NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

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.

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

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOMS OUT THERE, INCLUDING MY WIFE, MOM, SISTER AND SISTERS-IN-LAW. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO!!!

STARTING PITCHER 

Brett Anderson, Brewers: Anderson, who left his Apr. 23 start with a strained right hamstring, is expected to return from the injured list and start Sunday. He had a so-so first start, followed by two brilliant ones and an outing where he allowed three runs without retiring a hitter before leaving the game with the injury. Anderson posted a 4.15 ERA and 1.27 WHIP before suffering the injury, although his 11.0 percent strikeout rate is worryingly low. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Wil Crowe, Pirates: Crowe made his third straight start Saturday allowing two runs on four hits and a walk with five strikeouts over six innings. This was by far the best appearance of his career. Crowe tentatively lines up for another start Thursday against the Giants, although he could shift to the bullpen if Chad Kuhl (shoulder) is cleared to return from the injured list. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Johnny Cueto, Giants: Cueto, out since Apr. 14 with a Grade 1 right lat strain, will be activated to start Sunday. He saw minimal action in 2018 and 2019, but notched almost as many innings last season. Cueto's fastball velo was about the same this years as the past several, but his changeup and deception on the mound were even more of a weapon generating a major spike in swinging strikes. Prior to being injured, he was brilliant his first three starts posting a 1.80 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 18:4 K:BB across 20 innings. Cueto works in a good pitcher's park, but the wheels will likely fall off at some point - although he should be able use his veteran wiles to get by. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18

Tony Gonsolin, Dodgers: Gonsolin, sidelined since just before the season with right shoulder inflammation, is being built up as a starter and is about 3-to-4 weeks from being available. He will need to work to about five innings and 75 pitches before being ready. Gonsolin deploys a four-pitch mix, using a fastball averaging 95 mph about half the time and a show-me curveball, a slider against righties and a splitter against lefties. With Dustin May out for the year after TJS, Gonsolin, David Price or Josiah Gray will slide into that fifth starter spot. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid) 

Josiah Gray, Dodgers: Gray, the Dodgers' top pitching prospect, has opened the season at Triple-A Oklahoma City. This is noteworthy as speculation existed that Gray - despite just 39.1 innings above A-ball - could get the call to replace Dustin May in the LA rotation, but he will see at least a handful of starts in the minors to continue his development with Tony Gonsolin (shoulder) and David Price (hamstring) a few weeks ago from filling the fifth starter's spot. If Gray - who has a trio of above-average to plus offerings (fastball, slider, changeup) and athleticism allowing him to command his pitches quite well - is impressive at Triple-A, he should be up by at least the summer. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (very early spec bid, to be upped as he gets closer to the majors)

Elieser Hernandez, Marlins: Hernandez, who left his first start of the year in the third inning with biceps tendon inflammation, is expected to begin a rehab assignment next week provided his live batting practice session goes well Saturday. He will likely need to pitch in a handful of minor-league games before the Marlins bring him back from the injured list, meaning he is a likely 2-3 weeks away from rejoining the parent club. Hernandez's stuff screams major upside, but his limited innings last year means he is unlikely to pitch that much more than 100 this year, presuming he is able to stay healthy. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Rostered (same as prior weeks)

Adrian Houser, Brewers: Houser, profiled a month ago, gets another mention as he has gotten in a groove his last two starts. He claimed the fifth spot in the Brewers' rotation this spring and pitched well early before struggling his next several outings, Houser allowed two runs on five hits over six innings while striking out 10 and walking none in a 6-2 victory over the Marlins on Saturday and takes a 3.44 ERA and 31:11 K:BB through 36.2 innings into his next appearance. His low swinging strike rate is concerning and 17 of his 28 punchouts have come against the Marlins, so be careful in your bidding. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Rostered 

Miles Mikolas, Cardinals: Mikolas, working his way back from shoulder soreness, made his first rehab start for Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday allowing two earned runs on five hits and a walk over 57 pitches and 2.1 innings. He missed all of 2020 due to a sore flexor tendon, which ended his 2019 campaign slightly early. Even the results were not good, Mikolas came out of the start unscathed. If he can remain healthy and have improved results, he could be back in the big leagues within the next couple weeks as the Cardinals' fifth starter. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec return bid)

David Price, Dodgers: Price, sidelined since Apr. 25 with a strained right hamstring, began throwing off a mound this week. The lefty was expected to miss several weeks and may be another week or two away from returning. Price, who opted out last year due to COVID and opened this season in the bullpen, pitched well before the injury allowing one run in his last six innings after giving up five over 3.2 to start the season. Once healthy, Price may end up back in the rotation with Dustin May (elbow) out for the season and Tony Gonsolin (shoulder) still at least three weeks from being available. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (starter spec bid, up if he starts)

Vince Velasquez, Phillies: Velasquez, who moved into the starting rotation while Matt Moore (COVID-19) was out, made his fourth consecutive start Saturday. After struggling his first two outings, Velasquez has posted back-to-back solid efforts allowing two runs on six hits and five walks with 12 strikeouts across 11.2 innings. Home runs have been a major problem for him in his four starts as six balls have left the park. To keep the rotation spot, Velasquez will need to do a better job of keeping the ball in the yard and limit walks, but he's strengthened his hold on the job with his last two outings. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

RELIEF PITCHER 

Jose Alvarado/Archie Bradley/Sam Coonrod, Phillies: Bradley, out since Apr. 10 with a strained left oblique, had his return timeline delayed by a cold but will soon throw bullpen sessions. He plans to head to Triple-A Lehigh Valley while the Phillies are on their current road trip and could return for the team's series against the Marlins beginning on May 18. With Bradley out, Coonrod has notched a pair of saves and three holds while posting a 1.12 ERA. Hector Neris is still ensconced as the closer, but he did blow his second save Saturday and that could result in manager Joe Girardi trying other options. Bradley, Coonrod and Alvarado - who other than his three-run, no-out effort May 2 against the Mets has allowed one run with 17 strikeouts in 10.1 innings - may all be in the mix. Alvarado - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Bradley - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Coonrod - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Joe Kelly, Dodgers: Kelly, who missed most of last year with shoulder soreness and opened the regular season on the injured list, was activated Thursday. His first game Friday left a lot to be desired giving up four runs on five hits in two-thirds of an inning against the Angels while not registering any walks or strikeouts. With Corey Knebel (lat) expected to miss multiple months and Brusdar Graterol (forearm) out again, Kelly could serve as one of the Dodgers' top setup men - a role he has filled in the past - upon his return. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Seth Lugo, Mets: Lugo, who underwent surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow in mid-February, is not slated to return at the end of the month. He was initially given a mid-May timeline, but will miss that target by about two weeks but is expected to begin a rehab assignment in approximately a week. Lugo was brilliant out of the pen as a multi-inning weapon last year. And after starting in that role last season, he moved back to the rotation where he faltered. When Lugo returns, he will be part of the set-up crew in front of Edwin Diaz, where his fastball gets a spike in velocity and his curveball enables him to strike out hitters at a high rate. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

Tyler Rogers, Giants: Rogers, who notched his ninth hold Friday, could be in the mix for saves. Jake McGee has struggled lately, but rebounded Friday to earn the save with a scoreless ninth. If McGee's issues continue, manager Gabe Kapler has indicated Rogers could be in the closer mix. The 30-year-old Rogers has posted a 0.96 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB across 18.2 innings. He's picked up a pair of saves when McGee wasn't available and is likely to stick in a high-leverage role throughout the season, either setting up or closing. Rogers' lack of strikeouts limits his upside, but he's shown he can be an effective reliever despite the lack of Ks. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered

CATCHER 

Jorge Alfaro, Marlins: Alfaro, out since Apr. 20 with a strained right hamstring, has been catching bullpen sessions and is scheduled to run and hit live pitching over the weekend. Limited to just 31 games in part due to a battle with COVID-19, he struggled to a .226/.280/.344 line while hitting just three homers. Alfaro played 10 games this year and was off to a slow start before suffering the injury. Sandy Leon and Chad Wallach will continue to work in a timeshare at catcher until Alfaro returns - at which point Alfaro will start nearly every day. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7

William Contreras/Jeff Mathis, Braves: Contreras, profiled last week, gets another mention as Alex Jackson (hamstring) landed on the injured list Sunday. Travis d'Arnaud's left thumb injury placed him on the 60-day injured list, creating a huge hole behind the plate for the Braves. Contreras, who played at Double-A Mississippi in 2019 and four games (10 plate appearances) for Atlanta last season, is the new starter. He likely will struggle to make consistent contact but provides power potential, although he will be overmatched at times. Mathis will be the veteran backstop providing guidance to Contreras while starting the occasional game until Jackson is back. Contreras - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Mathis - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Manny Pina, Brewers: Omar Narvaez is about halfway through the two weeks he is expected to miss with a strained left hamstring. Filling in for Narvaez at catcher has been a combination of players, although Pina will now be the primary option as he returned Saturday from his fractured toe. Narvaez should be back in a week or so, meaning Pina's run will be short. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Keibert Ruiz, Dodgers: Ruiz was called up Tuesday to serve as an extra man for a doubleheader. He is surprisingly sticking around, as LA is carrying three catchers. As we noted in our preseason outlook, Ruiz was once tabbed as the Dodgers' catcher of the future but has lost some of his prospect luster due to both a flatlining of his development and the growing backstop depth within the organization - especially with Will Smith assuming the role as starting catcher. Ruiz will see occasional plate and could be moved if the Dodgers need to make a deal later this season. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

FIRST BASE 

Brandon Belt, Giants: Belt blasted his seventh home run of the season Saturday. Despite batting just .233, he's driven in 19 runs while posting a 34:17 K:BB ratio in 108 plate appearances. Granted two of those home runs and seven runs batted in came May 4 in a twin-bill in Colorado, but Belt enjoyed a career year as a 32-year-old last season and may have finally found his swing, He just as easily could break your heart or break down as in years' past, but he is worth a look as a cheapish first base option. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: $28; 12-team NL: Rostered

Daniel Vogelbach, Brewers: Keston Hiura's struggles at the plate finally landed him in the minors, opening first base for Vogelbach. He's done little to take advantage of that opportunity, but likely will get a bit more leeway to see if he recaptures his 2019 magic. After hitting 30 home runs in 2019 - albeit with a .208 batting average - Vogelbach was cut loose by the Mariners and landed with the Blue Jays before finishing the year with Milwaukee. Billy McKinney is also seeing time at first base and could earn more time if Vogelbach continues to struggle at the plate.  12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Christian Walker, Diamondbacks: Walker, out with a strained oblique, was activated off the injured list Monday. Rostered in 42 percent of CBS Sports leagues – down a few percentage points from last week – he should start almost daily at first base. Pavin Smith, who had done a solid job filling in for Walker before Arizona lost three outfielders, will continue to start in one outfield spot due Ketel Marte still sidelined even though Tim Locastro also returned on Monday. Walker hit 29 home runs his first season in the Desert in 2018 and will resume his role as starting first baseman once active. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: Rostered

SECOND BASE

Wilmer Flores, Giants: Flores was brilliant last season homering 12 times in 55 games. He also finished with a .268/.315/.515 slash line, 32 RBI and one stolen base while starting nearly every day. This year has not gone as well for Flores hitting .203 with a pair of home runs and 12 RBI a month in. But he's also in line to play almost daily with Tommy La Stella's hamstring strain expected to keep him out for 4-to-6 weeks. Mauricio Dubon will also see time at the keystone position. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Rostered

Ildemaro Vargas, Cubs:  Vargas was recalled by the Cubs on Tuesday to provide middle infield depth. He spent three days in the big leagues in mid-April going 0-for-2 in a pair of appearances off the bench. With a career .252/.280/.388 slash line, Vargas is unlikely to find himself in the lineup on a regular basis. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

THIRD BASE

Matt Duffy, Cubs: Duffy, who had a brilliant rookie season in 2015 for San Francisco, has played only one full season since 2016 due to a myriad of injuries but parlayed a non-roster invite into a role on the Cubs out of spring training. He's seeing time at second base with Nico Hoerner (forearm) sidelined, although David Bote is still in the mix. Kris Bryant is locked in at third base, but all the outfield injuries has resulted in Bryant seeing consistent playing time there with Duffy seeing most of his action at the hot corner. Duffy's ability to make contact and plate discipline - seen in his 10:9 K:BB - should allow him to remain in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7

Colin Moran, Pirates: Moran continued his hot start to the season by collecting two hits for the third consecutive game Friday. He hit five homers in his first 30 plate appearances last season before coming back to earth. The lineup around Moran – especially with Ke'Bryan Hayes sidelined – leaves a lot to be desired, but he already has four homers and 19 RBI to go along with a solid .825 OPS in 122 plate appearances this season. Moran left Saturday's game with left groin discomfort, but is not expected to be out long. Todd Frazier will fill in for him at the hot corner. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered (up bid if think this lasts)

Hunter Owen, Pirates: Owen had his contract selected by the Pirates on Tuesday with Gregory Polanco (COVID protocol) landing on the injured list. Drafted in the 25th round in 2016, Owen excelled in the minors from 2017-2019 and earned a promotion to Triple-A but struggled at the highest level of the minors with a .622 OPS. He could see time at third base and outfield while in the majors. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

Austin Riley, Braves: Earlier in the week, Riley was just under the 65-70 percent rostered threshold for inclusion in this week's column. As we noted in our preseason outlook, better selectivity led to a spike in contact rate along with a bump in walks. Riley hit fewer flyballs whilereducing power, but he did increase his average exit velocity despite his stats not reflecting those gains. His barrel and exit velocity rates are down along with launch angle, resulting in only hitting three home runs, all of which came in a seven-day span. On the flip side, Riley is doing a better job of getting on base and sports a career-best OBA. If he can find a way to balance his new and old approach, he could reach the ceiling most thought he had a few years ago. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: Rostered

SHORTSTOP

Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks:  Rojas, profiled the last two weeks, gets another mention as he's shown no signs of slowing at the plate.  Since Apr. 18, he is 21-for-52 with 14 runs scored, five home runs and 11 runs driven in. Rojas is playing daily at either shortstop or right field. When Ketel Marte (hamstring) returns, the Arizona lineup will have fewer lineup vacancies available. But if Rojas continues to hit, look for him to start mainly at shortstop with Nick Ahmed landing on the bench while also occasionally lining up at second base and the outfield. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered 

OUTFIELD 

Ehire Adrianza, Braves: Ronald Acuna, Jr. was hit by a pitch Saturday, but was only diagnosed with a bruised pinkie, allowing Braves' fans to exhale. Adrianza, who has been hot the first month of the season in a reserve role, could see a short-term bump in playing time if Acuna is out a few games. If Acuna is sidelined longer, Drew Waters could get the nod. Butas of now, Acuna is not expected to be out long. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Shogo Akiyama, Reds: Akiyama, sidelined with a strained left hamstring, was activated from the 10-day injured list and started in left field Friday at Cleveland. His first year in the US and majors last season went far worse than expected, save for a decent on-base average, as his power and speed left a lot to be desired. Now that Akiyama was activated, he will likely serve as the Reds' fourth or fifth outfielder while rotating with Tyler Naquin. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team-NL: $7

Harrison Bader, Cardinals: Bader, out since spring training with a strained forearm, returned to action last Friday. He certainly has hit the ground running, upping his value if you didn't roster him last week. Despite just a .233 average, Bader has three home runs, eight RBI, four runs and a pair of steals over nine games. Dylan Carlson handled most of the starts in center in Bader's absence, but the latter's defense has allowed to him to regain his starting spot with Carlson shifting to right and Tyler O'Neill in left. Bader represents a double-dight home run and stolen base threat, although injuries have sidelined him often and strikeouts have landed him on the bench. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team-NL: $16

Connor Joe/Nick Martini/Lane Thomas, Rockies: The Rockies, Cubs and Cardinals called up fourth/fifth outfielders this week. Joe has appeared in just eight MLB games - all with the Giants in 2019 - but does carry a strong .298/.414/.500 line in 154 games at the Triple-A level. Martini was called up with Ian Happ (ribs) landing on the injured list. Thomas was recalled by the Cardinals on Thursday for his second stint with the parent club. All will be depth options with their respective clubs. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $3

Odubel Herrera, Phillies: Herrera, profiled last week, gets another mention as he solidified his hold on the center field job this past week. After getting off to a slow start following his call up, he's gone 7-for-21 with a home run. Herrera, who lost his 40-man roster spot following his 2019 domestic violence suspension, failed to win an Opening Day roster spot following a mediocre spring. With Adam Haseley sidelined due to personal reasons, Roman Quinn first slumping at the plate and then out with COVID-19 and Mickey Moniak not really ready for prime time, the Phillies recalled Herrera to provide some offense from the position. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team-NL: $11 (upped bid from prior week) 

Tim Locastro, Diamondbacks: Locastro was off to a strong start with a .345 on-base percentage and three stolen bases over 15 games before missing two weeks after he dislocated left pinkie finger on Apr. 17. Before getting sidelined, he was starting almost every day in center field. Since Locastro was hurt, Pavin Smith and Josh Rojas have both performed well giving manager Torey Lovullo options in center and right. With Ketel Marte (hamstring) and Kole Calhoun (hamstring) both still on the IL, Locastro should still see solid playing time but won't be in the lineup daily. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $5

Joc Pederson, Cubs: Pederson, out since Apr. 21 with wrist tendinitis, was activated off the 10-day injured list Monday. Signed this offseason to a one-year deal with a 2022 option, he struggled significantly in his 16 games as a Cub striking out 32.8 percent of the time while hitting just .137/.262/.235. Despite those issues at the plate, Pederson should play almost daily in left field, sitting against certain lefties at least until Ian Happ is activated. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team-NL: $9

Kevin Pillar, Mets: Pillar, signed to a one-year deal with an option for a second season this past offseason, has received an uptick in playing time with Brandon Nimmo (finger) on the injured list. When Pillar plays regularly, he tends to produce which has been the case so far with the consistent at-bats received. He'll start against lefties at any of the outfield spots when the Mets are fully healthy. For now, Pillar will be in the lineup almost daily in center field and is a short-term streaming option. With enough playing time, he could post a double-double in home runs and steals. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team-NL: $11 

Darin Ruf, Giants: The injury-riddled Giants' outfield took another hit Friday as Alex Dickerson landed on the IL. The good news is that Mike Yastrzemski (oblique) returned from his injury. Ruf has seen a slight uptick in playing time starting against southpaws, as he did Friday vs. Blake Snell. With the team mixing-and-matching, look for Ruf to continue to start in left field against lefties. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $5

Travis Swaggerty, Pirates: Swaggerty, one of the Pirates' top prospects, is making the jump from High-A to Triple-A without spending time at Double-A Altoona. He hit .265/.347/.381 with nine homers and 23 stolen bases in High-A Bradenton back in 2019. Swaggerty was one of the team's most consistent players at the alternate site, which was viewed by GM Ben Cherington like playing at Double-A. With the major-league team bereft of outfield talent, it wouldn't be surprising to see Swaggerty - who is a plus-defender in center field and showed more power at the alternate site - make his debut in Pittsburgh this summer. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team-NL: $7 (early spec call up bid) 

Tyrone Taylor, Brewers: Taylor's rostered percentage likely should be pretty static as he was recalled by the Brewers on Tuesday after getting sent down Monday to make room for Christian Yelich (back) off the injured list. Yelich lasted one game before heading back to the IL, resulting in Taylor rejoining the team. Taylor hit .323/.400/.581 in 35 plate appearances before being optioned to the minors. With Yelich out, Taylor should start almost daily in either left or right field depending on where Avisail Garcia plays. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team-NL: $11

LaMonte Wade, Giants: Wade, out since Apr. 14 with a strained left oblique, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday. Prior to getting injured, he was primed to see consistent playing time. Given Wade is eligible to return from the injured list as soon as he is healthy, he could be activated in the coming days. Once ready to return and with Mike Tauchman now on the roster, Wade might see limited action and potentially replace Steven Duggar at least until Alex Dickerson (shoulder bone bruise) returns. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team-NL: $4