No | 2 |
| Jose Berrios | MIN | SP | B | No | 2 | 5 |
| Clay Buchholz | BOS | SP | C | No | No | 3 |
| Jharel Cotton | OAK | SP | B | 2 | 5 | 12 |
| Colby Lewis | TEX | SP | C | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| Bryan Mitchell | NY | SP | C | No | No | 3 |
| David Paulino | HOU | SP | C | No | No | 2 |
| Brad Peacock | HOU | SP | D | No | No | 2 |
| Mike Pelfrey | DET | SP | D | No | No | 1 |
| Jason Vargas | KC | SP | C | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| Daniel Wright | LA | SP | E | No | No | 1 |
| Jordan Zimmermann | DET | SP | B | 5 | 11 | Owned |
| Andrew Bailey | LA | RP | C | 3 | 7 | 17 |
| Tyler Clippard | NY | RP | D | No | 1 | 4 |
| Trevor May | MIN | RP | D | No | No | 2 |
| Tanner Scheppers | TEX | RP | D | No | No | 1 |
| Koji Uehara | BOS | RP | D | No | No | 3 |
| Evan Gattis | HOU | C | C | 5 | 11 | Owned |
| Max Stassi | HOU | C | E | No | No | 1 |
| Christian Vazquez | BOS | C | E | No | No | 1 |
| Bobby Wilson | TB | C | E | No | No | 2 |
| Arismendy Alcantara | OAK | 2B | C | No | No | 2 |
| Casey McGehee | DET | 3B | D | No | No | 3 |
| Richie Shaffer | TB | 3B | E | No | No | 1 |
| Travis Shaw | BOS | 3B | C | 3 | 7 | Owned |
| Tim Anderson | CHI | SS | B | 3 | 7 | Owned |
| James Beresford | MIN | SS | E | No | No | 1 |
| Christian Colon | KC | SS | C | No | No | 2 |
| Alcides Escobar | KC | SS | C | 2 | 5 | Owned |
| Eduardo Escobar | MIN | SS | D | No | No | 3 |
| Dixon Machado | DET | SS | E | No | No | 1 |
| Alexei Ramirez | TB | SS | D | No | 1 | 4 |
| Norichika Aoki | SEA | OF | D | No | No | 2 |
| Andrew Benintendi | BOS | OF | A | 4 | 9 | Owned |
| Jason Coats | CHI | OF | E | No | No | 1 |
| Jarrod Dyson | KC | OF | C | 7 | 15 | Owned |
| Joey Gallo | TEX | OF | B | 3 | 7 | Owned |
| Leury Garcia | CHI | OF | E | No | No | 2 |
| Jared Hoying | TEX | OF | E | No | No | 1 |
| Kevin Kiermaier | TB | OF | C | 2 | 5 | Owned |
| Mikie Mahtook | TB | OF | D | No | No | 2 |
| Steven Moya | DET | OF | C | No | No | 2 |
| Daniel Nava | KC | OF | E | No | No | 1 |
| Kennys Vargas | MIN | DH | C | No | 1 | 4 |
Raul Alcantara, Athletics: The 23-year-old righty got pressed into service last week due to all the injuries in the A's rotation but his MLB debut wasn't impressive, as he gave up five runs in three innings. Alcantara put up absurd control numbers at Triple-A this year and has a good changeup, but his overall package might consign him to middle relief in the long run. For now though he'll try to soak up as many innings as he can for Oakland. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Jose Berrios, Twins: With the minor league season now over, Berrios will finish out 2016 with the Twins and take his lumps in their rotation. He's been too good in the minors to think he won't eventually make the necessary adjustments but in redraft leagues he's not someone you can count on to give you even marginally useful innings down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team AL: $5
Clay Buchholz, Red Sox: The Red Sox keep bouncing Buchholz back and forth between the bullpen and rotation and it's easy to see why. Heading into Sunday he'd allowed a single run in each of his previous three starts, but then the Jays hung a six-spot on him in just three innings. Until Steven Wright makes it back from his shoulder issues though, Boston's probably stuck with Buchholz in their rotation. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $3
Jharel Cotton, Athletics: The big prize in the A's deadline deal with the Dodgers, Cotton had a nice debut Wednesday, holding the Angels to one run over 6.1 innings. The 24-year-old right-hander has plenty of upside, as evidenced by his 155:39 K:BB in 135.2 minor league innings this season, and if he keeps producing in September he should be a big part of Oakland's 2017 rotation, making him a juicy target in keeper leagues. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team AL: $12
Colby Lewis, Rangers: Out since mid-June, Lewis jumps back into the Rangers' rotation Sunday to try and give the back end of their rotation some stability. He'll be only a marginal upgrade on the likes of Martin Perez or A.J. Griffin – don't expect him to match the 3.21 ERA he held when he hit the DL -- but Lewis could net you a couple of wins over the final month without doing too much damage to your ratios. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team AL: $7
Bryan Mitchell, Yankees: Mitchell, who was ticketed for a bullpen role in the preseason before a toe injury cost him the first five months of the season, got thrust into the rotation once he got healthy and shut out the Blue Jays for five innings Wednesday in his 2016 debut. He should remain in the rotation for the rest of the year and figures to be a typical Yankees starter, in that he has a big fastball and will have some great starts but lacks the secondary stuff to be consistent. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $3
David Paulino, Astros: Paulino was rewarded with a September call-up after dominating Double-A earlier in the year but struggling a little with his control at Triple-A. Those struggles continued in his major league debut and with the Astros still alive in the wild card hunt it's unlikely they'll give the right-hander another start this season. Paulino's got top shelf stuff but until he has a better handle on where it's going when it leaves his hand, he's only worth consideration as a keeper stash. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Brad Peacock, Astros: Paulino's loss is Peacock's gain, as he's the next man up in the Houston rotation. The 28-year-old has always been able to get strikeouts, including a 9.2 K/9 at Triple-A this season, but he's been too hittable to be reliable in any of his previous stints in the majors. This time around likely won't be any different, but he should at least be able to give the Astros some innings. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Mike Pelfrey, Tigers: Pelfrey and his atrocious 1.72 WHIP came off the DL on Monday but as yet hasn't pitched in a game, as the Tigers try to figure out what to do with him. He's not likely to become a regular starter again unless one of the team's young lefties (Matt Boyd and Daniel Norris) fall apart, but they could elect to use him as a spot starter to give the rotation some extra rest. Either way, he should only be given a spot on your fantasy roster if you're desperate for wins and don't care about any potential ratio damage. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Jason Vargas, Royals: The veteran lefty hasn't pitched in the majors since last July due to Tommy John surgery but he finished his rehab stint with a flourish, striking out 10 batters in 5.2 innings back on September 1. He hasn't pitched since though, which would seem to indicate that the Royals aren't in any hurry to get him back into action. Vargas has some keeper value as a low-K starter with adequate ratios and he should have a rotation spot next year locked up, but he may contribute much for the remainder of 2016. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team AL: $7
Daniel Wright, Angels: The former Red gets pushed into the Angels' rotation as they grow increasingly desperate for healthy arms that can get a few outs. Wright's 6.13 ERA and 1.61 WHIP tell you all you need to know about his potential. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Jordan Zimmermann, Tigers: Zimmermann's return to action Saturday was, well, awful, as he got rocked by the Orioles for six runs (including three home runs) in just one inning. The Tigers will skip his next start but they need him if they're going to stay in the race for a playoff spot, so expect him to rejoin the rotation when his turn comes around again. Given his recent results and health issues he's a risk to be sure, but he also offers more upside than just about any other pitcher you might be able to pick up this time of year. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team AL: Owned
Relief Pitcher
Andrew Bailey, Angels: Somewhat predictably, Angels manager Mike Scioscia went with the experienced hand as his latest closer so despite not recording an MLB save since 2013, Bailey got the nod. He's converted both his chances since being given ninth inning duties and could be your last chance to add a closer to your staff for the remainder of the season. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team AL: $17
Tyler Clippard, Yankees: Clippard picked up a save Wednesday when Dellin Betances was unavailable and remains his understudy despite the slew of young arms that the Yankees have brought up over the last couple of weeks. Betances might not miss another game, but if he does Clippard could add a couple more saves to his holds and otherwise excellent numbers (he hasn't given up an earned run in over a month). 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4
Trevor May, Twins: May's a pure lottery ticket, but he offers high-K upside and with the Twins' closer situation not set in stone next year, he could become the next Betances or Edwin Diaz. If you have a roster spot available in a keeper league, that's worth stashing. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Tanner Scheppers, Rangers: Scheppers hasn't pitched effectively in the majors since 2013 due to a litany of injuries, but he's healthy again and will get a chance to establish himself as a viable bullpen piece for 2017. If May's a lottery ticket then Scheppers is a wish on a falling star, but there's still some talent here if he can stay on the field. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Koji Uehara, Red Sox: Out since the middle of July, Uehara came off the DL and immediately resumed his role as the eighth-inning man in front of Craig Kimbrel. That means K's, holds and nice ratios, but if you're looking for some stray saves there are better options out there. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $3
Catcher
Evan Gattis, Astros: Over the last month Gattis has become a full-time player once again, blasting seven home runs and even hitting for a good batting average. The latter won't last of course and his catcher eligibility means that he's long gone in most formats, but in shallow leagues and those with stricter eligibility requirements Gattis' surge and regular playing time make him worth rostering even as a pure Ut or DH. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team AL: Owned
Max Stassi, Astros: The 25-year-old continues to flash a bit of power in the minors, hitting 29 career Triple-A homers in a little over 1000 plate appearances, but Stassi's inability to make consistent contact mark him as a bench player, at best, in the majors. The Astros also seem increasingly comfortable with Gattis behind the plate, which means they'll probably want a second catcher who can complement him defensively, rather than do what Gattis does but not as well. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Christian Vazquez, Red Sox: Vazquez will provide catching depth down the stretch for the Red Sox, but isn't likely to be much more than a late-inning defensive sub. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Bobby Wilson, Rays: The Rays' catching situation remains fluid, but Wilson's playing time is rising and he's responded by hitting .308 with two homers in 26 at-bats over the last two weeks. He could be worth adding if you need some offense at the position, but he's not the next Sandy Leon or anything. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Second Base
Arismendy Alcantara, Athletics: Alcantara's bounced back and forth between Oakland and Nashville ever since they acquired him from the Cubs, but he's up for good now. At this point he looks like nothing more than a utility player who might provide the occasional steal, but in deep formats that profile still has a little keeper value. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Third Base
Casey McGehee, Tigers: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $3
Richie Shaffer, Rays: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Travis Shaw, Red Sox: 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team AL: Owned
Shortstop
Tim Anderson, White Sox: 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team AL: Owned
James Beresford, Twins: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Christian Colon, Royals: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Alcides Escobar, Royals: 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team AL: Owned
Eduardo Escobar, Twins: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $3
Dixon Machado, Tigers: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Alexei Ramirez, Rays: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4
Outfield
Norichika Aoki, Mariners: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Andrew Benintendi, Red Sox: 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team AL: Owned
Jason Coats, White Sox: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Jarrod Dyson, Royals: 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $15; 12-team AL: Owned
Joey Gallo, Rangers: 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team AL: Owned
Leury Garcia, White Sox: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Jared Hoying, Rangers: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Kevin Kiermaier, Rays: 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team AL: Owned
Mikie Mahtook, Rays: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Steven Moya, Tigers: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Daniel Nava, Royals: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Designated Hitter
Kennys Vargas, Twins: 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4
