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 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. Cody Bellinger 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.
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 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. Cody Bellinger 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
Jason Vargas, Mets: It took until August, but Vargas looks like the pitcher from the first half of 2017 when he was an All-Star. Vargas gave up three hits, walked none, and struck out eight in six scoreless innings Friday, his third straight start of allowing two or fewer runs. Now finally healthy, Vargas lowered his ERA below seven for the first time this season. If you are looking for a possible solid starting add and don't mind the downside risk, grab Vargas. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Bryse Wilson, Braves: Another week, another fine performance by a Braves' young starter. Last week it was Touki Toussaint, this week, it's Wilson. In his debut, Wilson picked up the win, tossing five scoreless innings Monday against the Pirates, allowing three hits and three walks while striking out five. He was sent down after the start, but Wilson could get a few more turns in the rotation in September and might be an option if Anibel Sanchez's tight hamstring lands him on the disabled list. Prior to his promotion, he logged a 3.27 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 139:35 K:BB in 123.2 innings across the top three levels of the minors, including a 4.50 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with a sparkling 24:2 K:BB in 20 innings in three starts at Triple-A Gwinnett. Wilson has a very solid three-pitch repertoire, punctuated by a hard, sinking 90s-mph fastball that generates a lot of groundballs. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (stash candidate)
Lucas Sims, Reds: Sims, who came to Cincy in the Adam Duvall deal, has pitched well for Triple-A Louisville. In four starts, Sims has posted a 3.47 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 26:4 K:BB in 23 innings. Those numbers build off his successful campaign at Triple-A Gwinnett prior to the trade. Look for the Reds to give Sims several starts in September to determine if he could earn spring training next season as a rotation option. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Chris Stratton, Giants: Stratton, who had made 19 starts for the Giants this season, was called up to start Tuesday, allowing two runs on six hits and no walks and four strikeouts. Granted, the start came against the Mets, but the outing builds off three consecutive solid turns in the rotation at Triple-A Sacramento. Stratton logged a 5.52 ERA and 1.55 WHIP with 79 strikeouts in 101 innings before he was demoted, and with SF pretty much out of contention, he could remain in the rotation, but that will depend on whether Jeff Samardzija returns from his shoulder injury. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4
Luiz Gohara, Braves: Gohara entered spring training as a probable rotation option in Atlanta. Fast forward six months and Gohara has suffered through an injury-plagued, poor campaign. Gohara is back from his latest shoulder injury and pitched fairly well in a pair of starts at Triple-A Gwinnett. He could be a streaming option in September if the Braves need a fill-in starter or long reliever. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4
Alec Mills, Cubs: Mills was brilliant starting in place of the injured Mike Montgomery (shoulder), allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out eight in 5.2 innings Friday. Montgomery might be back Wednesday, but if he remains out, look for Mills to get the ball against the Mets. Mills is just 5-12 with a 4.84 ERA across 23 starts (124.2 innings) with Triple-A Iowa this season, so despite his two good efforts in the majors for Chicago, be careful not to overrate. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3
Injury activations/updates
Adam Wainwright, Cardinals: Wainwright, who last pitched May 13, fired three scoreless innings for Double-A Springfield on Wednesday, allowing two hits and recording three strikeouts. This outing comes on the heels of two scoreless innings last Sunday at Springfield, which was preceded by two perfect innings in which he recorded three strikeouts for High-A Palm Beach. Wainwright started Sunday at Triple-A Memphis and will rejoin the Cardinals when the rosters expand in September. Given his struggles since the 2015 season, don't expect much from Wainwright if he returns, but he has looked better in his rehab appearances than expected, even though each have been at High-A. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same bid as prior)
Julio Urias, Dodgers: Urias made his fifth minor-league rehab appearance and third at High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday. He allowed a home run and a walk while striking out five over 2.1 innings; the third straight game he has been touched up for a home run. Urias, who threw a season-high 44 pitches, has posted a 15:2 K:BB ratio in his 6.2 innings. Los Angeles is preparing Urias for a role as a reliever in the final month, as he will be promoted when the rosters expand Sept. 1. He projects to be a starter, not a reliever, but this is his path to the majors this year. L.A.'s top pitching prospect when he was promoted in 2016, Urias showed flashes of what made him so special in his 77 innings pitched that season. After opening 2017 in the minors, Urias got the nod early in the year, pitching well his first few starts. But after he struggled and was sent to the minors, shoulder soreness shut him down and Urias underwent successful left anterior capsule surgery in June last year. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same bid as prior, up in keeper leagues)
Zach Davies, Brewers: Davies, making his six rehab appearance, worked six innings Wednesday for Double-A Biloxi, giving up one run on two hits and one walk while striking out nine. Following that outing, Davies was optioned to Low-A Wisconsin on Thursday as his rehab clock ran out. Davies likely will make one more start in the minors then rejoin the Brewers when the rosters expand on Sept. 1. His role at that time is unclear, though he will get some starts during that month. After a poor first half of 2017, Davies finished strong, showing that his 2016 numbers were no fluke. Once/if healthy, he should provide solid across-the-board numbers save for a middling strikeout rate. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
RELIEF PITCHER
Jeremy Jeffress, Brewers: Jeffress, profiled two weeks ago and one of Corey Knebel's setup men, could replace the embattled Milwaukee closer in that role. Knebel was sent down to the minors Thursday and Jeffress, along with Josh Hader, will serve as the Milwaukee closer. Joakim Soria, sidelined with a strained right groin, might return this weekend, but Hader and Jeffress look to be the first choices to finish games for the Brew Crew. Hader is extremely valuable in a long-relief, high-leverage role, so look for manager Craig Counsell to keep him in that spot, which might reduce the number of save chances he receives. Jeffress has posted a 1.33 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 68:20 K:BB with six saves and 18 holds in 61 innings, rebounding to his 2013-2016 form. He has experience closing in Milwaukee, serving in that role in 2016 and if targeting one from the Milwaukee bullpen, grab Jeffress. 12-team Mixed $9; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $27 (up bid if you think he is the full-time closer)
Pat Neshek, Phillies: With Seranthony Dominguez struggling, Neshek notched the save Thursday against the Nationals. Philly is in a dogfight to win the NL East, so look for manager Gabe Kapler to continue to call on Neshek in the ninth inning. Neshek, who was sidelined until July 1 due to a variety of arm woes, has three saves since Aug. 7 (six appearances), continuing his remarkable performance from the past several seasons. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22
Mark Melancon, Giants: Melancon notched a one-out save Saturday, relieving Will Smith with the bases loaded and retiring Carlos Perez on a fly ball to end the game. Smith, who had been so good in the closer role, blew the lead Friday, albeit in an inning extended with a two-out error and almost faltered Saturday. Manager Bruce Bochy likely won't make a change, but even if a swap doesn't occur, Melancon could notch a few saves in September. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Jonny Venters, Braves: Venters notched his second save of the year for the Braves on Wednesday. With A.J. Minter (back) being eased back into action, Venters got the call instead of Dan Winkler with left-handed batters Corey Dickerson and Gregory Polanco due up in the ninth inning for the Bucs. He worked around a Polanco double to close out the win. Sidelined since 2012, Venters is finally healthy and has made a more than successful return to the majors, first with Tampa and now back with Atlanta. He won't notch many more saves but he does have eight holds and is part of manager Brian Snitker's setup crew. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4
Injury activations/updates
Hunter Strickland, Giants: Strickland, on the 60-day disabled list with a broken right pinky finger, was activated last Saturday. Prior to being sidelined, Strickland, who replaced Mark Melancon as the Giants' closer, was 13-for-17 in save chances with a mediocre 29:13 K:BB and 2.84 ERA over 31.2 innings. Will Smith has been stellar as the San Francisco closer, which has resulted in Strickland sliding back into a setup role following his activation. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
CATCHER
Austin Hedges, Padres: Hedges' overall numbers are not impressive, but he has been better in August. Injuries have limited Hedges to just 64 games, but a proration of his totals to his at-bats in 2017 would result in a close approximation of his prior year production with a slightly better BA, OBA and SLG. But those averages, especially the batting and on-base ones, leave a lot to be desired, Francisco Mejia could provide some competition behind the plate shortly, though Hedges does have an advantage defensively. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Nick Hundley/Aramis Garcia, Giants: Hundley will take over as the Giants' starting catcher, as Buster Posey will undergo season-ending hip surgery Monday. Garcia , profiled last week, should see some time behind the plate, but Hundley, who has provided decent pop behind the plate in limited action, will be the primary beneficiary of Posey getting shut down. Hundley - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Garcia - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4
Francisco Mejia, Padres: Mejia was one of the possible September call-ups profiled by RotoWire's James Anderson in his excellent Farm Futures' article. Austin Hedges has played well in August, so Mejia may not see much time when he is promoted after Triple-A El Paso is eliminated from the playoffs. But after just-OK numbers at Columbus, Mejia has been much better as a member of the Padres and could carve out a decent amount of at-bats whenever he is promoted. Both - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (spec call up bid)
Tomas Nido/Chris Stewart: The backup catcher call-ups this week were in New York and Atlanta. Nido replaces Devin Mesoraco, who landed on the disabled list with a stiff neck. He will back up Kevin Plawecki, but will see some starts when Plawecki is placed on the paternity list in the next few days. With Kurt Suzuki nursing an elbow injury after getting hit by a pitch, Atlanta promoted Stewart to back up Tyler Flowers. Stewart will only remain on the active roster until Suzuki returns to action. But if Suzuki lands on the 10-day DL, Stewart will stay with the team through the Sept. 1 roster expansion. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2
FIRST BASE
Miguel Rojas, Marlins: Rojas came into the season with four career home runs but has blasted 10 longballs already. His value is at shortstop and his fine campaign makes him a favorite to open 2019 as the Marlins' starter at that position. One caveat is that despite the increase in home runs, through Thursday's games, Rojas had just two more extra-base hits in 123 more at-bats compared to last season, and as such, a lower slugging percentage. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
SECOND BASE
Jose Pirela, Padres: Pirela could be in line for a spike in playing at second base despite Cory Spangenberg's hot bat. If Pirela, who had a big day Thursday, can string together a few good games in a row, his power potential might afford him an uptick in at-bats. At a minimum, he provides better potential than Spangenburg, as San Diego plays out the string. But for now, it looks like Spangenburg will continue to start against righties and Pirela versus lefties. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Garrett Hampson, Reds: Hampson, up twice in the majors this season, should be promoted when the rosters expand Sept. 1. With DJ LeMahieu locked in at second and Ryan McMahon his back-up, Hampson, who has 34 steals between Double- and Triple-A this season, may not see much time at second base but could see occasional action at third base and in left field down the stretch for the Rockies. Hampson's value is much greater in keeper leagues, especially with LeMahieu a free agent after the season. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (up in keeper leagues)
Dilson Herrera, Reds: Herrera started consecutive games at third base this week with Eugenio Suarez shifting to shortstop. He also has played six games in the outfield, as the Reds try to convert him to a super-utility player. With Nick Senzel expected to be in Cincinnati next season, likely at third base, Herrera's only path to playing time and a roster spot is to show he can man several positions capably, which will be his task the final month of the season. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Carlos Asuaje, Padres: Asuaje was promoted from Triple-A El Paso on Thursday, Asuaje replacing Christian Villanueva, who was placed on the 10-day DL with a fractured finger. Across 75 games with the Padres this year, Asuaje slashed just .199/.290/.285 with two home runs, 19 RBI and one stolen base. Asauje will see some time at second, along with Jose Pirela and Cory Spangenberg, and maybe the occasional action at third base, but don't expect much production even when he is the lineup. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3
Injury activations/updates
Sean Rodriguez, Pirates: Rodriguez, on the 10-day disabled list with an abdominal injury, was activated Friday. It's been a rough last two seasons for the super-utility player, who had a monster 2016 campaign for the Pirates. Josh Harrison left Saturday's games with hamstring discomfort, which could open the door for S-Rod to play second against lefties with Adam Frazier and Kevin Newman also seeing time at second base. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
THIRD BASE
Jedd Gyorko, Cardinals: Gyorko is in the midst of another hot streak at the plate. He is hitting .351 (13-for-37) with two doubles, three home runs, four RBI, three walks and three runs over the 42 plate appearances in his last 11 games through Wednesday. Gyorko is fairly locked in as St. Louis' starter at the hot corner, moving Matt Carpenter back across the diamond to first base, allowing Jose Martinez to see time in right field. Ride the hot streak while it lasts, since Gyorko has shown he can keep a streak going for several weeks at a clip. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $27
SHORTSTOP
Wilmer Difo, Nationals: Difo takes over as the Nats' starting second baseman for the rest of the season following the trade of Daniel Murphy to the Cubs. Expect some counting stats, especially in runs, with a modicum of home runs and steals, but nothing earth-shattering across the board. Difo also qualifies at shortstop and third base, but it's the middle infield eligibility that drives whatever value he has. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7
Injury activations/updates
Yairo Munoz, Cardinals: Munoz, sidelined for just less than two weeks due to a right wrist sprain that he suffered against the Royals on Aug. 10, was activated Wednesday with Marcell Ozuna (shoulder) landing on the disabled list. Batting .284/.348/.428 with six home runs this season, Munoz originally slid into to a bench role with Kolten Wong and Paul DeJong manning the St. Louis middle infield but could start daily at second base with Wong likely landing on the disabled list after straining his hamstring Saturday. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
OUTFIELD
Roman Quinn, Phillies: Quinn was in the starting lineup for the fourth time in five games, going 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored and driven in. He has earned the uptick in playing time by hitting an impressive .346/.370/.500 with a homer and five steals in 54 plate appearances. If Quinn, whose numbers have benefitted from a high BABIP, remains hot, look for him to provide nice counting stats, especially in stolen bases due to his speed. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Matt Holliday, Rockies: Who says you can't go home again? Holliday, who starred for the Rockies for several years last decade and appeared to be retired after last season with the Yankees, signed a minor-league deal with Colorado in late July. In 15 games for Triple-A Albuquerque, he batted .346/.452/.596 with three home runs and 14 RBI, earning a promotion Thursday. Holliday provides the Rockies with an extra bat off the bench and may receive some starts in the corner outfield spots as well as first base, mostly in matchups against left-handed starters. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7
Victor Robles, Nationals: Robles has endured a difficult 2018, missing more than three months with a hyperextended left elbow suffered April 9 and struggling a bit at the plate. The future is still bright for Robles, who has ceded the spotlight this year to Juan Soto. With Soto, Bryce Harper and Adam Eaton in the Nats' outfield, Robles may not see much playing time when he is promoted. Washington may keep him in the minors until Triple-A Syracuse's season ends, so Robles can play daily. But he should be up at some point and if Harper signs elsewhere this offseason, Robles should be a starter in 2018. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec call up bid, up in keeper leagues)
Alex Verdugo, Dodgers: Verdugo did not look out of place in the L.A. outfield when he was up in the majors earlier this season. He should be promoted when the rosters expand Sept. 1 and carve out a handful of at-bats the final month of the season. With Matt Kemp, Joc Pederson, Yaisel Puig and Chris Taylor manning the outfield, Verdugo's real chance at playing time may not come until 2019. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec call up bid, up in keeper leagues)
Domingo Santana, Brewers: Santana is excelling this month at Triple-A Colorado Springs, hitting .288/.417/.559 with four home runs and 16 RBI through 17 games. Look for Santana, who struggled while in the majors, to be called up Sept. 1 and see spot-duty in the Milwaukee outfield. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec call up bid)
Andrew Stevenson, Nationals: Stevenson is in line for a mild uptick in at-bats following the trade of Matt Adams to the Cardinals. Juan Soto, Bryce Harper and Adam Eaton should line up most days from left to right in the outfield, but Stevenson is likely now the fifth outfielder in Washington behind Michael Taylor following his promotion. Stevenson was hitting .235/.318/.338 with six home runs and 12 steals in 331 plate appearances at Triple-A Syracuse and will be used to spell an outfielder periodically. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
Socrates Brito, Diamondbacks: Brito has raked at Triple-A Reno, posting a .322/.388/.544 line with 17 home runs and 65 runs batted in over 401 at-bats. He saw a cup of coffee earlier this season when Steven Souza was sidelined, but failed to impress. Brito should be a Sept. 1 call up, providing another bat off the bench. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3
Injury activations/updates
Jay Bruce, Mets: Bruce, out since mid-June, completed a rehab assignment at High-A St. Lucie on Wednesday and was activated Friday. Injuries limited to Bruce to just 62 highly unproductive games prior to this recent activation. Signed to a three-year, $39 million contract this offseason, Bruce posted a .212/.292/.312 line with three home runs and 17 runs batted in after notching a .254/.324/.508 line with 36 longballs and 101 runs batted in last season. Bruce, who homered in his return to action Friday, will see time both at first base and right field, as he attempts to somewhat salvage a disappointing season and the Mets start to determine where he should slot into their lineup next season. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (upped return bid)
