NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

Check your leagues to see if a few producing NL players are still available.
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 is 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.      

PLAYERTEAMPOSGRADE12-Team Mixed $15-Team Mixed $12 team NL-Only $
Javier AssadCHISPD$1$4$7 (same bid as prior)
Cade CavalliWASSPC$2$7$11
Nabil CrismattAZSPENoNo$5
Chase DollanderCOLSPD$1$4$7 (based on potential)
Nolan McLeanNYMSPC$1$5$9 (up if he sticks in rotation)
Tylor MegillNYMSPE$0$1$5 (same early injury return bid)
Wade MileyCINSPENo$0$5 (early injury return bid)
Landen RouppSFSPD$1$4$7 (injury return bid)
Jameson Taillon

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 is 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.      

PLAYERTEAMPOSGRADE12-Team Mixed $15-Team Mixed $12 team NL-Only $
Javier AssadCHISPD$1$4$7 (same bid as prior)
Cade CavalliWASSPC$2$7$11
Nabil CrismattAZSPENoNo$5
Chase DollanderCOLSPD$1$4$7 (based on potential)
Nolan McLeanNYMSPC$1$5$9 (up if he sticks in rotation)
Tylor MegillNYMSPE$0$1$5 (same early injury return bid)
Wade MileyCINSPENo$0$5 (early injury return bid)
Landen RouppSFSPD$1$4$7 (injury return bid)
Jameson TaillonCHISPD$1$5$9 (injury return bid)
Randy VasquezSDSPENo$0$5
Taijuan WalkerPHISPD$1$4$7
Jose AlvaradoPHIRPC$0$1$6 (same bid as prior)
Brad KellerCHIRPD$0$1$6
Michael KopechLARPC$1$5$9 (early injury return bid)
Kirby YatesLARPC$1$4$7 (same injury return bid)
Juan MorilloAZRPE$0$1$6 (up if he closes)
Victor VodnikCHCRPE$1$5$9 (upped bid)
Francisco AlvarezNYMCD$3$9$14 (same bid as prior)
Gabriel MorenoAZCD$1$5$9 (upped injury return bid)
Rhys HoskinsMIL1BD$0$1$6 (early injury return bid)
Pavin SmithAZ1BENoNo$5 (injury return bid)
Tyler FitzgeraldSF2BENo$0$6
Hyeseong KimLA2BD$1$4$7 (early injury return bid)
Christian KossSF2BE$1$4$7
Ronny SimonPIT2BENo$0$6
Ildemaro VargasAZ2BENoNo$5 (early injury return bid)
Miguel AndujarCIN3BC$11$22Rostered
Buddy KennedyLA3BENoNo$5
Connor NorbyMIA3BDNo$0$5 (early injury return bid)
Jordan LawlarAZSS/3BB$1$5$9 (same early injury return bid)
Ryan RitterCOLSSENo$0$6 (injury return bid)
Owen CaissieCHIOFE$2$7$11 (up if he starts close to daily)
Isaac CollinsMILOFD$8$16Rostered ($25 if available)

STARTING PITCHER

Javier Assad, Cubs: Assad has been profiled the last few weeks and gets another mention as he was activated off the injured list Tuesday, where he allowed four earned runs on eight hits and one walk over four innings while projected for another start on Sunday. He made five rehab starts in the minors where he produced a 2.45 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB across 18.1 innings while coming off back-to-back solid seasons. Despite going Sunday and previous record, Assad's stay in the Cubs' rotation could soon come to an end with Jameson Taillon (calf) projected to return this week. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same bid as prior)

Cade Cavalli, Nationals: Cavalli is doing his best to stake a claim to a 2026 rotation spot. He notched his first career win on Saturday as he gave up seven hits through seven scoreless innings while fanning five and without any walks. Since being promoted this month, the 27-year-old righty has a 2.20 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 14:4 K:BB over 16.1 innings (three starts). Cavalli topped out at 99.7 MPH on a first-inning sinker to Bryce Harper while still sitting comfortably in 97-98 mph range against his final batter (Edmundo Sosa). He looked like the possible ace Washington thought they were getting when they selected him 22nd overall in 2020. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Nabil Crismatt, Diamondbacks: Arizona needs a fifth starter after Anthony DeSclafani landed on the IL Wednesday due to an thumb issue with Crismatt set to go on Sunday. He's worked almost exclusively as a reliever during his big-league time, yet was a full-time starter at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in the Phillies' system before being released where he recorded a 4.04 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 68:25 K:BB from 100.1 innings while averaging over five frames per outing. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

Chase Dollander, Rockies: Dollander returned to the Rockies on Monday following a month in the minors. He showcased premium velocity in that start while reaching at least 98 MPH on 45 of his 60 strikes across 92 total pitches alongside 5 Ks and one run on five hits and three walks through five innings. Dollander will stay in the rotation as the club finds out if their 2023 first-round pick is ready to be part of their current or near-term future despite poor overall numbers. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (based on potential) 

Nolan McLean, Mets: McLean, drafted in the third round in 2023 as a two-way player, has thrived since concentrating solely on pitching. He's steadily moved up the ladder and over his last 10 Triple-A Syracuse outings has delivered a 3.00 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 69:26 K:BB through 60 innings, earning a promotion with Frankie Montas moving to the bullpen. McLean surrendered two hits and four walks while striking out eight over 5.1 scoreless innings and 91 pitches to earn the win during his MLB debut Saturday versus the Mariners. He'll now get at least one more turn in the rotation, and likely more. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (up if he sticks in rotation)

Tylor Megill, Mets: Megill, on the IL since Jun. 17 with a sprained right elbow, fanned four and allowed three hits and one walk across 1.2 scoreless innings during his first rehab start with Double-A Binghamton on Tuesday. He'll likely require at least two or three more appearances to get further stretched out before returning. The Mets will let Megill get stretched out for a starting role during his assignment, but it's unclear if they'll have a starter spot available by the time he's ready to come back. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same early injury return bid)

Wade Miley, Reds: Miley, out since Jun. 20 with a strained left flexor, kicked off a rehab assignment Friday at Double-A Chattanooga where he conceded one run on one hit and two walks alongside two Ks from 1.2 innings and 38 pitches. He'll need two or three additional starts before rejoining the Reds, putting his return date to September. Miley's role will depend if Nick Lodolo (blister) and/or Chase Burns (elbow) are also back and if Nick Martinez is bumped back to the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 (early injury return bid)

Landen Roupp, Giants: Roupp, sidelined since Jul. 25 with right elbow inflammation, returned to action and started Friday where he surrendered five runs on five hits and a walk while striking out five through three-plus innings in a no-decision. This is after he produced three innings and 50 pitches during his one outing at Triple-A Sacramento. Prior to being sidelined, Roupp had been pitching well with only four earned runs against in his last six starts to lower his ERA to 3.11 and WHIP to 1.43 across 101.1 innings. He steps back into the SF rotation as their No. 4 starter. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (injury return bid)

Jameson Taillon, Cubs: Taillon made his third - and what should be final - rehab start for Triple-A Iowa going 84 pitches across five scoreless innings where he allowed two hits and two walks while fanning four. Before being sidelined Jul. 4 due to a right calf strain, he went 7-6 with a 4.44 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 74:20 K:BB from 95.1 innings. Cubs' manager Craig Counsell has already confirmed Taillon will be activated from the 15-day IL to make his next start, which will likely be one half of the doubleheader with the Brewers on Monday. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (injury return bid)

Randy Vasquez, Padres: Vasquez was sent down to Triple-A following his Aug. 2 start, though was called back this week due to Michael King hitting the IL with left knee inflammation. He gave up two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out four over 3.2 innings Friday. Prior to that outing, Vasquez had a 3.93 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 55:48 K:BB across 107.2 big-league innings (22 starts) to give him mild fantasy value. He'll either slide back into the rotation or operate as a long reliever. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

Taijuan Walker, Phillies: Walker tossed his third straight quality start on Saturday and will remain in the rotation, even with the pending return of Aaron Nola (ribs) due to Zack Wheeler now dealing with a blood clot in his shoulder. He also sports a 2.97 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 16:4 K:BB in 33.1 innings during six outings since the All-Star break. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Check out which projected starters are going and when with RotoWire's Probable Pitchers page!

RELIEF PITCHER

Jose Alvarado, Phillies: Alvarado was handed an 80-game PED suspension in mid-May and is eligible to be activated Tuesday. He began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Aug. 7 and has made four scoreless appearances with a 4:4 K:BB. The southpaw won't reclaim the Phillies' closer role as they acquired Jhoan Duran at the deadline. Also keep in mind Alvarado won't be eligible for the postseason, which could play a factor in how he's deployed. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (same bid as prior)

Brad Keller, Cubs: Keller appears to be emerging as the Cubs' top right-handed setup man. In 11 appearances since the All-Star break, he hasn't allowed a run with a 15:2 K:BB through 12.1 innings while collecting four holds along with a save on Saturday. Daniel Palencia remains the Cubs' closer, yet Keller may be next-in-line if a save opportunity arises. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6

Michael Kopech/Kirby Yates, Dodgers: Kopech, who went on the IL Jul. 1 due to a torn meniscus that required surgery, started a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City Thursday. Injuries have limited him to eight dominant appearances for LA this season and he could rejoin the parent club by the end of the month. Yates, on the IL since Jul. 29 due to lower back pain, faced hitters in live batting practice on Wednesday. He should soon head out on a rehab assignment and will likely need one or two outings to get ramped back up before being deemed ready to return. Yates' role will partially depend on when LA's other injured relievers - Kopech (knee) and Tanner Scott (elbow) - are ready to come back. Kopech - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (early injury return bid); Yates - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same injury return bid) 

Juan Morillo, Diamondbacks: Morillo registered his first career save on Tuesday. The Diamondbacks are still searching for a closer to replace Kevin Ginkel (shoulder), who was shut down for the season, and Morillo could fit the bill. While he's managed a 4.60 ERA and 29:16 K:BB in 29.1 innings with Arizona, Tuesday's performance could have earned him more trust from manager Torey Lovullo. Morillo also posted a 3.00 ERA in 15 innings with Triple-A Reno this year. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (up if he closes)

Victor Vodnik, Rockies: Vodnik picked up saves on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and looks to be Colorado's preferred ninth-inning option while Seth Halvorsen is on the 15-day IL. Following the four straight scoreless frames, he's now at a 3.52 ERA with a 1.48 WHIP and 41 strikeouts through 38.1 innings. Vodnik offers previous closing experience and looks to be the primary closer even though his high WHIP and walk rate may not bode well for continued success. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped bid)

CATCHER 

Francisco Alvarez, Mets: Alvarez, profiled when he returned to MLB after a short stint in the minors, has been solid since rejoining the Mets. Sent down to Triple-A due to his hitting and fielding struggles, he made strides in the minors slashing .299/.397/.836 with 11 home runs over 19 games. Alvarez is still working on pitch framing, but has provided the Mets a small offensive boost the last few weeks. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (same bid as bid) 

Gabriel Moreno, Diamondbacks: Moreno, out since mid-June and on the 60-day IL with a hairline fracture in his right pointer finger, started the clock on his rehab assignment going five innings behind the plate Thursday for Triple-A Reno. He's eligible to return Monday, but look for him to receive at least another week there due to the length of his absence. The Diamondbacks are carrying three catchers on the active roster without Moreno, so there are decisions to be made at backup catcher as Jose Herrera, James McCann and Adrian Del Castillo are all in the mix. Once Moreno is ready to return, look for him to resume as the starting catcher. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped injury return bid)

FIRST BASE 

Rhys Hoskins, Brewers: Hoskins was initially placed on the IL Jul. 7 due to a Grade 2 left thumb sprain and has progressed to on-field hitting and defensive work. He remains on track to go on a rehab assignment toward the end of the month, yet may not be a full-time starter when he returns. Since Hoskins went on the shelf, Andrew Vaughn has posted a 1.055 OPS through his first 27 games, so his exceptional performance could put Hoskins without an everyday role at first after coming back. The right-handed hitter should still have a clear path to playing time at either first or DH versus left-handed pitching once back to full health. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 (early injury return bid) 

Pavin Smith, Diamondbacks: Smith, on the 10-day IL since early July due to a right oblique strain, began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Reno last Tuesday. He was a starter earlier this season, but it's unclear what role he'll have when he returns on a team that's already punted the 2025 campaign. Tyler Locklear, who was acquired from Seattle in the Eugenio Suarez deal, has been the primary first baseman since joining Arizona. As for DH, the Diamondbacks are giving prospect Adrian Del Castillo - a lefty batter like Smith - a long look there. Smith could return this week and will likely fill a bench and pinch-hitting role. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 (injury return bid)

SECOND BASE

Tyler Fitzgerald, Giants: San Francisco called up Fitzgerald following a month in the minors. The 27-year-old slashed .250/.333/.346 with two homers and 28 strikeouts across 117 plate appearances for Triple-A Sacramento. Fitzgerald is normally a second baseman, though could also play in the outfield and split time at the keystone with Christian Koss. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6

Hyeseong Kim, Dodgers: Kim, on the IL since Jul. 29 with left shoulder bursitis, is close to taking live batting practice. Once that occurs, he'll head out on a minor-league rehab assignment. Since missing a month, Kim could be ready to return in a week or two and could be up for regular playing time at second if he's able to beat Tommy Edman (ankle) in coming back. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early injury return bid) 

Christian Koss, Giants: Koss has been red-hot the last 10 games going .267/.368/.533 with four RBI, three runs, a homer, a double and one steal through 19 plate appearances. With Casey Schmitt (forearm) expected to miss a couple of contests and after being hit by a pitch and Matt Chapman (hand) landing on the 10-day IL, Koss will likely see a boost. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Ronny Simon, Pirates: The Pirates recalled Simon from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday with Oneil Cruz (concussion) going on the IL. He made his MLB debut earlier this season, where he produced a .234/.327/.277 line with two doubles, five RBI, six runs scored and a 7:7 BB:K from his first 56 appearances. Simon raked at both Double-A and Triple-A to earn another look while providing Pittsburgh some middle-infield and outfield depth. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $6 

Ildemaro Vargas, Diamondbacks: Vargas, who's only recorded 10 games this season largely due to injury, started a rehab assignment at Triple-A Reno on Tuesday. With the Diamondbacks playing out the string, he isn't expected to carry a significant role for the final weeks and will likely be a fill-in at several positions. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 (injury return bid)

See where all the players on your fantasy baseball team fit into RotoWire's MLB Cheat Sheet!

THIRD BASE

Miguel Andujar, Reds: Andujar completed his stint with the A's on a roll and carried that fine play to the National League as he's slashed .387/.472/.742 with three home runs, two doubles, nine RBI and eight runs in 11 games (through Friday's action) since arriving. He carries dual eligibility at third and the outfield to add to his value. Cincinnati is starting Andujar almost every day and he also benefits from playing half his contests at Great American Ballpark. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Rostered

Buddy Kennedy, Dodgers: The Dodgers claimed Kennedy off waivers from the Blue Jays on Friday. He's now on the 26-man roster as Max Muncy (oblique) went on the 15-day IL. Kennedy has spent most of 2025 at Triple-A where he went .268/.372/.408 with three steals, eight homers and 45 RBI through 336 plate appearances. Kennedy will likely operate in a depth infield role while Alex Freeland and Miguel Rojas get most of the work at third during Muncy's absence. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 

Connor Norby, Marlins: Norby, who underwent surgery in July to repair a broken left hamate bone in his hand, participated in batting practice on Wednesday. Graham Pauley has been covering third base while Norby was sidelined, but will likely cede the spot when upon his return - possibly later this month. Norby may not fully regain his power until next year following the surgery. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 (early injury return bid)

SHORTSTOP

Jordan Lawlar, Diamondbacks: Lawlar, sidelined since late June with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, was activated off the IL Thursday for Triple-A Reno. He went all nine innings in the field at third base and should get most of his work there prior to being promoted. Lawlar should be up with the parent club by early September, where he'll likely play the hot corner with Eugenio Suarez gone. He endured a eight-game hitless stretch in his first ML exposure back in May, yet raked in the minors prior to getting hurt as he boasted a .997 OPS with 10 home runs and 18 stolen bases over 52 games at Reno. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (same early injury return bid). 

Ryan Ritter, Rockies: Ritter, out since Jul. 19 with an injured finger, returned to the Rockies on Friday. He slashed .238/.291/.347 with one homer, 12 RBI, 13 runs, one steal and a 7:35 BB:K from his first 113 big-league plate appearances prior to being sidelined. Ritter only completed a three-game rehab stint at Triple-A Albuquerque, so he could be a bit rusty. With Thairo Estrada (hamstring) done for the season, Ritter could take over as the Rockies' regular second baseman. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $6 (injury return bid) 

OUTFIELD

Owen Caissie, Cubs: Chicago promoted Caissie from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. The 23-year-old slashed an impressive .291/.391/.567 with 22 home runs through 402 plate appearances to earn the promotion. How frequently Caissie ultimately plays with the Cubs is unknown as he's limited to the corner outfield and DH with the club having all of Kyle Tucker, Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki at full health and available to fill those three spots every day. Look for manager Craig Counsell to give Caissie time in left and right field as well as DH with Happ the more frequent odd-man out. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if he starts close to daily)

Isaac Collins, Brewers: Collins is the reiging NL Player of the Week to continue a hot stretch that began in June. He's also entered ROTY conversation thanks to a strong .288/.384/.448 line with eight homers, 13 steals, 48 runs and 41 RBI in 316 total plate appearances across 99 games. Collins' fine play has landed him the starting left field job in a deep Milwaukee lineup and resulted in his roster percentage continuing to rise. Jump on board if room remains. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: Rostered ($25 if available)

For the latest updates on injuries, lineups, roster changes and more, go to RotoWire's Fantasy Baseball News & Latest MLB Updates or follow @RotoWireMLB on X.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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.
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