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

Steven Brault, Pirates: Brault, sidelined since late in spring training with the left lat strain, was activated and started Wednesday. He allowed a run on three hits and a walk with two strikeouts in four innings while tossing 75 pitches. Brault is not fully stretched out, but should be in line to throw 85-90 in his next start. The southpaw enjoyed his best season in 2020 with a 3.38 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 38:22 K:BB across 42.2 innings in 11 outings (10 starts). Brault should remain in the Pittsburgh rotation the rest of the season. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (upped return bid)

Edward Cabrera, Marlins: Cabrera dealt with right shoulder discomfort and a back issue last year and was diagnosed with an inflamed nerve in his biceps that resulted in a late start to this campaign. He's slowly moved up the ladder on his rehab stint, advancing from Double-A Pensacola to Triple-A Jacksonville on Jul. 13. Cabrera made five starts for Pensacola posting a 2.77 ERA with 33 strikeouts across 26 innings. He allowed four runs – three earned – on five hits and three walks on Saturday while striking out 11 on 104 pitches (62 strikes) in his fourth start for Jacksonville. Cabrera pairs a plus breaking ball with his plus-plus fastball, while his third-pitch changeup is still a work in progress as is his command. Considered one of Miami's top pitching prospects in the organization, he could soon get a promotion. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec call up bid) 

Cole Hamels, Dodgers: Hamels, limited to just one start and 3.1 innings for Atlanta last season due to recurring shoulder issues, signed a major-league contract with the Dodgers on Wednesday following a July showcase. He threw one inning in a simulated game Saturday and will need time to ramp up to five innings in those games before he's ready to join LA. Hamels' fastball was sitting between 88-90 mph in his showcase and opted to sign with the Dodgers needing additional starting depth despite the acquisitions of Max Scherzer and Danny Duffy (forearm). Assuming he's able to get ramped up over the next month, he could join the Dodgers in late August or early September. During Hamels' last healthy season in 2019 with the Cubs, he went 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 143:56 K:BB over 141.2 innings. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early return bid) 

Elieser Hernandez, Marlins: Hernandez, who left his first start of the year in the third inning with biceps tendon inflammation and was placed on the 60-day injured list twice, was moved up to start Thursday for Triple-A Jacksonville. He tossed four shutout innings, allowing one hit while striking out five. The 26-year-old made his first rehab outing since May 28 last Saturday for Double-A Pensacola, giving up one hit with three strikeouts and zero walks over 2.2 scoreless innings to earn the promotion. Hernandez should continue ramping up his workload and will likely need another rehab start before rejoining the Marlins. His stuff screams major upside, but limited innings last year means he's unlikely to pitch that much more than 100 this year, presuming he's able to stay healthy. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Rostered (same as prior weeks) 

Nick Lodolo, Reds: Lodolo, taken seventh overall in 2019, was promoted to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday. He earned that move by logging a 1.84 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 68 strikeouts with only nine walks in 44 innings (10 starts) at Double-A. In 2019, Lodolo recorded a strong 2.45 ERA with an absurd 30:0 K:BB in 18.1 professional innings between rookie ball and Low-A. He boasts three average or better pitches and plus command and profiles as a second or third starter. It's possible Lodolo could make his big-league debut if the Reds need reinforcements later this summer. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec call up bid) 

Miles Mikolas, Cardinals: Mikolas, on the shelf since late May while recovering from the forearm injury, allowed an earned run on four hits and a walk over 4.2 innings in his third rehab start Tuesday while striking out three on 67 pitches. He may see one more rehab start to get further stretched out, but could make his next outing for the parent club. Mikolas ended 2019 with a sore flexor tendon that lingered into 2020 and resulted in a late start to this season. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped spec return bid) 

Antonio Senzatela, Rockies: Senzatela, on the COVID-19 IL since Jul. 16, was activated to start Thursday to mark his first outing since Jul. 7. He allowed four earned runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out six across 4.2 innings. He cruised through four scoreless frames before collapsing in the fifth, likely partially due to fatigue. The right-hander posted a 3.50 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 18 innings across his three starts prior to the All-Star break, which could bode well for the future. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Bryse Wilson, Pirates: Wilson, acquired from the Braves in the Richard Rodriguez trade, worked five innings while giving up a run on two hits and two walks in his Pirates debut Monday. In seven starts for Atlanta, Wilson went 2-3 with a 4.83 ERA and 1.547 WHIP. The 23-year-old was drafted in the fourth round in 2016 and made his major-league debut two years later at 20. Despite three above-average pitches - four-seamer, slider and sinker - Wilson has had a tendency to nibble rather than challenge hitters. He should get a chance to show he deserves a rotation spot the remainder of the campaign. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Huascar Ynoa, Braves: Ynoa, who fractured his hand on May 17, made the second start of his rehab assignment Friday moving from High-A Rome to Triple-A Gwinnett. He worked 3.2 innings (68 pitches) and allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits and no walks while striking out four. Ynoa will make one more rehab start on either Wednesday or Thursday and throw about 85 pitches before he rejoins the Braves. Prior to the injury, he produced a 3.02 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 50:11 K:BB through 44.2 innings, Atlanta manager Brian Snitker acknowledged the team could move from a five-man to a six-man setup in order to accommodate Ynoa. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped spec return bid) 

RELIEF PITCHER 

Dylan Floro, Marlins: With Yimi Garcia now in Houston, the saves picture in Miami is a bit murky, though Floro looks to be the favorite to close games. Anthony Bender notched a save Thursday but that was after Floro worked three straight games Sunday-Tuesday and notching saves on Monday and Tuesday. Marlins' manager Don Mattingly could turn to a committee in save situations by using Floro, Bender and Anthony Bass, but he preferred having one closer earlier in the season when he leaned on Garcia and it looks like Floro will get the first chance to fill that role over the final two months. Floro has a 2.64 ERA and 2.57 FIP, which is offset slightly by an 8.12 K/9, 3.65 BB/9, and 4.10 xFIP, but he looks to be the first choice to close in Miami. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (upped bid from last week) 

Mychal Givens/Michael Lorenzen/Lucas Sims, Reds: The Reds have seen a revolving door at closer with 10 players recording saves this year. Givens secured the save by firing a perfect ninth inning in the win over the Pirates on Thursday. Lorenzen, who hits 97 MPH with his fastball, picked up the save Wednesday while Sims looked like the defacto choice to end games before he landed on the injured list with a sprained right elbow in late June. The right-hander began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Jul. 27 and most recently pitched on consecutive days Wednesday and Thursday. Barring a setback, Sims is slated to be activated Sunday. In terms of pecking order when Cincy has all options available, I think it'll be Sims, Givens and Lorenzen. But as noted above, any of the three could be the ninth-inning option. Givens - 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Lorenzen - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Sims - 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 

Sean Poppen, Diamondbacks: Poppen has bounced from the Rays to the Pirates before landing with Diamondbacks this past week. He made an early impression in Arizona by earning the save over the Padres on Friday pitching two scoreless innings where he allowed one hit and struck out one. Tyler Clippard remains the favorite for saves out of the Arizona bullpen and was unavailable Friday after tossing 23 pitches in a blown save Thursday, but his hold on the role is certainly not set in stone especially given his age and contract status. Poppen, who had a 1.59 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 30:11 over 28.1 innings at Triple-A Durham for the Rays, has only given up one run across five frames while posting a 5:0 K:BB in three appearances for the Diamondbacks. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (closer spec bid)

Manuel Rodriguez, Cubs: Rodriguez, promoted following the Cubs' fire sale - including the trade of Craig Kimbrel, Ryan Tepera and Andrew Chafin - represents one of those in the closing mix. He made his Triple-A debut at the end of June tossing 7.1 scoreless innings over seven relief appearances and produced a 1.31 ERA with 27 strikeouts and 12 walks in 20.2 innings between Double-A and Triple-A this season before his call up the parent club.  Rodriguez did miss all of 2020 with a biceps strain, so he may see his workload carefully monitored the rest of the way. Beyond the high-octane fastballs (sinker and slider), the righty also has a cutter and breaking ball in his repertoire. Rodriguez notched a save Wednesday but allowed four runs (one earned) on three hits and no walks while failing to record an out Friday, so temper your expectations slightly. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (closer spec bid)

Devin Williams, Brewers: Williams struggled over the first few weeks of the season, but has improved with a 1.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 49:15 K:BB in 30.2 innings from his last 33 outings. In his last 12 appearances, he's pitched 11 scoreless innings with just five hits and five walks allowed while striking out 17. Williams boasts a 2.52 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 17 holds through 39.1 innings while primarily serving as Milwaukee's setup man. He's likely to fill in as the Brewers' closer after Josh Hader landed on the COVID-19 injured list and will miss another week at least, but Brad Boxberger has also earned a save while Brent Suter blew his chance Saturday. In other words, Williams isn't the only option at the back end of the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Rostered

CATCHER 

Riley Adams, Nationals: Adams, acquired from the Blue Jays in the trade that sent Brad Hand to Toronto last week, was called up Tuesday. After hitting an ugly .107 across his first 30 major-league plate appearances, Adams is getting a fresh start with Washington. He offers a little pop in his bat and blasted his first major-league home run Saturday. Until Keibert Ruiz is promoted, Adams is splitting time with Tres Barrera behind the plate. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Travis d'Arnaud, Braves: D'Arnaud, out after left thumb surgery in early May, is expected to be activated Tuesday after completing a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta has run through several catchers - including Stephen Vogt of late - and will welcome TdA back when he's return to return. When active, d'Arnaud should be in the lineup the majority of the time to lengthen a Braves lineup that added Jorge Soler and Adam Duvall at the trade deadline. 12-team Mixed: $11, 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33 (upped spec return bid) 

Alex Jackson, Marlins: Jackson, traded from Atlanta to Miami for Adam Duvall, gets another mention as he's seeing semi-consistent playing time behind the plate. Miami has used Jorge Alfaro occasionally in left field to open the backstop for Jackson, though that will likely change when Jesus Sanchez (COVID-19) finally returns. The 25-year-old Jackson - a 2014 first-round pick of Seattle - hit his first big-league homer last week and will at a minimum serve as depth in back of Alfaro behind the plate. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

FIRST BASE

Brandon Belt, Giants: Belt, on the shelf for over a month while recovering from an inflamed right knee, was activated Thursday following almost a weeklong rehab stint at Triple-A Sacramento. Prior to being sidelined, he was slashing .253/.363/.512 with 11 home runs and 28 RBI in 55 contests. Belt has picked up from where he left off, homering once Friday and twice Saturday to extend his hitting streak to 12 games. Even with the acquisition of Kris Bryant and fairly imminent return of Evan Longoria, Belt should be in the lineup almost daily. 12-team Mixed: $22, 15-team Mixed: $33; 12-team NL: Rostered 

Colin Moran, Pirates: Moran, on the injured list since Jul. 1 due to a fractured left wrist, was activated Friday. He played six games on a Triple-A rehab assignment that started the previous Friday. Prior to being sidelined, Moran had gotten hot at the plate. When activated, which should be sometime this week, Moran should regain his role as the Pirates' first baseman and relegate John Nogowski to starts versus southpaws. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Frank Schwindel, Cubs: Schwindel, claimed off waivers by the Cubs from the A's in mid-July, was promoted last Friday after the Cubs traded away Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez. He slashed .317/.362/.630 with 16 homers, 42 runs and 41 RBI in 45 games at Triple-A Las Vegas this year. The 29-year-old spent just under two weeks in the majors with Oakland earlier this season hitting .150 with a homer and three RBI across 20 at-bats, but has started five straight for the North Siders going 7-for-20 with a home run, a double, three RBI, two runs and a walk. With Chicago looking to the future, Schwindel should continue see consistent playing time at first base with Patrick Wisdom also in the mix. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 

Pavin Smith, Diamondbacks: Smith, who missed about a week due to COVID-19, returned to action with a pair of hits and three RBI on Thursday. The 25-year-old has established himself as a regular in the Arizona lineup slashing .271/.330/.419 with 20 doubles, three triples and nine home runs along with 36 RBI in 388 plate appearances. Smith is an excellent contact hitter with decent pop and has played 15 games at first base as well as all three outfield spots. Despite a crowded roster, he should start almost daily the rest of the way. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Rostered

Patrick Wisdom, Cubs: Wisdom continues to surprise, and is close to a fixture in the Chicago lineup while he's slowed a bit from his ridiculous hot streak earlier this year. The Cubs traded away Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez before the deadline, opening up three spots in the infield. Wisdom is hitting .263 with 16 home runs and 32 RBI through 64 games and should play daily for the remainder of the campaign at first or third as well as in left field. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered

SECOND BASE 

Tommy La Stella, Giants: La Stella, sidelined since early May due to a hamstring strain, was activated off the 60-day injured list on Wednesday. Prior to being sidelined, he had struggled to a .235/.297/.353 line with a home run and five RBI over 25 games this season but was still an important part of the lineup against righties. Now back, La Stella should log most of his time at second base - which was previously covered by Donovan Solano, Thairo Estrada and Wilmer Flores. Kris Bryant, Flores and eventually Evan Longoria (shoulder) will be in the third base mix. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

THIRD BASE

Carter Kieboom, Nationals: Kieboom was promoted on Jul. 23 and has pretty much been in the starting lineup daily since, aided by the trade by Trea Turner. He's gone 12-for-42 with a pair of home runs and seven runs driven in over that stretch. Kieboom failed to secure a starting spot his first few forays in the majors, but appears to found his footing this stint. With Washington looking to the future, look for him to be at the hot corner nearly every game. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Evan Longoria, Giants: Longoria, on the injured list with a sprained left shoulder since Jun. 6 and transferred to the 60-day injured list in mid-July, began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday. Although he will presumably require several rehab outings before being cleared to rejoin the major-league club, his minor-league appearances are the final step in his recovery process. The acquisition of Kris Bryant at the trade deadline figures to cut into Longoria's playing time at third base, though Bryant will see time at first base and in the outfield. Prior to being sidelined, Longoria posted a solid .280/.376/.516 slash line with nine home runs, 30 RBI, 28 runs scored and a stolen base as a near-everyday option at third. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (lowered return stash bid) 

SHORTSTOP 

Ha-Seong Kim, Padres: Kim has played in 85 games, which is likely more than he expected when he signed while seeing time at second and third base along with shortstop. Fernando Tatis is out again with a shoulder injury, but Kim has been limited to pinch-hit duty the past three games after starting several consecutive contests. He's hit six homers and stolen five bases over 236 plate appearances, but the addition of Adam Frazier prevented him from seeing more action even with Tatis out. But for now, Kim has a clearer path for playing time until Tatis returns. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (if not rostered)

Nick Maton, Phillies: Maton was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday to fill a depth role after Chase Anderson (triceps) was placed on the 10-day IL. He appeared in 11 games during his recent minor-league stint and posted a .468 on-base percentage with a triple, three doubles, eight runs and four RBI. Maton will see time at the two middle infield spots. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Hoy Park, Pirates: Park, profiled last week, gets another mention as he has started six of seven games since being promoted. Traded to the Pirates from the Yankees in the Clay Holmes deal, Park slashed .304/.455/.530 with 10 homers, 45 runs, 29 RBI and eight stolen bases at the Triple-A level this year, aided by a .388 BABIP. He was to see most of his time at shortstop, but has been playing left field due to Ben Gamel (hamstring) landing on the injured list. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped bid)

Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks:  Rojas, on the IL with a dislocated finger since Jul. 22, began a rehab assignment Friday at Triple-A Reno. If there are no setbacks, he could be activated early this week. Rojas is still dealing with discomfort and range-of-motion issues in his left pinky finger and may not be 100 percent for another month or so that could require him to manage the pain to play. With Arizona giving ample opportunities to younger players, he would likely see everyday work in the infield mainly at second base and shortstop. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Cole Tucker, Pirates: Tucker, a first round pick in 2014, has shown signs of finding his game since returning from a thumb injury nearly two weeks slashing .300/.391/.575 with three home runs and nine runs driven in for Triple-A Indianapolis. If he can continue to progress over the next few weeks, look for Pittsburgh to give him another promotion with a shot at consistent playing time. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec call up bid)

OUTFIELD

Anthony Alford, Pirates: Alford opened the year with the Pirates, but was demoted after hitting .083 in 11 games. He posted a 1.013 OPS in 189 at-bats for Triple-A Indianapolis this year while adding 14 homers and nine steals to earn a call-up Saturday. Alford suffered a wrist injury at the end of June, but returned to action the next month and has gone .333 with eight homers, seven doubles, 19 RBI, 16 runs and a stolen base in 19 games prior to his promotion. The 27-year-old started in left field Saturday and produced three hits. Alford could start daily following the demotion of Phillip Evans and while Ben Gamel (hamstring) and Ka'ai Tom (back) are on the injured list. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Albert Almora/Brian O'Grady: The Mets and Padres called up fifth outfielders this week. Almora was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse last Sunday after he hit .275/.333/.450 in 20 games. The team's outfield is in good health, so Almora should fill a reserve role while in the majors…. O'Grady was recalled from Triple-A El Paso on Friday and will operate as outfield depth for the major-league club after Jurickson Profar (undisclosed) was placed on the injured list. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Lewis Brinson, Marlins: Brinson, promoted after the All-Star break, is seeing consistent playing time following the trades of Starling Marte and Adam Duvall. Brinson has gone 8-for-25 with a home run, seven runs driven in and five runs scored. He had struggled during his previous chances in the majors, but figures to see consistent playing time down the stretch at all three outfield spots with Miami once again looking to the future. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Greg Deichmann, Cubs: Deichmann, who came to Chicago from the A's in the Andrew Chafin deal just before the trade deadline, was recalled by the Cubs on Friday with Jason Heyward hitting the injured list with finger inflammation. He batted fifth and played right field against the White Sox in his major-league debut. Deichmann, a second-round pick in 2017, slashed .300/.432/.449 with 13 doubles, four homers, 34 RBI and seven stolen bases through 59 contests at Triple-A Las Vegas. He profiles as a Quad-A player, with big raw power and contact questions. But with Chicago rebuilding, Deichmann should log semi-consistent playing time. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7

Ian Happ, Cubs: Happ has endured a brutal season, but the trades of Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez before Friday's trade deadline means he should see plenty of playing time the rest of the way. He's still below the Mendoza Line, but has recorded a hit in four of his last five starts. Rafael Ortega has earned the right to start for now in center field while Patrick Wisdom will also see time in left, but Happ should regularly start. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 

Yadiel Hernandez, Nationals: Hernandez saw his nine-game hitting streak - during which he slashed 484/.529/.774 – end Saturday. With Washington having dealt Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner, the 33-year-old is in line to platoon in left field with Andrew Stevenson - though he played daily during the hitting streak. He hit .241/.299/.329 with 19 hits and two home runs in 79 at-bats (50 games) before the All-Star break, but has raked since. Hernandez is likely not a long-term option in Washington given his age, but could play consistently the last seven weeks of the season. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Travis Jankowski/Brad Miller, Phillies: Jankowski and Miller have recently received more opportunites due to Andrew McCutchen landing on the 10-day injured list with left knee inflammation Monday retroactive to Aug. 1, along with Rhys Hoskins (groin) also being sidelined. Jankowski hasn't done much with his additional plate appearances, but his high-contact approach and solid speed could keep him in the lineup until Cutch returns. More likely is for Miller to shift from first to left when Hoskins is healthy, as Odubel Herrera has been red-hot the last two weeks and should be a fixture in the lineup. Miller has been struggling, but scored a key run Friday and blasted a pair of home runs Saturday. Jankowski - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6; Miller - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Connor Joe, Rockies:  Joe has seen an uptick in playing time of late, as he's been in the lineup seven times in the Rockies' last nine contests. Over that span, he's gone 13-for-35 with 11 RBI and two runs scored to go along with a pair of long balls. Joe is logging most of his time in left field, but also plays first base and right field. While he remains hot, look for Colorado to find a way to get his bat in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (Coors effect)