This article is part of our NL FAAB Factor series.
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 are again using 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 grid, 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. Dansby Swanson 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.
This week's column is not an exhaustive list of who was promoted. Instead, I have profiled those players who will either fill a substantive role on their team down the stretch or project in the future to have a key role or bright future with their team. If I missed anyone or there is someone you would like profiled, please put it in the comments section. In addition, several players were profiled the last few weeks and if you want
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 are again using 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 grid, 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. Dansby Swanson 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.
This week's column is not an exhaustive list of who was promoted. Instead, I have profiled those players who will either fill a substantive role on their team down the stretch or project in the future to have a key role or bright future with their team. If I missed anyone or there is someone you would like profiled, please put it in the comments section. In addition, several players were profiled the last few weeks and if you want a full list of callups, go here, with updates for them provided on the RotoWire.
| PLAYER | TEAM | POS | GRADE | $ (12-Team Mixed) | $ (15-Team Mixed) | $ (NL-Only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walker Buehler | LAD | SP | B | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| Amir Garrett | CIN | SP | D | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Luiz Gohara | ATL | SP | B | 5 | 11 | 18 |
| Chad Kuhl | PIT | SP | D | 5 | 11 | Owned |
| Luis Perdomo | SD | SP | B | 8 | Owned | Owned |
| Wei-Yin Chen | MIA | SP | D | No | No | 2 |
| Kyle Barraclough | MIA | RP | C | 5 | 11 | 18 |
| Juan Nicasio | STL | RP | D | 2 | 7 | 11 |
| Jorge Alfaro | PHI | C | D | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Taylor Davis | CHI | C | E | No | No | 2 |
| Kyle Farmer | LA | C | E | No | No | 2 |
| Ryan Hanigan | COL | C | E | No | No | 2 |
| Tyler Flowers | ATL | C | C | 8 | 14 | Owned |
| Jose Martinez | STL | 1B | D | 5 | 11 | 16 |
| Justin Bour | MIA | 1B | C | 20 | 30 | 40 |
| Ozzie Albies | ATL | 2B | B | 22 | Owned | Owned |
| Max Moroff | PIT | 2B | D | No | 0 | 4 |
| Chris Bostick | PIT | SS | E | No | No | 2 |
| Phillip Evans | NYM | SS | E | No | No | 2 |
| Kris Negron | AZ | SS | E | No | No | 2 |
| Breyvic Valera | STL | SS | E | No | No | 2 |
| Ildemaro Vargas | AZ | SS | E | No | No | 2 |
| Johan Camargo | ATL | SS | E | No | No | 2 |
| Jose Reyes | NYM | 3B | C | 28 | Owned | Owned |
| Martin Prado | MIA | 3B | D | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| Harrison Bader | STL | OF | D | 3 | 9 | 14 |
| Quintin Berry | MIL | OF | E | No | No | 4 |
| Jeremy Hazelbaker | AZ | OF | E | No | No | 4 |
| Joc Pederson | LA | OF | E | No | No | 4 |
| Cameron Perkins | PHI | OF | E | No | No | 4 |
| Raimel Tapia | COL | OF | E | No | No | 4 |
| Trayce Thompson | LA | OF | E | No | No | 4 |
| Phillip Ervin | CIN | OF | E | 2 | 7 | 11 |
| Patrick Kivlehan | CIN | OF | E | No | 0 | 5 |
| Juan Lagares | NYM | OF | D/E | 4 | 9 | 14 |
| Brandon Nimmo | NYM | OF | D | 5 | 11 | 18 |
| Victor Robles | WAS | OF | A/B | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| Mac Williamson | SF | OF | E | No | No | 3 |
| Aaron Altherr | PHI | OF | C | 1 | 5 | 9 |
| Adam Frazier | PIT | OF | D | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Odubel Herrera | PHI | OF | C | 15 | 25 | 35 |
| Austin Slater | SF | OF | E | No | 1 | 4 |
| Jesse Winker | CIN | OF | D | 2 | 7 | 11 |
STARTING PITCHER
Walker Buehler, Dodgers - Buehler, drafted 24th in 2015 following Tommy John surgery, was called up to the majors Tuesday. He posted a 3.35 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 125:31 K:BB in 88.2 innings across three levels, moving steadily up the ladder this year. Buehler's last nine outings at Triple-A Oklahoma City came out of the bullpen; the role he will fill in the majors the rest of the way. He possesses a low-to-mid-90s fastball, with a potentially plus curveball and a hard slider/cutter that could be a third plus pitch. An average changeup could round out the repertoire, which makes his upside that of a No. 2 starter; a level he could reach in the next few seasons. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (increase substantially in keeper leagues)
Amir Garrett, Reds - Garrett was called up from Triple-A Louisville and started Friday against the Mets. He allowed four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five across five innings to take the loss. Garrett, who will start Thursday against the Cardinals, should remain in the team's rotation, as Luis Castillo has been shut down for the remainder of the season. He was brilliant his first three starts of the season, but then fell off a cliff his next nine appearances, producing a 10.24 ERA and 1.91 WHIP in 38.2 innings. Garrett struggled as well in the minors, posting a 5.72 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 14 starts, but was coming off consecutive solid starts before Friday's outing. If he falters, Luke Farrell looks to be next in line. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.
Luiz Gohara, Braves - Gohara, one of the best lefty starting pitching prospects in the game, was called up and made his major-league debut against the Rangers on Wednesday. He allowed six runs on four hits and four walks while striking out six over four innings. The 21-year old induced 16 swinging strikes on 83 pitches, but he failed to locate with consistency. Gohara started the year at High-A Florida and progressed to Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 3.31 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 48 strikeouts in 35.1 innings (seven starts). Across three levels this season, Gohara compiled a 2.62 ERA and 147 strikeouts over 123.2 innings. He has significant strikeout potential, thanks to a mid-to-high-90s fastball and plus slider and should see a handful more starts this year, as Atlanta is going with a six-man rotation. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11: 12-team NL: $18.
Chad Kuhl, Pirates - Kuhl, who made 14 starts in the majors last year, found his groove in the second half. He pitched seven scoreless innings with eight strikeouts Monday against the Cubs and has now allowed three runs or fewer in eight of 10 starts since the All-Star break. That hot stretch has improved his year-long numbers to a 4.32 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 7.9 K/9; all fairly close to what he posted last year, but the K rate has spiked slightly. That rise has been offset by a similar rise in BB/9, which may be a reason why his numbers are similar to last year. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Owned
Luis Perdomo, Padres - Perdomo, after allowing four or more earned runs in four of six starts, allowed just eight earned runs through 24 innings over his last four starts. What is also encouraging is that Perdomo has gone at least six innings his last eight outings. Perdomo has cut his ERA by a full run from last year, but his BB/9 has spiked somewhat, which has not been offset by a true rise in his K rate. Improvement in either category would go a long way to a further rise in his value. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: Owned
Injury activation/updates:
Wei-Yin Chen, Marlins - Chen, out since his May 2 start with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, pitched over two innings in his second rehab start with High-A Jupiter on Friday. That outing comes after he began a rehab assignment the previous Thursday with the Gulf Coast League Marlins and followed it up with an inning for Jupiter three days later. Prior to the injury, Chen, who had Tommy John surgery in Japan, posted a 4.33 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a 20:9 K:BB ratio in 27 innings over five starts. He will work out of the bullpen initially, but Chen could make 1-2 starts for the Marlins in the second half of the month. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2
Brandon McCarthy, Dodgers - McCarthy (finger) will make a rehab start at High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday. McCarthy is expected to throw five innings Friday night. With this latest news, it looks like the righty could be nearing his activation from the disabled list barring any setbacks. However, because he was moved to the 60-day DL, he'll have to remain out until at least Sept. 19.
RELIEF PITCHER
Kyle Barraclough, Marlins - Barraclough picked up his 22nd hold Thursday and may be on the verge of assuming the closer role in Miami. Brad Ziegler blew his second straight save in the same game, possibly opening the door, and is now also dealing with a back issue that kept him out of Saturday's game. Barraclough has pitched extremely well since coming off the DL in mid-August, posting a 1.38 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 20:1 K:BB in 13 innings. But he struggled Saturday, walking three - one intentional - missing mostly high and wide to take the loss. Prior to being sidelined, Barraclough struggled with his control, notching a 3.30 ERA and ugly 1.51 WHIP. With Miami looking to next season, it makes sense to evaluate whether Barraclough could become the team's closer of the future. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (saves spec bid)
Juan Nicasio, Cardinals - Nicasio notched the save Friday with 1.1 scoreless innings. He spent most of the year with Pittsburgh before being placed on irrevocable outright waivers Aug. 29. He was claimed by the Phillies, spending two games there, before getting dealt to St. Louis. Nicasio, Tyler Lyons and Seung Hwan Oh will factor into the Cardinals' closing mix down the stretch. But Nicasio notched saves Friday and Saturday and may be in the lead for the role. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22 (saves spec bid)
CATCHER
Jorge Alfaro, Phillies - Alfaro, called up in early August, could be in line for additional playing time the final three weeks of the season. Because Alfaro is out of options after this season, the Phillies are going to have to keep him on their active roster next year. Providing him additional at-bats will give the team additional information on which to make that determination. Prior to this announcement Friday, Alfaro, who batted .241/.298/.358 with seven home runs and 43 runs batted in over 324 at-bats at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, had hit .362/.393/.448 with a home run in 58 at-bats while splitting time behind the plate with Cameron Rupp. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5.
Taylor Davis/Kyle Farmer/Ryan Hanigan - This week's backup catcher callups/activations, as well as expected callups, or those potentially to see a slight uptick in playing time were in Chicago, Los Angeles and Colorado. Davis has primarily played catcher this season with Triple-A Iowa, but as the fourth healthy option on the depth chart for the Cubs, it's unlikely he'll see many opportunities at that position in September. He could see some time at the corners and as a late-inning defensive replacement following double-switches. Farmer who slashed .317/.375/.476 with 10 homers between Double-A and Triple-A with see occasional action for the Dodgers at catcher and possibly third base. Hanigan, who was out with a groin injury, will back up Jonathan Lucroy and Tony Wolters moving Tom Murphy to the fourth spot for the Rockies. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.
Tyler Flowers, Braves - Flowers, who placed on the 10-day disabled list Aug. 28 with a left wrist contusion, was activated Friday. Prior to being sidelined, Flowers was batting .279/.376/.446 with 11 HR and 43 RBI. He should split time the last three weeks of the season with Kurt Suzuki, who filled in for Flowers while he was sidelined. Look for the Braves to pick up the $4 million club option in 2018 on Flowers. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: Owned
FIRST BASE
Jose Martinez, Cardinals - Matt Carpenter's shoulder injury has created a hole at first base that Martinez has filled. Martinez has 25 XBH in just over 200 at-bats and has been especially effective after lefties. He has made the most of his extra playing time and should remain in the lineup for as long as Carpenter is sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16.
Injury activation/updates:
Justin Bour, Marlins - Bour, on the disabled list since July 25 with a strain of his right oblique, kicked off a rehab stint last Saturday at Double-A Jacksonville. Before he was sidelined, Bour was enjoying what looked to be a career-year, batting .289/.366/.548 with 21 HR and 63 RBI. Bour completed his rehab and was activated Friday. He now gets a chance to exceed the 23 HR and 73 RBI he posted two years ago, sending Tomas Telis and Tyler Moore to the bench. Bour's rise in power has come with a major spike in his K-rate, but as long as he drives the ball as he did before he was sidelined, Miami will live with the increase in strikeouts. 12-team Mixed: $20; 15-team Mixed: $30; 12-team NL: $40 (same bid as last week)
SECOND BASE
Ozzie Albies, Braves - Albies has more than held his own since his promotion Aug. 1. He struggled at Triple-A until early June, but was on fire since coming off the 7-day disabled list. Overall, Albies batted .285/.330/.440 while hitting a career-high nine home runs and swiping 21 bases, much of that production coming since June 12. Just 20, Albies has gotten a jumpstart to serving as the team's second baseman of the future. The trade of Brandon Phillips to the Angels allowed Albies to move to the two-hole, which may be where he hits next year as well. The Braves similarly called up Dansby Swanson very early last year, so there is the possibility that Albies could regress next season. But unlike Swanson, Albies had more than 1,500 at-bats in the minors, which should aid him in 2018. Jump on board, the ride should be fun. 12-team Mixed: $22; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: Owned
Max Moroff, Pirates - Moroff, called up in mid-August, has seen an uptick of playing time recently due to Josh Harrison's placement on the disabled list. He hadn't done much in the majors, but did have a .909 OPS at Triple-A Indianapolis with 13 HR in 185 AB. Moroff has made the most of his at-bats lately and should be in line for playing time at second base even with Adam Frazier returning from the disabled list Friday. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4.
SHORTSTOP
Chris Bostick/Phillip Evans/Kris Negron/Breyvic Valera/Ildemaro Vargas - This week's middle infield callups/activations, as well as expected callups, or those potentially to see a slight uptick in playing time were in Pittsburgh, New York, Arizona, St. Louis and Arizona. Bostick is providing the Pirates with extra infield depth following the placement of Josh Harrison (broken hand) on the DL. Evans was called up to give the Mets' additional infield depth with Asdrubal Cabrera dealing with a back injury. He hit .279/.341/.418 with 11 home runs and 56 RBI in 127 games at Triple-A Las Vegas while seeing time at second, short, third and left field. Negron started against Rich Hill this week and could see additional action against left-handed pitching in future contests. His ability to play multiple positions gives manager Torey Lovullo additional lineup flexibility. Valera hit .314/.368/.450 with eight home runs and 11 steals in 117 games at Triple-A Memphis, and can play second base, third base, left field and right field. With St. Louis dealing with a few banged up players, Valera might see some short-term playing time. Following Triple-A Reno's ouster from the Triple-A playoffs, Vargas joined the Diamondbacks' expanded September roster and will see little action. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.
Injury activation/updates:
Johan Camargo, Braves - Camargo, out since Aug. 8 with right knee bone bruise, was activated Monday after a short rehab assignment. Look for Camargo, who was batting .292./.327/.454 in 64 games, to see time at third with Rio Ruiz and Adonis Garcia following the trade of Brandon Phillips, second and short. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.
THIRD BASE
Jose Reyes, Mets - Reyes has had an uneven year but has been on fire since coming off the DL in late August. Since returning to action, Reyes is 17-for-47 with three home runs, eight runs batted, five stolen bases, 15 runs scored and a 9:5 BB:K ratio in 13 games played (through Friday). Going back 53 games to June 27, Reyes has posted a .301/.363/.480 line with four homers, 20 RBI and nine stolen bases, which after looking at his season-long numbers makes you realize just how bad he was the first three months of the year. With Wilmer Flores lost for the rest of the season with a broken nose and Asdrubal Cabrera manning third base, Reyes should continue to play nearly every day at shortstop. 12-team Mixed: $28; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: Owned.
Injury activation/updates:
Martin Prado, Marlins - Prado, limited to just 37 games due to injuries and sidelined since July 17 with an injured right knee that required arthroscopic surgery on July 28, could be back before the end of the season. He has been working through range of motion and strengthening exercises in recent weeks, inching closer to returning. It's possible that Prado, who signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the Marlins last September, might not play until the final week of the season. Meanwhile, Brian Anderson has replaced Derek Dietrich at the hot corner. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)
OUTFIELD
Harrison Bader, Cardinals - Bader, profiled last week when he was called up for his second stint in the majors, has been red-hot in this iteration. He saw initial playing time in center field with Dexter Fowler out and now is playing left field with Tommy Pham sidelined. Bader hit 19 home runs in the minors last year and 20 at Triple-A Louisville this season, so he has shown some pop. That power has been evident this week in St. Louis with three home runs, and he should remain in the lineup while hot. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14
Quintin Berry/Jeremy Hazelbaker/Joc Pederson/Cameron Perkins/Raimel Tapia/Trayce Thompson - All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
Phillip Ervin/Patrick Kivlehan, Reds - With Billy Hamilton out for the rest of the season with a fractured left thumb, Ervin and Kivlehan will see time in center field. Ervin, a 2013 first-round draft pick, played 98 games with Louisville in 2017, batting .256/.328/.380 with seven home runs, 40 RBI and 23 stolen bases. He should see most of the action in center spelled by Kivlehan, who is also seeing time in right field. Ervin - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Kivlehan - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5
Juan Lagares/Brandon Nimmo, Mets - Lagares and Nimmo were both profiled at the end of August following the trades of Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson and season-ending injuries to Michael Conforto and Yoenis Cespedes. Each has made the most of his playing time, with Lagares mostly seeing time in center field and Nimmo in left and center. Since Aug. 25, Lagares is 17-for-60 with a home run, six runs scored, six runs batted in and three stolen bases. Nimmo, in that same stretch, is 15-for-49 with three home runs, 10 runs scored, 11 runs batted in and a 15:13 K:BB ratio. Each are trying to prove that they deserved prominent roles on the Mets next season. If both close the season strong, it's possible that New York could platoon both players in center field next season, with Lagares playing versus lefties and Nimmo against righties. Lagares - 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14; Nimmo - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18.
Victor Robles, Nationals - In a bit of a surprise, Robles, the Nationals' top prospect and one of the best in baseball, was promoted Thursday. While he has yet to play at Triple-A, Robles slashed .300/.382/.493 with 10 homers and 27 stolen bases in 114 games between Double-A Harrisburg and High-A Potomac. As we wrote in our recommendation after he was promoted, "it's unclear how often he'll play down the stretch, but with Bryce Harper (knee) still sidelined, the electric prospect could see occasional playing time over Howie Kendrick or Jayson Werth in Washington's outfield. Robles is a center fielder by trade, but has a cannon of an arm, and profiles as a plus defender in all three outfield spots. He should also serve as a high-quality pinch running option." That uncertainly and possibility that he sees minimal playing time, reduces his 2017 value but doesn't impact his value for next year and beyond. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (increase substantially in keeper leagues)
Mac Williamson, Giants - Williamson, who struggled in his early stints with the Giants this year, was called up Sunday from Triple-A Sacramento. He had a strong August at Triple-A, posting an .877 OPS with five long balls, earning the callup. Jarrett Parker, sidelined with a strained right oblique, could be back this weekend and Austin Slater has returned from his injury, so Williamson may have a hard time seeing at bats. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3.
Injury activation/updates:
Aaron Altherr, Phillies - Altherr, sidelined since Aug. 4 with a strained hamstring, completed a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Reading and was activated Monday. Prior to being injured, Altherr had 16 homers and .285/.357/.536 slash line with 16 home runs and 49 RBI. But with Rhys Hoskins now up and seeing time in left field and first base coupled with the fine play of Nick Williams, Altherr could lose some starts unless Hoskins replaces Tommy Joseph at first base. Altherr is dealing with a tight hamstring and won't play until he is 100 percent healthy. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Adam Frazier, Pirates - Frazier, placed on the 10-day DL on Aug. 28 with a right hamstring strain, was activated Friday for the Pirates' series against the Cardinals. Prior to landing on the DL, Frazier had slumped at the plate. But with Josh Harrison (hand) sidelined, he should see most of his and the playing time at second plate, as Gregory Polanco also rejoined the team Friday from his hamstring injury and should man right field. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.
Odubel Herrera, Phillies - Herrera, sidelined since Aug. 15 with a hamstring issue, began a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Reading last Thursday and as expected, rejoined the Phillies in New York on Monday. Prior to being sidelined, Herrera had been on fire at the plate, improving his slash line to .287/.333/.467 with 36 doubles, 12 home runs and 51 runs batted in. Herrera has regained his role as the team's starting center fielder in a prime hitting spot. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: $35
Austin Slater, Giants - Slater, who was to miss 2-to-3 months after he was diagnosed in early July with a torn adductor muscle, was activated Tuesday following a four-game rehab stint at Triple-A Sacramento. He batted .290/.343/.773 over 100 at-bats with the Giants prior to his injury. Now healthy again, Slater could challenge Jarrett Parker, who suffered a mild oblique strain Saturday, and Mac Williamson, who was called up this week, for an everyday role in left field. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.
Jesse Winker, Reds - Winker, out since Aug. 25 with a strained left hip flexor, is close to re-joining the Reds. Before he was sidelined, Winker hit .297/.402/.500 with four home runs and a 13:15 BB:K in 87 plate appearances over 30 games with the parent club, much of that damage coming relatively close to before the injury. Once he is back in the lineup, Winker should see semi-regular playing time in right field. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.
