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.

STARTING PITCHER

Kyle Freeland, Rockies: Freeland, out with a strained left shoulder since late in spring training, was activated to start Tuesday after making a pair of rehab starts for Triple-A Albuquerque. He did not factor into the decision allowing one run on four hits and three walks while striking out five through four innings. After a brilliant 2018, Freeland fell off the rails by notching a 6.73 ERA the following year. He got rid of the cutter and introduced a curveball in 2020 while improving to a 4.33 ERA, and when right generates a ton of groundballs. Freeland likely will need one more rehab start before joining the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same bid as prior) 

Tony Gonsolin, Dodgers: Gonsolin, sidelined since just before the season started with right shoulder inflammation, made his second rehab start Friday for Triple-A Oklahoma City giving up three runs on two hits and a walk while striking out four in 3.2 innings. He may only need one more rehab start prior to being activated from the injured list, at which point he's expected to replace David Price in the Dodgers' rotation - making me stand corrected from my original view. Gonsolin, who has gone 6-4 with a 2.60 earned-run average in 20 games (14 starts) across the last two seasons, deploys a four-pitch mix with a fastball averaging 95 MPH about half the time and a show-me curveball as well as a slider against righties and splitter against lefties. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (upped return bid as starter) 

Vladimir Gutierrez, Reds: Gutierrez, on the restricted list to open the season while serving the end of an 80-game suspension for PEDs, was called up to make his first start in the majors Friday. He allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out three in five innings to take the loss against the Cubs and is set to earn a second start Wednesday versus the Phillies. Gutierrez earned the promotion by pitching well at Triple-A Louisville through three starts this year with a 2.65 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB over 17 innings. However, he was quite poor at Triple-A back in 2019 by struggling to a 6.04 ERA. The 25-year-old hadn't impressed in the minors since being signed out of Cuba in 2016, so temper expectations. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Elieser Hernandez, Marlins: Hernandez, who left his first start of the year in the third inning with biceps tendon inflammation, made his third rehab start for Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday. He threw 44 pitches in his first outing and 55 in his second, putting him on pace to rejoin the team after one or two more starts. Hernandez's stuff screams major upside, but his limited innings last year means he's 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) 

Sixto Sanchez, Marlins: Sanchez, dealing with inflammation in his right shoulder since the end of March, has been brought along slowly by the Marlins. He was slated to throw a bullpen session this past Tuesday and could progress to a rehab stint in June if he can continue avoiding setbacks. Sanchez, drafted by the Phillies in 2015, looked good in his seven-start debut last season and cruised to a 3.46 ERA, but has dealt with injuries over his career. When healthy, he offers three 70-grade pitches in his 97 MPH sinker, 99 MPH four-seamer and 89 MPH changeup while also mixing in a power slider and mid-80s curveball. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec bid, to be upped as he gets closer to returning)

RELIEF PITCHER

Carlos Estevez, Rockies: Estevez was brilliant to start 2020, but struggled during the second half of the season and ended up pitching in lower-leverage situations. Activated from the injured list last Saturday after missing nearly a month of action due to a finger strain, he picked up a hold in his first outing back before notching the save Monday. Estevez extended his streak of not allowing an earned run to seven, forcing his way into the late-inning mix. Daniel Bard had worked each of the prior two days, giving Estevez the opportunity. But if he keeps pitching as he has, manager Bud Black could turn to Charlie Sheen more often. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Seth Lugo, Mets: Lugo, who underwent surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow in mid-February, is scheduled to be activated off the 60-day injured list Monday. His return comes after completing a relatively short rehab stint in the minors. 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 and faltered. With Lugo back, he is 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 while being used as a multi-inning reliever. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (slightly upped return bid) 

CATCHER 

Jorge Alfaro, Marlins: Alfaro, out since Apr. 20 with a strained right hamstring, was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Monday after completing a rehab assignment at Triple-A Jacksonville. 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 and then the latter will start nearly every day. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped bid from prior week)

Victor Caratini/Webster Rivas, Padres: Austin Nola was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a slight knee sprain this week, creating a hole at catcher again for the Padres. Caratini, who filled in for Nola when he was sidelined by a finger injury to start the season, should serve as the primary catcher going forward. He offers a little bit of power, albeit with a weak batting average. Rivas, in the minors since 2012, was called up to replace Nola and made his major-league debut starting behind the plate Friday. Caratini - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Rivas - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 

FIRST BASE 

Matt Adams/Patrick Wisdom: The Rockies and Cubs activated/promoted depth corner infield options this week. Adams missed just over two weeks with a shin injury and was called up after a short rehab stint to replace Trevor Story on the active roster. He could also see the occasional start at first base. Chicago recalled Wisdom from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday to provide much needed infield depth while Matt Duffy (back) spends time on the injured list. He has a little power and has already produces a pair of extra-base hits. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Seth Beer/Christian Walker, Diamondbacks: Beer, one of the big prizes coming from Houston in the Zack Greinke deal in 2019, struggled at Double-A following the trade. He has restored some luster to his value by posting a .297/.384/.527 slash line with three home runs, eight RBI and 16 runs in 86 plate appearances at Triple-A Reno. Beer is better suited as a DH, but that is not an option in the NL this year. He's also been leapfrogged at first base by Pavin Smith, but could get a look-see with Smith playing left field if he continues to hit and Walker's slump doesn't abate now that he's off the injured list.  Walker, out twice this season with a strained oblique, was activated off the injured list Saturday. Pavin Smith, who had done a solid job filling in for Walker earlier this season before Arizona lost three outfielders, should likely continue to start in one outfield spot even with Ketel Marte active, but could also see time at first time. Walker hit 29 home runs his first full season in the Desert in 2019, but struggled so far in 2021 with a .203/.268/.313 slash line in 71 plate appearances. Beer - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec call up bid); Walker - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered (lowered from earlier bids, but up if think he gets hot)

Wilmer Flores, Giants: Flores, profiled three weeks ago, gets another mention as he was activated from the injured list Saturday. He could serve as the Giants' primary first baseman in the immediate future – as he did Saturday - after Brandon Belt (oblique) was placed on the injured list Wednesday. Flores was brilliant last season homering 12 times in 55 games while posting 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, but he was starting to heat up before getting injured. With Tommy La Stella's hamstring strain expected to keep him out for a few more weeks, Mauricio Dubon should start at the keystone position - at least until Belt returns, at which time Flores will be in the second base mix. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: Rostered 

SECOND BASE

Johan Camargo/Jose Rondon: The Braves and Cardinals called up backup middle infielders this week. Camargo is 0-for-13 with a walk and five strikeouts in 11 appearances this season, but gives Atlanta someone who can play multiple positions. Rondon appeared in 21 games for Triple-A Memphis to begin the season and slashed .235/.301/.482 with six home runs and 19 RBI. He replaces Max Moroff on St. Louis' active roster. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Keston Hiura, Brewers: Hiura, sent to Triple-A Nashville at the beginning of May, slashed .438/.526/.906 with three home runs, seven RBI and two stolen bases in nine minor-league games to earn a recall by the Brewers on Monday. That demotion was as a result of a .152/.247/.266 with just a home run and five runs batted in on the heels of him falling off the cliff last season after a brilliant 2019 rookie campaign. Hiura has seen consistent time since returning, but has done little with it by going 1-for-16 across six games. Daniel Vogelbach posted a .784 OPS after Hiura's demotion and could factor in the mix again, as should Travis Shaw. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Jonathan India, Reds: Nick Senzel underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Friday, which will sideline him for four-to-six weeks. With Senzel out, India will continue to start at second base for the Reds. He  got off to a red-hot start before slumping and losing his hold on the job at second. He's now in the midst of a second chance at maintaining that role with Max Schrock and Kyle Farmer also factoring in the keystone mix. India, a first-round pick in 2018, has yet to unlock his power, but is in the right home park for that to happen. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Rostered

Zach McKinstry, Dodgers: McKinstry, out since Apr. 22 with a strained right oblique, was activated from the injured list Saturday after completing a week-long rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday. He was off to a strong start by hitting .298/.328/.556 with three homers in 17 games before being sidelined. McKinstry made the team out of spring training, but saw an uptick in playing time with Cody Bellinger sidelined longer than expected after being diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his left ankle suffered when he was spiked by a cleat on Apr. 5. McKinstry was seeing time at second base and both outfield corner spots with LA using him somewhat similar to Chris Taylor. With Corey Seager on the IL with a broken right hand, Taylor and Gavin Lux have been seeing time at shortstop - though McKinstry saw 46 games at shortstop in the minors during 2019. He also could play all over until when he returns until either Bellinger - who started a rehab assignment this week - Seager or AJ Pollock - also on the IL - returns. 12-team Mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: Rostered (same return bid) 

Eric Sogard, Cubs: Sogard is earning consistent playing time at second base with Nico Hoerner (strained left hamstring) placed on the injured list this past week. It's unclear how long Hoerner will be gone, but Sogard offers short-term value. He had a similar role earlier in the season, so be prepared to jump off once Hoerner is back, though he'll likely see a bit more time than before with David Bote separating his left shoulder Saturday. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7 

THIRD BASE

Jon Berti/Jose Devers/Isan Diaz/Luis Marte, Marlins: The Marlins lost the entire left side of their infield this week. Brian Anderson will be sidelined for weeks with his shoulder injury while Miguel Rojas dislocated a finger. Filling those slots will be some combination of Berti, Devers and Diaz. Berti started when Anderson was out earlier this year with an oblique injury and is the favorite to play the hot corner or second base almost daily. His numbers don't scream must add, but he can steal the occasional base and provide some fantasy appeal. Devers, up for a brief stint earlier in the year, was acquired from the Yankees as part of the Giancarlo Stanton trade. The 21-year-old, who is Miami's best defensive minor-league shortstop, was expected to open the season at Double-A Pensacola or Triple-A Jacksonville after splitting time between the rookie-ball, Low-A and High-A in 2019 produced a collective .322/.391/.390 slash line in 47 games, but gets another chance to play in the majors. Jazz Chisholm likely will play short daily with Diaz - who went 2-for-28 in his last 11 games before being landing on the 10-day IL - starting at the keystone spot. Diaz does have a little thump in his bat having homered 26 times at Triple-A in 2019, but has been unable to carry that power to the majors and has been impacted by a poor contact rate. He'll now get a chance now at consistent playing time. Marte was called up to provide Miami infield depth with Rojas out. In 18 games with Triple-A Jacksonville to begin 2021, he hit .263 with three home runs, 11 RBI and six runs scored. Berti - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Rostered; Devers - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Diaz - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Marte - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

SHORTSTOP 

Brendan Rodgers, Rockies: Rodgers, profiled last week after he returned from the right hamstring strain he suffered in mid-March, gets another mention as his value has risen. Trevor Story landed on the injured list Saturday with right elbow inflammation, making Rodgers the Rockies' starting shortstop. In Rodgers' absence, Ryan McMahon manned second base but has switched to third periodically and displaced Josh Fuentes. Rodgers was raking this spring before suffering the injury, but has struggled in his ML stints. He now gets a chance for consistent playing time, though Garrett Hampson also could factor in the shortstop mix. 12-team Mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: Rostered (upped bid) 

OUTFIELD

Ehire Adrianza/Drew Waters, Braves: Adrianza is expected to play left field daily with Marcell Ozuna sidelined for at least six weeks with two fractured fingers. The 31-year-old has been working as a utility man and has a .239/.278/.437 slash line with three homers in 80 plate appearances this season, but he'll now take on an everyday role. Johan Camargo was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett and could also factor in the left field situation with Waters, who is off to a decent start at Gwinnett but still struggling with making contact and strikeout rate. Waters possesses plus speed, above-average power and exit velocities that suggest he could eventually develop plus power, but he needs to make consistent contact to unlock that potential. He likely is a few weeks away from a recall, but a hit stretch could change that timeframe. Adrianza - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Waters - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (spec call up bid, go higher if called up) 

Albert Almora, Mets: Almora, out since May 11 with a left shoulder bruise after crashing into the center field wall, is ramping up baseball activities and could begin a rehab assignment within a week. The 27-year-old had yet to resume swinging last week, but appears to have made significant progress in his recovery. Brandon Nimmo (finger), Kevin Pillar (nose), Michael Conforto (hamstring) and Johneshwy Fargas (shoulder) are all on the injured list, forcing New York to mix-and-match in the outfield. When Almora returns, his playing time will be dictated by if any of those aforementioned players have returned – especially Pillar, as he's expected to begin participating in "light activities" Monday – and the play of those brought in or called up, including Cameron Maybin, Billy McKinney and Khalil Lee - with McKinney most likely to stick. When everyone is healthy, Almora will resume his role as a spot starter and defensive specialist. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec return bid)

Aristides Aquino, Reds: Aquino, who underwent wrist surgery in mid-April and landed on the 60-day injured list, is expected to start a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville sometime this week. Look for Aquino, eligible to rejoin the Reds in mid-June, to spend at least two weeks in the minors and start almost daily. Brilliant in 2019, Aquino returned to earth last season and was plagued by an inability to hit the breaking pitch or changeup as he hit .118 against breaking pitches and going hitless on off-speed offerings. Look for him to be a backup outfielder when promoted, unless he's figured out a way to resolve those weaknesses. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec return bid) 

Ben Gamel/Ka'ai Tom, Brewers: Gamel has started to wake up at the plate by going 9-for-32 - albeit with 10 strikeouts and inching him closer to the Mendoza Line. He should continue to operate as the strong-side of the platoon role in left field despite the return of Tom from his wrist injury. Tom started the second game of Saturday's doubleheader and homered after missing just 10 days with his injury. Triple-A Indianapolis placed Travis Swaggerty (fully dislocated right shoulder) on its 60-day injured list Thursday, which removes a major impediment for playing time for Gamel and Tom. Phillip Evans, out with an injured hamstring since May 11, is eligible to return but has only participated in some full-speed running drills and yet to start a rehab stint. Gamel - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7; Tom - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 

Guillermo Heredia/Cristian Pache, Braves: Pache, profiled almost a month ago, gets another mention as he began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday and could be back with the parent club this week. He broke camp with the Braves, but landed on the injured list in mid-April with a left groin strain and was sent down after being reinstated. However, Pache rejoined the major-league roster after Heredia landed on the 10-day IL, but lasted just two weeks before being sidelined with right hamstring tightness. Pache's hitting has always been his worst tool while his center field defense is a game-changing weapon, which should keep him in the lineup. He does have a little pop in his bat and should start almost daily when he returns and replace Heredia, who is now manning center field in place of Ender Inciarte - although Heredia may see time in left field with Marcell Ozuna sidelined. Heredia - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team-NL: $5; Pache - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team-NL: $14 (if not rostered)

Matt Joyce, Phillies: Joyce may be in line for an uptick in playing time. Roman Quinn, who just returned this week after being sidelined for three weeks with a lacerated right index finger, suffered a left Achilles injury Saturday. In addition, Bryce Harper (forearm) was put on the IL on Tuesday, meaning Joyce figures to receive plenty of playing time in the outfield. Brad Miller will also be in the right field mix and the Phillies could once again call up Mickey Moniak for depth. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $5

Billy McKinney, Mets: McKinney was acquired by the Mets from the Brewers on Tuesday in exchange for 17-year-old minor-league pitcher Pedro Quintana. Designated for assignment by Milwaukee over the weekend, New York acquired McKinney to start in center with most of the team's starting and backup outfielders on the IL. McKinney has a little bit of pop, but struggles to make consistent contact and fell off after a solid start for the Brewers, resulting in DFA. The 26-year-old will play almost daily until the Mets get healthy, after which he could land on the waiver wire again. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7 

Rafael Ortega/LaMonte Wade: The Cubs and Giants called up depth outfielders this week. Ortega was promoted with Nico Hoerner landing on the IL. Wade was recalled Thursday and assumed the roster spot of Darin Ruf (hamstring), who was placed on the 10-day injured list. Wade offers the potential for more playing time, though the return of Wilmer Flores likely takes away the option for him to play first base as he did Friday. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team-NL: $4

Jesus Sanchez, Marlins: Sanchez has slowed somewhat since his blazing start, but he's still hitting .415 with a 1.229 OPS along with seven home runs and 21 RBI over 21 games. The BABIP is unsustainable, but he cut his K rate substantially boding well for future success. Sanchez, picked up from Tampa in the deal that sent Nick Anderson cross-state, went 1-for-25 in his exposure to the majors last season after struggling at Triple-A in 2019. With Adam Duvall and Corey Dickerson currently occupying the corner outfield spots in Miami, Sanchez - who has tremendous power, but poor discipline - could get the call if he continues to rake at the plate in the minors. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped early spec call up bid)

Andrew Stevenson, Nationals: Stevenson is starting in center field for the Nationals following Victor Robles (sprained ankle) landing on the injured list. He profiles as a fourth/fifth outfielder, but has short-term value while Robles is sidelined. Stevenson has had spurts of hot play, making him worth a flyer to see if history repeats itself this year. But keep in mind Robles is eligible to return May 30. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6

Justin Williams, Cardinals: Harrison Bader was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a right rib hairline fracture, opening up playing time for Williams. Dylan Carlson has shifted to center with Williams playing right or left, though Tommy Edman and Lane Thomas will also see time in the outfield. Williams has yet to make the most of his chances in the past, but looked better earlier this year. He does have a smidge of power, giving up some value in deeper and single-league fantasy formats. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5