NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

This article is part of our NL FAAB Factor series.

We have two goals for this article: 

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.

Bids in general are best guesstimates. With so much uncertainty at least initially, those values may be even greater estimates than usual. The FAAB chart below lets users easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The chart, 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. An "A" grade is reserved for a high-impact prospect stepping into an everyday role.

I covered Jose Martinez, Mitch Moreland and Austin Nola in the comment section to last week's column, so they are not included here.

If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.

PLAYERTEAMPOSGRADE12-Team Mixed $15-Team Mixed $NL-Only $
Adbert AlzolayCHISPENo03
Tejay AntoneCINSPD016
JT BrubakerPITSPD2711
Mike ClevingerSDSPARosteredRostered95
Tony GonsolinLASPC816Rostered
Cole HamelsATLSPD147
Mitch KellerPITSPC147
Tommy MiloneATLSPDRostered511
Jose MujicaCOLSP

We have two goals for this article: 

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.

Bids in general are best guesstimates. With so much uncertainty at least initially, those values may be even greater estimates than usual. The FAAB chart below lets users easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The chart, 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. An "A" grade is reserved for a high-impact prospect stepping into an everyday role.

I covered Jose Martinez, Mitch Moreland and Austin Nola in the comment section to last week's column, so they are not included here.

If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.

PLAYERTEAMPOSGRADE12-Team Mixed $15-Team Mixed $NL-Only $
Adbert AlzolayCHISPENo03
Tejay AntoneCINSPD016
JT BrubakerPITSPD2711
Mike ClevingerSDSPARosteredRostered95
Tony GonsolinLASPC816Rostered
Cole HamelsATLSPD147
Mitch KellerPITSPC147
Tommy MiloneATLSPDRostered511
Jose MujicaCOLSPENoNo4
David PetersonNYMSPC511Rostered
Trevor RogersMIASPD2711
Caleb SmithAZSPD017
Miguel CastroNYMRPE015
Mychal GivensCOLRPE015
Stefan CrichtonAZRPE015
Kevin GinkelAZRPD51116
Junior GuerraAZRPE147
Hector RondonAZRPE015
Ryan HelsleySTLRPD147
Josh OsichCHIRPENoNo4
Taylor WilliamsSDRPENoNo4
Tony WatsonSFRPC51116
Jason CastroSDCERosteredRostered9
Luis CampusanoSDCC147
Robinson ChirinosNYMCENoNo4
Jacob StallingsPITCENo29
Ali SanchezNYMCENoNo3
Lewin DiazMIA1BD017
Daniel VogelbachMIL1BD1511
Jazz ChisholmMIA2BC2711
Isan DiazMIA2BDNo15
Todd FrazierNYM3BD3Rostered15
Ke'Bryan HayesPIT3BC223344
Carter KieboomWAS3BC3914
Brad MillerSTL3BD2233Rostered
Austin RileyATL3BC45RosteredRostered
Eddy AlvarezMIASSENoNo4
Greg AllenSDOFDNoNo5
Aristides AquinoCINOFE039
Harrison BaderSTLOFE147
Tyler O'NeillSTLOFD3914
Lane ThomasSTLOFE147
Ben GamelMILOFE2711
Brian GoodwinCINOFDRosteredRostered14
Jason HeywardCHIOFC4555Rostered
Cameron MaybinCHIOFENoNo7
Kevin PillarCOLOFDRosteredRostered35
Harold RamirezMIAOFD147
Josh RojasAZOFE015
Daulton VarshoAZOFD3914
Austin SlaterSDOFD1122Rostered

STARTING PITCHER

Adbert Alzolay, Cubs: Alzolay got the ball to start Game 1 of the Cubs' doubleheader against the Cardinals on Saturday. That outing did not last particularly long, as he allowed two runs across 2.2 innings and gave up two hits and five walks while striking out four. This was Alzolay's second spot start, as he also started against St. Louis in a doubleheader back on Aug. 19. With both Jose Quintana (left lat) and Tyler Chatwood (right forearm) on the 10-day injured list, it's possible Alzolay will stay with the Cubs beyond Saturday although his outing didn't inspire much confidence. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Tejay Antone, Reds: Antone, profiled about a month ago, gets another mention as he started Sunday to give Sonny Gray - who was bombed in his last start - a few extra days rest. As I wrote then, Antone is a name to stash in case he gets another shot to start. He logged a 4.65 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 70 strikeouts in 71.2 innings at Triple-A last year and figured to be a low-leverage reliever if he got the nod this season. Injuries created an opening and Antone - who upped his two-seam fastball from 88-92 mph to 97 this past offseason - ably filled by making two appearances, including the start last month. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (stash candidate)

JT Brubaker, Pirates: Brubaker was profiled at the beginning of August when he was moved from the Pirates' bullpen to start in place of the injured Mitch Keller (oblique). His outings have gotten progressively better and he should remain in the Pittsburgh rotation the remainder of the season. Brubaker, who has a fastball, sinker, slider and curveball in his arsenal, was named Pittsburgh's minor league pitcher of the year in 2018 when he registered a 2.81 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 131:44 K:BB in 154 innings. He suffered a forearm strain that sidelined him for most of 2019, but the pedigree and upside is there especially if he continues to generate groundballs as he did in his most recent appearance. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Mike Clevinger, Padres: Clevinger was the main headliner in the deal that also brought Greg Allen from Cleveland to San Diego on Monday with six players, including Austin Hedges, Josh Naylor, Cal Quantrill and Gabriel Arias, heading the opposite way. The right-hander has made just four starts this year after missing time due to a violation of team rules, posting a 3.18 ERA and 1.37 WHIP over 22.2 innings. Clevinger managed a 2.97 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over the prior four seasons in Cleveland and will provide San Diego a true ace. The 29-year-old is not due to be a free agent until after 2022, which is why San Diego was willing to pay such a steep price to acquire him. 12-team Mixed: Rostered, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $95

Tony Gonsolin, Dodgers: Gonsolin now looks to be a mainstay in the LA rotation following the trade of Ross Stripling to Toronto. He showed that was a good decision by pitching six innings against Colorado on Saturday and allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits while striking out eight. Gonsolin has yet to record a decision this season, but has only allowed two earned runs through 23.2 innings while compiling an impressive 25:5 K:BB. He became an option for the starter spot vacated by David Price opting out, but missed out after reporting to camp late. Gonsolin got the nod at the end of July due to Alex Wood's shoulder injury landing him on the IL and then earned a start due to Walker Buehler's blister before the trade of Stripling securing him a rotation spot. He performed well during his first major-league stint in 2019 by posting a 2.93 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over 11 appearances (six starts) despite less than optimal advanced stats. 12-team Mixed: $8, 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: Rostered

Cole Hamels, Braves: Despite Hamels missing significant time due to injury and posting the highest WHIP of his career in 2019, the Braves signed the left-hander to a one-year, $18 million contract. So far, that deal has been a bust for the Braves and those who drafted or signed him - including me - as Hamels has been sidelined all season with shoulder and triceps issues that date back to spring training. He was slated to throw a live batting practice session Sunday, and could make 1-2 starts for Atlanta before the end of the season if all goes well the next week or so. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (to be upped as he gets closer to return) 

Mitch Keller, Pirates: Keller, who landed on the injured list in early August with a left oblique injury, was slated to throw live batting practice Thursday. After posting an abysmal 7.13 ERA in 11 starts as a rookie in 2019, he displayed the promise that made him a top prospect before getting hurt. The Pirates plan for Keller is to return to game action before the end of the season, but a more specific timeline for his return remains. He could get a start or two before the end of the season, if all breaks correctly. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Tommy Milone, Braves: Atlanta needed a starter and they certainly got that. How good of one remains to be seen. Baltimore traded Milone to Atlanta on Sunday for two players to be named later. He might have been impacted by the travel, as he started the evening of the trade and gave up seven runs on eight hits while striking out two over 2.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Phillies. Milone looked much better Friday, allowing one run in four innings. His overall numbers aren't great, but he still produced a 3.08 ERA in five outings with a 26:1 K:BB after a poor Opening Day start. Milone remains in the NL East and faces the same teams from earlier this year, but he also gets to oppose his former squad. 12-team Mixed: Rostered, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $11

Jose Mujica, Rockies: Mujica was recalled by the Rockies on Friday, joining a major-league pitching staff for the first time after Jon Gray (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day injured list. The right-hander missed the entire 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but posted a 2.70 ERA and 1.13 WHIP over 36.2 innings during seven starts at the Triple-A level in 2018. Mujica could be a candidate to start in Gray's place Monday, as Ryan Castellani started Sunday. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

David Peterson, Mets: Peterson, covered last week, gets another mention as he will return to the rotation to start Monday against the Phillies after pitching out of the bullpen initially following his return after missing two weeks with shoulder inflammation. Selected in the first round in 2017, Peterson is projected as a mid-rotation starter in the future, the timing of which may have been moved up, He is also poised to be a part of the 2021 rotation with Noah Syndergaard (Tommy John surgery) expected to miss the first couple months and Marcus Stroman, Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha set to be free agents after this season. Peterson has good command of a quality three-pitch mix and is excellent at generating groundballs while his fastball has ticked up a notch or two. He should remain in the rotation the balance of the season. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered (slightly upped bid not that he is back in the rotation)

Trevor Rogers, Marlins: Rogers, drafted in the first round in 2017, made his major-league debut two weeks ago against the Mets. The condensed and division specific schedule meant that Rogers faced the same squad in his second start as he did the first. He picked up the win against the Mets on Monday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five in five innings pitched. Over 136.1 innings last season between Double-A Jacksonville and High-A Jupiter, Rogers submitted a 2.90 ERA and 150:33 K:BB, so he clearly is taking a major step up in class. The lefty should remain in the Marlins' rotation the rest of the way. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Caleb Smith, Diamondbacks: Smith, profiled two weeks ago, gets another mention as he was traded from the Marlins to the Diamondbacks on Monday along with Humberto Mejia and a player to be named later, with Starling Marte going the other way. He received clearance in mid-August to resume baseball activity after being sidelined with COVID-19 and was to throw five innings and approximately 70 pitches in an intrasquad game on Saturday. Smith was brilliant the first half of 2019, but struggled his last 12 starts after missing a month with left hip inflammation. He has middling fastball velocity and struggles to limit hard hits and home runs, so consider him a streaming option even when he returns. Smith, who is arbitration eligible next season and not set to reach free agency until after the 2023 season, should join the D-Backs' active roster and rotation in the next week or so. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

RELIEF PITCHER

Miguel Castro/Mychal Givens: The Orioles dealt a pair of relievers to the National League at the trade deadline. Castro was traded to the Mets in exchange for Kevin Smith, New York's minor league pitcher of the year last season, on Monday. He is filling a setup role in New York, though he could get the occasional save opportunity, aided by the rise in his K and groundball rates while lowering his walk rate.  On Sunday, the Rockies acquired Givens from Baltimore in exchange for Tyler Nevin and Terrin Vavra plus a player to be named later. Givens has been effective as a setup man this season, allowing only two runs in 13 innings with 19 strikeouts and a 1.000 WHIP. Both offer higher values in leagues that play with holds. Both - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Stefan Crichton/Kevin Ginkel/Junior Guerra/Hector Rondon, Diamondbacks: Arizona traded Archie Bradley to Cincinnati, creating a hole at closer. And yes, that scream you heard was from me as someone who rosters Bradley in several leagues. Crichton, Ginkel, Guerra and Rondon are in the mix. But manager Torey Lovullo turned to Ginkel for both save chances since the deal. He was brilliant as a rookie but has struggled this season, blowing the first chance before closing out Friday's game. Crichton has been up-and-down and doesn't profile as a true closer with a 1.50 WHIP and sinker/slider combo. Guerra might be next in line, but at 35 isn't likely to be part of the team's long-term plans even though he is signed for next season. Rondon has closed in the past, but he is suffering through a horrific first season in the desert. Ginkel, selected in the 22nd round in 2016 and has a fastball/slider mix, looks to be the favorite to earn saves. Crichton/Rondon - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Ginkel - 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16; Guerra - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 

Ryan Helsley, Cardinals: Helsley, who last pitched Jul. 29, was activated off the COVID-19 IL on Tuesday. He is being used in low-leverage situations initially, but could factor into the back end of the bullpen before too long. Giovanny Gallegos is currently running with the closer role. Helsley's numbers from 2019 weren't exceptional (2.95 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 7.9 K/9 in 36.2 innings), but the Cardinals were encouraged by the strides he made during the spring and he may be limited to notching holds and some counting stats. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Josh Osich/Taylor Williams: The Cubs and Padres imported bullpen help at the deadline. Osich was traded from the Red Sox to the Cubs on Monday in exchange for a player to be named later. He gives Chicago another lefty out of the bullpen. Williams, who was closing, went from Seattle to San Diego. He was sent to the team's alternate site but should be back by the end of the season. Both - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Tony Watson, Giants: Watson notched his first save of the season Saturday. Trevor Gott was closing before he faltered, but manager Gabe Kapler hadn't turned to Watson until Saturday. Watson was to open the season as the closer but didn't fill that role until Saturday, which marked his first appearance since last Sunday. Roles are still fluid at the back end of the Giants' bullpen, but Watson now has a 0.75 ERA and 0.67 WHIP in 12 innings. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (up if think he is used as the sole closer)

CATCHER

Jason Castro, Padres: San Diego revamped their catching situation at the deadline by moving Austin Hedges while importing Austin Nola and Castro, the latter coming from the Angels for reliever Gerardo Reyes. Castro slashed .192/.323/.384 for LAA with a pair of home runs and six runs driven in. He should be the Friars' primary backstop, supported by Nola and Francisco Mejia when activated off the injured list. 12-team Mixed: Rostered, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $9

Luis Campusano, Padres: San Diego's parade of prospects to the majors continued Friday with the call up of Campusano, taken by the Padres in the second round of the 2017 Draft. The 21-year-old had a .905 OPS with 15 home runs and 81 RBI at the High-A level and projects as their future starter behind the plate. Campusano started at DH on Friday, which could be his role against southpaws, and could spell Jason Castro and Austin Nola behind the plate. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up in keeper leagues)

Robinson Chirinos, Mets: The Mets acquired Chirinos and cash from the Rangers on Monday in exchange for a player to be named later. He recently returned from the injured list, but had struggled at the plate and was to cede time to Jose Trevino and Jeff Mathis in Texas. With Wilson Ramos in New York, it's unclear whether Chirinos will serve as the primary catcher for the Mets, especially with a .119 batting average and two RBI over 14 games. He provides the Mets depth behind the plate while Tomas Nido recovers from COVID-19. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Jacob Stallings, Pirates: Stallings saw 71 games of action last season due to the concussions suffered by Francisco Cervelli. He is the primary backstop for the Bucs and provides better than expected numbers, save for the lack of power. John Ryan Murphy is playing every third or fourth game, but Stallings remains a borderline starter in NL-only leagues and passable second catcher in deep mixed ones. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $9 

FIRST BASE

Lewin Diaz, Marlins: Diaz was in Miami's starting lineup for eight straight games while Jesus Aguilar (back) was sidelined, He failed to take advantage of the opportunity he was afforded, going 3-for-26 with one walk and nine strikeouts in that stretch. Assuming Aguilar's back doesn't present any problems for him moving forward, Diaz could soon be headed back to the Marlins' alternate training site but remains a solid prospect and decent stash candidate. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7 

Daniel Vogelbach, Brewers: Milwaukee claimed Vogelbach off waivers from the Blue Jays on Thursday, designating Justin Smoak for assignment. He is known as a horrible defensive first baseman, so most of his starts should come at DH where he likely will be on the strong side of any platoon since he bats from the left side. Vogelbach's .088/.246/.211 season slash line between Seattle and Toronto is a far cry from the .208/.341/.439 line he posted last season. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $11 (on hopes the light goes back on)

SECOND BASE

Jazz Chisholm/Isan Diaz, Marlins: Chisholm, who came to Miami for Zac Gallen last year, is an above-average runner with elite bat speed who could stick at shortstop in the future. For now, Chisholm will likely play second base following the trade of Jonathan Villar with Miguel Rojas covering shortstop. Jon Berti may see time at the keystone as well as Isan Diaz (personal), who was recently activated from the restricted list soon after he informed Miami he was opting back into the 2020 season - although Chisholm should see most of the playing time. In a down year at Double-A when Chisholm hit just .204, he still blasted 21 home runs and stole 16 bases as a 21-year-old playing a premium position. There remains big question marks surrounding his ability to make enough contact, as he struck out in 32.1 percent of his career minor-league plate appearances. As such, look for growing pains at this level. Diaz, who played two games before opting out, promises the potential to hit for both power and average although he's done neither through his first 51 career big-league games by hitting just .156/.257/.303. He will need time to get into game shape, meaning he probably will need some time before being ready for consistent game action. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Diaz - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

THIRD BASE

Todd Frazier, Mets: The Todd Father in back in New York, as Frazier was sent from the Rangers to the Mets on Monday in exchange for a player to be named later. He hit .233/.316/.418 with 39 homers in 2018 and 2019, but was allowed to go to free agency and signed with Texas. After a strong start, Frazier hit just .244/.322/.380 with two home runs and seven runs drive in over 31 games in Texas. He will see time at third and first as well as DH and brings a strong, upbeat locker-room presence to a team needing one. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $11

Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pirates: The Hayes era began Tuesday, as the Pirates' third sacker made his big-league debut at home against the Cubs. His calling card is elite defense at the hot corner with a solid eye at the plate. Power is the main question, though he blasted a long ball in his first game. Colin Moran, who started the season at the hot corner, is now the DH and frees up the position for Hayes. The 32nd overall pick in 2015 spent last season with Triple-A Indianapolis, slashing .265/.336/.415 with 10 homers and 53 RBI in 110 games after hitting .293/.375/.444 in 117 games for Double-A Altoona the year before. If the power develops, you have a possible five-tool player in Hayes. 12-team Mixed: $22; 15-team Mixed: $33; 12-team NL: $44

Carter Kieboom, Nationals: Kieboom, who struggled in his first exposure to major league pitching, broke summer camp with the major-league team. He showed again he wasn't ready to handle a starting role in the majors and struggled across 14 August appearances by going just 6-for-41 with zero extra-base hits and 17 strikeouts, resulting in a trip to the Nats' alternate site. Kieboom was swinging a hot bat at that location and was recalled Saturday. He is expected to serve as the team's primary third baseman going forward, replacing the slumping Asdrubal Cabrera with the hope he is able to recapture the form that led to his brilliant numbers in the PCL last season. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Brad Miller, Cardinals: Miller is in the midst of an unconscious run at plate for the Cardinals, starting almost daily at third base or designated hitter. Most of his work is coming at DH, which dovetails nicely to what I wrote back before the pandemic started: "Miller should fill in across the diamond; flexibility that is needed with a condensed schedule. In addition, he has done his best damage at the plate while focused solely on hitting as a DH in the American League, which is a spot he will see action at this season for the Cardinals, especially if Matt Carpenter doesn't hit as expected at the position." As of Friday, he was only rostered in 37 percent of leagues. So if Miller is available, grab him now and hope the run continues. 12-team Mixed: $22, 15-team Mixed: $33; 12-team NL: Rostered

Austin Riley, Braves: Riley continues to rake at the plate, making my trade of him in the RotoWire Staff League look worse. Through Friday's games, he was 20-for-66 with four home runs and 14 runs driven in the prior three-plus weeks. Riley is now Atlanta's undisputed third baseman, relegating Johan Camargo to the bench.  The only downer is that it looks like Riley won't have outfield eligibility next season following the return of Nick Markakis and Ronald Acuna. 12-team Mixed: $45, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: Rostered 

SHORTSTOP

Eddy Alvarez, Marlins: Alvarez, who played 11 games with the Marlins in August, was called back up from their alternate site Wednesday. During his last three-week stretch with the parent club, Alvarez slashed .206/.289/.235 with two stolen bases in 38 plate appearances. He was sent back down Saturday for Harold Ramirez, who strained his leg and could end up back on the IL. If Alvarez gets recalled, he likely will to serve as a utility infielder. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $4 

OUTFIELD

Greg Allen, Padres: Allen was traded from Cleveland to San Diego on Monday along with Mike Clevinger and a player to be named later for six players, including Austin Hedges, Josh Naylor, Cal Quantrill and Gabriel Arias heading the opposite way.  The San Diego native offers good speed by stealing 31 bases in 220 career games, but that hasn't actually translated to production at the plate as seen by his .239/.295/.344 career slash line. And Allen doesn't appear to be a plus-defender in center field despite his speed. He was sent down to the Padres' alternate site after playing a game for the team, but should be recalled sometime during the month. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $5

Aristides Aquino, Reds: Aquino burst on the scene last season, becoming the quickest ever to 10 homers and eventually broke Cody Bellinger's rookie record for the most home runs in a single month with 14. However, as good as he was in August, he was equally disastrous in September. Aquino failed to make the Reds out of summer camp and was finally called up this week. Cincinnati also acquired Brian Goodwin on Monday to add to their outfield depth, so it's unclear how much time Aquino will receive but he should see some time at the corner outfield spots and maybe at DH. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team-NL: $9

Harrison Bader/Tyler O'Neill/Lane Thomas, Cardinals: Dexter Fowler was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday. He is expected to be sidelined for at least a couple weeks, but should have a shot to return before the end of the season. In his absence, Bader, O'Neill and Thomas will see an increase in playing time at the two corner spots joined by Tommy Edman. Bader and Thomas - who was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Monday and made his first start since Jul. 26 - likely will see less time that O'Neill, who homered for the first time in 17 games Saturday. Bader/Thomas - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; O'Neill - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Ben Gamel, Brewers: Gamel, finally hot at the plate, led off for the fourth straight game Saturday. He's really struggled at the plate for much of August, but hit a blistering .405 with 15 hits in 37 at-bats prior to Saturday's 0-for-3 at the plate since snapping an 0-for-20 skid Aug. 19. Gamel likely won't hit that high when a southpaw is on the bump, but his recent production should keep him in the line even against lefties. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team-NL: $11 (in case he was waived)

Brian Goodwin, Reds: Goodwin was traded from the Angels to the Reds on Monday for left-hander Packy Naughton and a player to be named or cash. He played on the strong side of a platoon in Los Angeles to begin the season and should continue to do so with the Reds mainly in left field, especially while Nick Senzel (undisclosed) is sidelined. The 29-year-old carries a .793 OPS with four home runs and 17 RBI over 30 games this season, though his numbers are way down over the past several weeks. 12-team Mixed: Rostered; 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team-NL: $14

Jason Heyward, Cubs: Heyward failed to produce as expected after signing a big-money contract with the Cubs in 2016, but improved his numbers almost across-the-board last season. He has continued that growth into 2020, becoming a an almost must-start daily. Heyward has especially been raking at the dish lately, aided by a marked improvement in his walk rate and mild decline in his K rate. In addition, his spike in BABIP is not excessive, lending credence to the fact the spike in numbers might be sustainable. Grab Heyward in your league if available, as he was only rostered in 28 percent of leagues and hope that the rise continues. 12-team Mixed: $45; 15-team Mixed: $55; 12-team-NL: Rostered

Cameron Maybin, Cubs: Maybin was traded from the Tigers to the Cubs in exchange for Zack Short on Monday. Drafted in the first round by Detroit in 2005, Maybin has experienced an up-and-down career. He hit a surprising .284/.365/.494 in 82 games for the Yankees last season, closing the year on the injured list. Maybin missed time with an injury this year and was hitting .244/.311/.415 line in just 14 games for the Tigers before the trade. He will fill a bench role in the Windy City. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $7

Kevin Pillar, Rockies: Pillar was traded from the Red Sox to the Rockies on Monday in exchange for a player to be named later. He got off to a hot start before settling down and posting a .274/.325/.470 line with four home runs, 20 runs and 13 RBI. Pillar brings solid defense to center field in what is a vast outfield at Coors Field and should start almost daily for the Rockies. He played in the NL West with San Francisco in 2019, so he knows the landscape somewhat well. His acquisition turns right-handed-hitting, multi-position player Garrett Hampson and left-handed-hitting Sam Hilliard into somewhat depth pieces. 12-team Mixed: Rostered, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $30

Harold Ramirez, Marlins: Ramirez opened the season platooning in right field for Miami but was sidelined after two games after testing positive for COVID-19. He was activated from the injured list Saturday, batting sixth and play left field against the Rays with the slumping Corey Dickerson getting a day off. Ramirez enjoyed a surprisingly solid rookie campaign, hitting .276/.312/.416 across 446 plate appearances in 119 games. But he offers minimal power, which limits his upside. Ramirez left Saturday's game with a strained left hamstring, which could sideline him again. Matt Joyce and Lewis Brinson figure to continue sharing the right-field duties should that be the case. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7 

Josh Rojas/Daulton Varsho, Diamondbacks: Arizona traded Starling Marte to Miami this past week, creating a hole in center field. Ketel Marte is seeing additional time at the spot, moving from second base to the outfield. But Arizona will also use Varsho - who started in CF and homered Saturday - at the position as they evaluate their talent for 2021. He's also played six games at catcher, giving him eligibility at that spot in some leagues and adding to his value. Rojas, called back up Tuesday, will see time at second base, the outfield and at designated hitter. He came to Arizona from Houston as part of the haul for Zack Greinke with a power-speed combination, which he displayed signs of in the majors. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Varsho - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 

Austin Slater, Giants: Slater, sidelined for two weeks with a strained groin, was activated off the IL on Saturday. He had been swinging a bat and throwing at the Giants' alternate training site last week and showing he was ready to return to action. Slater was hitting .347/.458/.653 in 59 plate appearances before straining his groin in late August. His activation came at the expense of Steven Duggar, who was sent to the alternate site. Look for Slater, who led off Saturday, to be in the lineup daily as long as he remains hot. 12-team Mixed: $11, 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Rostered 

Want to Read More?
Subscribe to RotoWire to see the full article.

We reserve some of our best content for our paid subscribers. Plus, if you choose to subscribe you can discuss this article with the author and the rest of the RotoWire community.

Get Instant Access To This Article Get Access To This Article
RotoWire Community
Join Our Subscriber-Only MLB Chat
Chat with our writers and other RotoWire MLB fans for all the pre-game info and in-game banter.
Join The Discussion
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jan Levine
Levine covers baseball and hockey for RotoWire. He is responsible for the weekly NL FAAB column for baseball and the Barometer for hockey. In addition to his column writing, he is master of the NHL cheat sheets. In his spare time, he roots for the Mets and Rangers.
MLB: Winter Meetings Recap
MLB: Winter Meetings Recap
Offseason Deep Dives: Garrett Crochet
Offseason Deep Dives: Garrett Crochet
Farm Futures: Rookie Infielder Targets
Farm Futures: Rookie Infielder Targets
Collette Calls: Does Controlling the Running Game Really Matter?
Collette Calls: Does Controlling the Running Game Really Matter?