MLB FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

This FAAB article is in addition to the AL and NL FAAB articles that run Sunday. Bids are based on a $100 FAAB budget. Throughout the season, this column will have two goals:

1. Identify FAAB targets for fantasy managers in leagues with Thursday FAAB.
2. Offer a preview of FAAB targets ahead of Sunday's columns.

Fantasy drafts are wrapping up and Opening Day is right around the corner. For those searching for a replacement option or depth player on waivers, there are several players who have put together strong spring performances and will attempt to carry their production into the regular season. Fantasy managers who haven't yet drafted can use this week's article to identify late-round fliers ahead of Opening Day. 

Starting Pitcher

Jake Odorizzi, Astros: Odorizzi likely won't be ready for his first turn through the rotation but  expects to return in time for Houston's first homestand. The right-hander missed most of 2020 with various injuries after averaging 30.8 starts and 10.5 wins per season with the Rays and Twins from 2016 to 2019. Odorizzi gave up seven runs in one inning during his first spring start Wednesday but could be worth a flier as a bounce-back candidate in 2021. FAAB: $3

Carlos Rodon, White Sox: Rodon will begin the 2021 campaign as Chicago's fifth starter after he tossed nine scoreless innings while striking out 10 in three spring appearances. The southpaw has fared considerably worse the last three seasons, as he's posted a 4.58 ERA and 142:75 K:BB in 163 innings in the majors. He could have a short leash if he struggles early, but any White Sox starter will have a good chance to rack up wins in 2021. FAAB: $3

Relief Pitcher

Jordan Romano, Blue Jays: Romano's stock has skyrocketed in recent days after Kirby Yates was ruled out for the season with an elbow injury. As a result, Romano appears poised to serve as Toronto's closer after he posted a 1.23 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB in 14.2 innings last season. Romano has a 1.59 ERA and 13:2 K:BB in 5.2 innings this spring and should maintain the closer's job if he continues to pitch at a high level. FAAB: $15

Anthony Bass, Marlins: The Marlins haven't yet named a closer, but Bass appears to be the favorite for ninth-inning duties to begin the season after Brandon Kintzler departed this offseason. Bass has struck out just six batters in 7.1 innings this spring but has posted a 2.45 ERA. While the right-hander has fared much better than Yimi Garcia this spring, Bass still has risk because he hasn't been officially named the closer and doesn't have much upside with strikeouts. FAAB: $6

Emilio Pagan, Padres: Pagan's role is also murky with Mark Melancon and Drew Pomeranz available as ninth-inning options, but Pagan has been mentioned the most within the organization as a potential closer. Pagan gave up three runs in his first spring appearance this year but has allowed just one run with 11 strikeouts in five innings in his last five appearances. Pagan will look to bounce back and serve as the closer after battling injuries last year. FAAB: $5

Nick Wittgren, Indians: Wittgren is much more of a flier than the aforementioned three relievers, but he could be an option for deeper fantasy leagues. The 29-year-old has tossed 6.1 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in seven appearances this spring. Manager Terry Francona has mentioned Wittgren as a potential closer, even though his 28.6 percent strikeout rate lagged behind James Karinchak's 47.5 percent. Karinchak appears to be the favorite for the role, but Wittgren could get to prove himself if Karinchak's spring struggles carry into the regular season. FAAB: $2

Catcher

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Rangers: Kiner-Falefa is slated to serve as Texas' primary shortstop in 2021 after the team traded Elvis Andrus this offseason, but he'll maintain his catcher eligibility in most fantasy leagues. The 26-year-old slugged just .370 last year but had a .329 on-base percentage while converting eight of his 13 stolen-base attempts. Kiner-Falefa should hit at the top of the Rangers' lineup in 2021 and has some upside at the weakest fantasy position. FAAB: $5

First Base

C.J. Cron, Rockies: Cron missed most of the 2020 season after undergoing knee surgery, but he averaged 27.5 home runs per year with the Rays and Twins in 2018 and 2019. He'll now get to play his home games at Coors Field and should serve as the primary first baseman for Colorado in 2021. While the Rockies traded Nolan Arenado during the offseason and likely will be sellers at the deadline, Cron offers power potential in a hitter-friendly park. FAAB: $9

Hunter Dozier, Royals: Dozier's batting average dropped to .228 in 2020, but he stole four bases and posted a .344 on-base percentage with a career-high 14.5 percent walk rate. The 29-year-old has slashed .306/.375/.750 with four home runs, 11 RBIs, eight runs and 11 strikeouts in 14 Cactus League games this spring. Dozier should serve as the Royals' primary third baseman in 2021 but is eligible to play at multiple positions in most fantasy leagues. FAAB: $7

Andrew Vaughn, White Sox: Vaughn appears to be on track to make the Opening Day roster as Chicago's primary designated hitter. The 22-year-old hasn't played above High-A, but he's held his own during Cactus League play. He's slashed .286/.386/.490 with five extra-base hits, six runs, five RBIs, one stolen base and 10 strikeouts in 21 spring games. Vaughn has hit in a bottom-three spot this spring but should have some run-producing opportunities within the team's potent lineup. FAAB: $4

Second Base

Kolten Wong, Brewers: Wong's batting average dropped 20 points to .265 with just one home run, 16 RBIs and five stolen bases last season. After a slow start this spring, he has hit three home runs in the last five games. Wong recorded a career-high 24 stolen bases in 2019 but swiped just five bags in 2020. The 30-year-old had a lackluster showing in 2020 but could be worth a flier for fantasy managers if his recent spring power surge carries into the regular season. FAAB: $2

Ryan McMahon, Rockies: McMahon has multi-position eligibility and should be an everyday player for Colorado with Brendan Rodgers sidelined with a hamstring injury the first few weeks of the year. The 26-year-old has hit 33 home runs with 109 RBIs the last two seasons but had a lackluster .241 batting average during that time. He should have less run-producing opportunities with the Rockies rebuilding this year, but he could provide some power at hitter-friendly Coors Field. FAAB: $2

Third Base

Ty France, Mariners: France is slated to serve as Seattle's primary designated hitter this year but has multi-position eligibility and should serve as an everyday player. The 26-year-old posted a .836 OPS last year and has been on a tear this spring. He's appeared in 16 Cactus League games and has slashed .357/.426/.786 with five home runs and 10 RBIs. As long as France can remain effective to begin the regular season, he should be a strong contributor in the middle of the order. FAAB: $6

Maikel Franco, Orioles: Franco was a late signing by the Orioles but expects to be ready by Opening Day. He's gone 2-for-6 with a home run, one double, four RBIs and three strikeouts in two spring games and should serve as Baltimore's primary third baseman in 2021. Franco likely will have fewer opportunities to drive in runs than he did in past seasons, but he's averaged 19.6 home runs per season the last five years and is a budget option for fantasy managers in need of power. FAAB: $3

Shortstop

Willi Castro, Tigers: Castro had a strong .349/.381/.550 slash line with six home runs and 24 RBIs in a limited sample in 2020 and has performed well this spring. He's slashed .317/.364/.634 with three home runs, 11 RBIs and seven strikeouts in 17 spring games. Castro averaged 11 stolen bases per season in six years in the minors but hasn't stolen a base in two major-league seasons. However, Castro has gotten on base in recent years while displaying modest power. FAAB: $2

Outfield

Mitch Haniger, Mariners: Haniger has been sidelined the last year and a half while battling various injuries, but he hasn't missed a beat this spring. Haniger has hit .275 with six extra-base hits, nine runs, eight RBIs  and 11 strikeouts in 15 Cactus League games. Haniger can hit anywhere in the top half of the lineup and could be a solid fantasy contributor in 2021 after he averaged 19 home runs and 57.3 RBI per year in his last three seasons. FAAB: $5

Nick Senzel, Reds: Senzel had limited playing time last year due to injuries and platooning, but manager David Bell suggested Senzel could have more regular playing time in 2021. The 25-year-old has slashed .353/.450/.588 with two home runs, eight runs, four RBIs and one stolen base this spring. The second overall pick from 2016 hasn't lived up to his potential early in his career, but he could be a bounce-back candidate with a more regular role this year. FAAB: $4

Joc Pederson, Cubs: Pederson served in the strong side of a platoon during his time with the Dodgers, but he'll be given the chance to earn an everyday role with the Cubs in 2021. He's posted a 1.225 OPS with five home runs, 11 RBIs and eight runs this spring. Pederson had a career-low .285 on-base percentage in 2020 but will attempt to prove himself as more than a one-dimensional platoon player while serving as the primary left fielder for the Cubs this season. FAAB: $4