AL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

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.

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. Rafael Devers 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.

Starting Pitcher

Brett Anderson, Athletics: Shutting down the Mariners in Seattle isn't necessarily the tallest task, but given Anderson's long road back to major-league usefulness, any success for the left-hander at all is impressive. You can't count on him to stay healthy, so don't go overboard in your bidding, but if he can give Oakland 8-10 solid starts before his seemingly inevitable next injury, he'll be worth picking up. Of course, his upcoming schedule is also nasty – home to HOU, at NYY, at TOR over the next two weeks – so he'll likely be less appealing as an immediate streaming option than as depth in season-long formats. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team AL: $13

Jaime Barria, Angels: Barria should be up in the majors for at least a week or two this time with Nick Tropeano on the shelf, so that's nice. The rookie's been able to keep the ball in the park through his first three big-league starts, but his 6:6 K:BB in 13 innings highlights his limitations for fantasy purposes. What's worse, his next two scheduled starts are in Coors Field, then home to HOU, so even as a short-term add he isn't particularly appealing. Still, Barria's clearly the next up in an Angels rotation that can never stay healthy, and that role carries some value in season-long leagues. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4

Wade LeBlanc, Mariners: The veteran lefty takes Erasmo Ramirez's spot in the rotation, and while he isn't going to bring back memories of Jamie Moyer in the Pacific Northwest, he could supply some useful innings once he's fully stretched back out. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4

Lance Lynn, Twins: It's totally understandable if you want nothing to do with a pitcher currently carrying a 7.28 ERA and 1.96 WHIP. However, Lynn's almost certainly been dropped in a ton of leagues, and if you're struggling in the pitching categories he's exactly the kind of arm you should be taking a chance on. There's been on indication that the right-hander's awful first month was injury-related, and in fact there are very plausible explanations for it, namely his late signing and lack of meaningful spring training, and then the disruptions to his schedule caused by the weather. Lynn is finally on a regular five-day rhythm, and in his last outing he held the White Sox in check for six innings with a 7:0 K:BB. Toppling the White Sox isn't a big deal, but the lack of walks is. If you need rotation help, don't wait too long to take the plunge. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team AL: $9

Fernando Romero, Twins: The Twins top pitching prospect got called up for a look Wednesday and didn't disappoint, shutting out the Jays over 5.2 innings with five Ks. Romero features a mid-90s fastball, tight slider and developing changeup, and while he wasn't dominating in his first taste of Triple-A, his 20:10 K:BB in 21 innings before his promotion offers a glimpse at his plausible upside. Minnesota's seemingly given up on Phil Hughes and Ervin Santana is still a month or more away from returning, so the kid will have a long leash as he tries to lock down a rotation spot for the rest of the season. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team AL: $25

Relief Pitcher

Justin Anderson / Cam Bedrosian / Jim Johnson / Blake Parker, Angels: You didn't really think there would be no more drama in the Angels' bullpen this year, did you? Keynan Middleton was doing a solid job as the closer, but he's now on the DL with elbow trouble. As yet, the issue doesn't seem serious, which is probably just as well since none of the team's replacement options seem very reliable. Anderson's the latest ray of hope, bringing 98 mph heat from the left side, but he has control issues, didn't get converted to relief until last year and hadn't pitching above Double-A until this year, so he's a total wild card. Bedrosian got the first save chance in Middleton's absence and promptly blew it, which is the kind of performance that let Middleton take the job in the first place. Johnson has "proven" closing experience, but his meltdown in Atlanta last season was ugly and he fell apart again Saturday night. Finally there's Parker, the supposed favorite for ninth-inning duties back in spring training who Mike Scioscia just doesn't seem to trust in high-leverage situations. If you're looking for short-term saves while Middleton is convalescing, my guy says Parker will get the next crack at it, but Anderson is the long-term upside stash. Anderson – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $3 / Bedrosian – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2 / Johnson – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1 / Parker – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2

Domingo German, Yankees: Jordan Montgomery's injury opens up a rotation spot, and German will get the first shot at filling it. He posted good numbers at Triple-A last year and has an 11.3 K/9 through his first 28.2 big-league innings, so there is some upside here thanks to a mid-90s fastball and changeup that flashes plus, but whether he ultimately sticks as a starter or winds up in the bullpen will depend on the development of his slider. The 25-year-old may not have a long leash, though – top prospect Justus Sheffield just got promoted to Triple-A, while Chance Adams (30:13 K:BB in 30.2 innings at Triple-A this year) is also near at hand. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team AL: $13

Joe Kelly, Red Sox: Kelly returned from a suspension Wednesday and didn't miss a beat, racking up a 5:0 K:BB in 2.2 innings over three appearances. The right-hander is the clear top option in the Red Sox bullpen behind Craig Kimbrel, and even if he never gets a sniff at ninth-inning duty he'll have value as a high-K setup man who can rack up holds. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $3

Darren O'Day, Orioles: Brad Brach hasn't gotten a save since April 11 and has been absolutely awful lately, opening the door for O'Day to take over as the temporary closer until Zach Britton returns. The sidearmer has had trouble keeping the ball in the par in recent years, but his 18:2 K:BB through 14.1 innings so far in 2018 makes it hard to argue that he's the best choice right now. O'Day's never had more than six saves in a season, but he'll have a chance to top that over the next month. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team AL: $17

Ryan Yarbrough, Rays: With Yonny Chirinos down, Yarbrough will be the next pseudo-starter up for the Rays. The left-hander was great in his last long relief appearance Friday, and his 3.33 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 20:10 K:BB in 24.1 IP on the season are solid if not exactly awe-inspiring. Weirdly, though, the move to the rotation might cost Yarbrough a shot at wins since he may not be allowed to go five innings too often. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4

Catcher

Mitch Garver, Twins: Jason Castro's hurt, which means Garver should get the bulk of the work behind the plate over the next couple of weeks. His power potential makes him worth a flier if he's available – he slugged 17 homers in 88 games at Triple-A last year – but keep your expectations in check. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team AL: $7

Juan Graterol, Angels: Graterol is back in the majors with Martin Maldonado on the bereavement list for a few days. His minor-league profile suggests he could collect some hits if he gets a chance, but he's not likely to see much playing time. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Grayson Greiner, Tigers: Miguel Cabrera hit the DL with a hamstring tweak, which means John Hicks is needed at first base, which means Greiner is the Tigers' new backup catcher. He's shown a bit of pop in the minors, for what that's worth. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Carlos Perez, Rangers: Perez is already on his third organization of 2018, which tells you all you need to know about his fantasy value. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Bobby Wilson, Twins: He takes Castro's spot on the Minnesota roster. Wilson hasn't seen a big-league at-bat since 2016, which tells you all you need to know about his fantasy value. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

First Base

John Hicks, Tigers: Hicks will start at first base for Detroit while Miggy's on the mend, and while he doesn't offer much in the way of upside, the role could allow him to fall into some counting stats. Hicks' .266/.326/.439 slash line from 2017 is probably about the best you cam hope for, though. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team AL: $5

Second Base

Lourdes Gurriel, Blue Jays: For now, the second base job in Toronto belongs to Gurriel, as Devon Travis tries to get things sorted out at Triple-A. Gurriel's only hitting .222 through 15 games in the majors, which isn't surprising for a player with zero games of experience above Double-A prior to his promotion, but the 24-year-old is showing a bit more pop than expected – he's got three homers in 27 games this year after managing only five in 64 games in the minors in 2017. That's not exactly Ozzie Albies territory, but it is a good sign for Gurriel's fantasy value. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team AL: $13

Gregorio Petit, Twins: Petit adds yet another utility option to the Twins' bench, but the veteran's .652 career OPS is a lot more representative than his 5-for-11 start since his promotion. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Yolmer Sanchez, White Sox: The 25-year-old has been on a roll at the plate, slashing .340/.362/.472 over the last two weeks with eight RBI, seven runs and two steals. Those numbers put Sanchez in shallow league consideration, even if only as a stop-gap, and his multi-position eligibility (2B and 3B) doesn't hurt either. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team AL: Owned

Shortstop

Jose Rondon, White Sox: He's up to provide some infield depth while Yoan Moncada is on the shelf. Rondon's shown some speed in the minors and hit for decent batting averages, but he likely won't get enough playing time to show whether those skills can translate. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Richard Urena, Blue Jays: Toronto's middle-infield merry-go-round has stopped for the moment on Urena, who'll provide depth behind Gurriel, Aledmys Diaz and Yangervis Solarte. Urena's regression with the bat has left in prospect status in tatters, but his glove could earn him some more chances to figure things out at the plate. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Outfield

Anthony Alford, Blue Jays: The Jays have gone full youth movement this week, which incidentally bodes well for those of you stashing Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette in re-draft leagues. Alford may not be around long – his numbers through 10 games at Triple-A Buffalo are awful – but the toolsy outfielder gives the team some options with both Randal Grichuk and Steve Pearce on the DL. If he played for a team that likes to run, his short-term outlook for value might be a bit higher, but as it is he likely won't do much with whatever scant playing time he receives. Alford's still only 23, though, and he could start to put things together at any time. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2

Johnny Field, Rays: Field is putting in some work as the platoon complement for all the Rays' left-handed outfielders, hitting .353 (6-for-17) over the last week with two homers and a steal. Tampa manager Kevin Cash loves shuffling up his roster, so even in a seemingly limited role Field could get a bit more playing time than expected, and his current form makes him worth a short-term add. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $3

Leury Garcia, White Sox: Garcia could see most of the action at second base for Chicago while Moncada's out, and while he's likely got a limited ceiling at the plate, he offers some value with his legs, going 6-for-6 on the basepaths already this season. With additional playing time, he could make an impact in that category even in shallower leagues, and the bit of power he flashed last year (nine homers in 87 big-league games) could also return. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team AL: $7

Alex Gordon, Royals: Gordon's turned back the clock since coming off the DL, slashing .340/.389/.500 with two homers over the last two weeks. Given how awful he's been over the last two seasons, it's hard to imagine that run continuing for much longer, but it's possible the 34-year-old figured something out in his swing that could allow him to remain productive. Even at his peak, he was more solid complementary piece than key cog in a fantasy lineup, but if you need outfield help a cheap gamble on a resurgence could pay dividends. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team AL: Owned

Guillermo Heredia, Mariners: Ichiro!'s move to the front office opens up a spot on the bench for Heredia, so the 27-year-old will likely stick around for a while instead of heading back down on the Tacoma shuttle. He hits lefties well enough to be a solid platoon partner for Ben Gamel or even Dee Gordon if necessary, but his career .671 OPS in 187 big-league games is as mediocre as it comes. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1

Dalton Pompey, Blue Jays: Of the two young Jays outfielders just promoted, Pompey seems more likely to provide some fantasy value in the short term. Health, not performance, has been the big obstacle between the 25-year-old and a major-league career – the last time he played more than 120 games in a season was 2015, and he managed to suit up for only 13 games last year. Pompey seems 100 percent at the moment, though, and while he wasn't hitting much at Triple-A he was 5-for-5 on the basepaths. If Toronto does continue to turn over its roster and clear out veterans, it's easy to see him settling in as the team's fourth outfielder. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4

Mark Trumbo, Orioles: Trumbo's gone 7-for-21 since coming off the DL on Tuesday, and while he's still looking for his first homer of the season, you know it's coming. Pedro Alvarez hasn't embarrassed himself as the Orioles' DH, but he's no threat to take playing time away from a healthy Trumbo, who's slugged 70 HR for Baltimore over the last two seasons. If he got cut loose in a shallower league and you need power – and don't mind the hit to your batting average – he could be the best option to fill that void you'll see all year. 12-team Mixed: $21; 15-team Mixed: $45; 12-team AL: Owned