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 

Daniel Castano, Marlins: Castano, called up to possibly make a spot start, gave up one run on three hits and two walks across five innings Friday against the Giants. The southpaw notched decent numbers in 2020 with a 3.03 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 12:11 K:BB across 29.2 innings during seven appearances (six starts). Even if Castano doesn't remain in the rotation due to his low strikeout rate, he's firmly in the mix to pitch in a long-relief or swingman role out of the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4 

Anthony DeSclafani, Giants: Disco has been brilliant so far, looking like the pitcher he was early in his stint with the Reds. He's been San Francisco's best starter through three outings with a 1.06 ERA with 16 strikeouts to four walks in 17 innings. Despite not losing any velocity on his fastball, DeSclafani's K%, BB%, HR/9 and virtually every other metric declined last season. This year with similar stuff, his numbers are up across the board and partially attributable to his home park, but especially a rise in swinging strike and cut in walk rate. San Francisco's starting pitchers as a whole have been phenomenal early, so ride the wave for as long as it lasts - including with DeSclafani. 12-team Mixed: $8, 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: Rostered

John Gant, Cardinals: Gant somewhat surprisingly earned a spot in the Cardinals' rotation despite posting a 4.40 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 14.1 innings in four appearances (three starts) this spring. He has pitched OK his first two turns as the fifth starter and his hold on the spot in tenuous at best. With Kwang Hyun Kim back and Miles Mikolas making progress in his return from a shoulder injury, Gant may only get a few more starts before he is replaced. Even when/if that happens, he still offers value out of the bullpen and can step in when a starter is needed, making him worth a roster spot - especially in NL-only leagues. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Elieser Hernandez, Marlins: Hernandez, who left his first start of the year in the third inning with biceps tendon inflammation, has been able to throw from 60 feet. He remains without a clear timeline for his return, but the fact he's begun throwing in some capacity represents a step in the right direction. Hernandez's stuff screams major upside, but his limited innings last year means he is unlikely to pitch 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 (bid based on upside)

Jeff Hoffman, Reds: Hoffman, traded this offseason from Colorado to Cincy for Robert Stephenson, had a rough start to his major-league career over the past five seasons. The change of scenery has done him a world of good and this past week found out he is remaining in the Reds' rotation despite the return of Sonny Gray on Saturday. Jose De Leon was moved to the bullpen and Hoffman rewarded the team's faith in him by allowing one run on seven hits and three walks over six innings while striking out four in his first quality start of the season Friday. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (spec bid based on upside)

Kwang Hyun Kim, Brewers: Kim, profiled last week, gets another mention as he made his season debut Saturday allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out four over three innings and 68 pitches. He threw close to 90 pitches in a simulated game at the Cardinals' alternate training site last Sunday, paving the way for his return. Kim came over before last season from Korea and opened 2020 in the bullpen before shifting to the starting rotation. He finished with a stellar 1.62 ERA in 39 innings, aided by a .217 BABIP and 86.6% strand rate supported by a 50.0% groundball rate and 7.8 BB%. Kim, who looks like a back-of-the-rotation option than a frontline starter given his low 15.6 K%, landed on the IL before the season started due to a back injury. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same as prior) 

Joey Lucchesi, Mets: Lucchesi, acquired by the Mets as part of the three-team deal that sent Joe Musgrove to the Padres, made his first start of the season giving up three runs on four hits while striking out three over three innings with all three runs coming in the first inning. Lucchesi last worked Apr. 7 due all the Mets off-days, largely resulting from postponements. He has mainly been a fastball and changeup pitcher, which prevents him from going deep into games and limits his upside. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Bryse Wilson, Braves: Kyle Wright pitched well in his season-debut allowing two runs on three hits, two walks and four hit batters while striking out five over 4.1 innings Friday versus the Cubs. That performance wasn't enough to keep him in the majors, as he was sent down to the Braves' alternate site and replaced by Wilson, who originally was expected to return in mid-April when the team needed a fifth starter. With Max Fried (hamstring) and Drew Smyly (forearm) joining Mike Soroka (Achilles/shoulder) on Atlanta's injured list, the need for a starter became even more pressing, making it even more surprising Wright was sent down despite continued control issues. Even with Wilson, Atlanta is short one starter. He's struggled during his time in the majors, but maybe a solid spring will be the boost he needs to translate his stuff into production at this level. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Alex Wood, Giants: Wood's career has been marked with injuries and ineffectiveness since a brilliant 2017 campaign. He was to start for LA last year before shoulder woes landed him on the IL and was limited to bullpen duty when he returned. Wood underwent a minor back procedure in mid-March but only allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out two in three innings during two spring starts. He made his second rehab start Tuesday and will make his season debut on normal rest for Sunday's series finale against Miami. Logan Webb was to move to a bullpen role with Wood rejoining the starting rotation, but will remain in the rotation with Johnny Cueto missing two starts due to an oblique injury, If Wood struggles and Webb pitches well, it's possible Webb could retain his rotation spot with Wood shifting to the pen. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (upside potential)

RELIEF PITCHER 

Sean Doolittle/Lucas Sims, Reds: The Reds' bullpen contains several candidates they can call on besides Amir Garrett for saves. Two of which are Doolittle and Sims, who are playing prominent roles. Doolittle, who was ineffective in 2019 and injured last year, has notched a pair of wins aided by a three MPH rise in his fastball and is the primary lefty behind Garrett. Sims, profiled two weeks ago, recorded his first save of the season on Tuesday and should be in the mix for more moving forward driven by his high called and swinging strike rate as well as low contact rate. Sims has great rising movement on his four-seamer and more breaking-ball spin than any pitcher in the game, which should enable him to remain in the closing mix. Doolittle - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Sims - 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (though likely rostered) 

Tyler Rogers, Giants: Rogers notched his seventh hold of the season tossing 1.2 scoreless innings on Saturday. He has allowed just one run in 9.2 innings while striking out eight and setting up Jake McGee, who blew the save Saturday. McGee is locked into the closer role, but Rogers certainly looks to be next in line and warranting of a roster spot, especially with Reyes Moronta out with an elbow injury. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (though likely rostered)

Ryan Weathers, Padres: Weathers advanced all the way from Low-A in 2019 to make his major-league debut in the playoffs last year. A strong spring landed him a bullpen role to open the season, where he notched a win and save in his first two appearances. Adrian Morejon's forearm injury opened a starting spot with Weathers' hurling 3.2 scoreless innings and allowing one hit and two walks while striking out three Friday against LA. Dinelson Lamet (elbow) may be close to returning, but effectiveness so far this season should at least allow Weathers to remain in the bullpen as a multi-inning weapon. Across 9.2 innings, the southpaw has only allowed one run while striking out 10. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

CATCHER

Austin Nola, Padres: Nola, sidelined since Mar. 14 with a fractured middle finger on his left catching hand, has taken a "significant step" in his recovery and is close to playing in games at the Padres' alternate training site. The swelling in the finger has diminished and the setbacks he had throughout the recovery appear to be a thing of the past, but there is no specific date as to when game action will begin. Nola hit .271/.347/.461 with 17 home runs and 59 RBI over the last two years with both the Mariners and Padres. When Nola finally returns to active duty, Victor Caratini will shift back to spot duty and Luis Campusano will probably head to the minors. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (upped as he gets closer)

Austin Romine, Cubs: Romine missed the start of the regular season due to a right knee sprain, but was activated and started behind the plate Wednesday. He is now serving as the Cubs' backup catcher after Tony Wolters was designated for assignment Wednesday. Romine's return will allow manager David Ross to frequently rest Willson Contreras, which is why Chicago signed the former this past offseason. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

FIRST BASE

Wyatt Mathisen, Diamondbacks: Mathisen exploded in the minors in 2019 and broke camp this year with the Diamondbacks. Limited to pinch-hit duty, Mathisen is seeing an uptick in playing time starting at first base against southpaws replacing the injured Christian Walker (oblique). Pavin Smith should start against righties with Asdrubal Cabrera in the mix as well until Walker is ready to go. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

SECOND BASE

Jazz Chisholm, Marlins: Acquired from Arizona for Zac Gallen because Miami was flush with good young pitching and extremely light on up-the-middle position players with high ceilings, Chisholm got his feet wet in the majors last season. That experience has borne fruit early this season, as he's hitting .324 with three home runs and three steals while showing a better eye than expected. Chisholm is locked into a starting role with the Marlins and hitting in the middle of the lineup, which could result in an uptick in RBI opportunities. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: Rostered

Josh Harrison, Nationals: Harrison has gotten off to a hot start since coming off the COVID-19 injured list and appears to be the Nationals' starting second baseman. He started each of Washington's last five games, going 10-for-18 with a home run and five RBI during that time before sitting out Saturday due to back stiffness. Harrison was sidelined since Opening Day and returned this week replacing Luis Garcia, who was optioned to the alternate site Monday in a corresponding move while leaving Hernan Perez and Jordy Mercer as Harrison's main challengers for reps at the keystone. Harrison saw his production decline rapidly in 2018-19 after a strong 2017 campaign, but resurrected his career in the Nation's Capital last year. He's reprising the role filled by Howie Kendrick both in name and performance so far this year. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Zach McKinstry, Dodgers: McKinstry, profiled last week, gets another mention as Cody Bellinger will be 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 has made the most of the additional playing he has received leading all NL rookies this season in hits (14), homers (three) and RBI (13) through Friday's games. He's seeing time at second base and both outfield corner spots with LA using him somewhat similar to Chris Taylor. When Bellinger returns, manager Dave Roberts should still find a way to keep McKinstry's hot bat in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: Rostered (upped bid from last week) 

Andrew Young, Diamondbacks: Young, part of the return for Paul Goldschmidt, was up-and-down with Arizona in 2020 coming to the plate 34 times across 12 games before a broken hamate bone ended his season. He failed to break camp with the team this spring, but was called up to replace Christian Walker (oblique) on Monday. Young will operate as a utility player and getting spot starts when others need a routine day off - especially at the keystone - at least until Walker or Ketel Marte (hamstring) are healthy. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team-NL: $5 

THIRD BASE

J.D. Davis, Mets: Davis, sidelined since getting hit on the hand Apr. 6, was activated and started at third base in Game 1 of the Mets' doubleheader Saturday. Now back in action, he should see most of the action at the hot corner, but Jonathan Villar, Jeff McNeil and Luis Guillorme will also factor in. Davis broke out in 2019 with his .307/.369/.527 slash line, but regressed across the board except for his walk rate last year while continuing to struggle defensively. If he reverts to 2019 form, the Mets may live with his issues at the hot corner. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team-NL: Rostered 

SHORTSTOP

Johan Camargo/Sean Kazmar/Max Schrock: The Braves and Reds called up back-up middle infielders during the week. Camargo was summoned again to provide infield depth and will bounce back and forth between the majors and minors when the need arises. Kazmar hadn't appeared in the big leagues since 19 games with the Padres in 2008, but he's played at the Triple-A level over the last 12 seasons. If Ozzie Albies' calf proves to be fine, Kazmar likely will be sent back down. Schrock was picked up by the Reds in February and hit .440 in 12 Cactus League games before a hamstring strain ended his spring training. Called up this week, he will back up Jonathan India at the keystone spot and is a candidate to go back down when Cincy needs a roster spot. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

OUTFIELD 

Shogo Akiyama, Reds: Akiyama, sidelined with a strained left hamstring, is about a week away from playing in simulated games at the Reds' Louisville alternate training site. His first year in the US last season went far worse than expected, save for a decent on-base average with his power and speed leaving a lot to be desired. If Akiyama can avoid any further setbacks in the simulated games, the 32-year-old would be on track to return from the 10-day injured list the first week of May. Once activated, he would likely serve as the Reds' fourth or fifth outfielder. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $5 (early spec return bid)

Harrison Bader, Cardinals: Bader, out since spring training with a strained forearm, continues to make progress but is still 10-to-14 days from being fully cleared to participate in all baseball activities. Originally slated to miss four weeks, he's well behind that estimated timetable and likely won't be back until mid-May at the earliest. Dylan Carlson has handled and will continue with most of the starts in center. Bader's defense might allow to him see some action, but playing time will be minimal as Carlson and Tyler O'Neill - who is out with a groin injury - are hot at the plate. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

Jackie Bradley/Avisail Garcia/Billy McKinney/Tyrone Taylor, Brewers: With Christian Yelich (back) joining Lorenzo Cain (quadriceps) on the injured list, the Brewers are down two starting outfielders. JBJ has a clear path to an everyday role while both are sidelined and was playing center with Cain sidelined. A massive rise in Bradley's BABIP spurred a spike in performance last night, but he does bring a power/speed combination along with upper-tier defense. With Yelich also out, McKinney - who started Saturday - and Taylor - called up Wednesday - will see time in left field with Garcia playing daily. Taylor offers more upside, but McKinney may get first shot. Of the group, Garcia also gets a major bump in value as he will see regular action in left or right field. Bradley - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team-NL: Rostered: Garcia - 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team-NL: Rostered; McKinney - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $5: Taylor - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $3 

Steven Duggar/LaMonte Wade, Giants: Duggar, sent down by the Giants during spring training, impressed at the team's alternate training site to begin the year. He was called up Wednesday to provide outfield depth after Wade (strained left oblique) was placed on the 10-day injured list. Duggar appeared in 21 games for the Giants last year and slashed .176/.222/.235 with two doubles and three RBI and could see action at all three outfield spots, although it's possible he is sent down to make room for Alex Wood. Wade, acquired in February from Minnesota, was in line for playing time after his promotion last Sunday but will be out at least two weeks with a strained oblique. His role and roster spot may depend on how healthy SF is at the time he is ready to rejoin the team, but his excellent batting eye and possible upside could enable him to remain when activated. Duggar - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $5: Garcia - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team-NL: $3

Guillermo Heredia, Braves: Heredia, claimed off waivers from the Mets in February, was called up Wednesday and started in center field on Saturday. Originally promoted as outfield depth after Cristian Pache (groin) was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday, Heredia will be called upon to start with Ender Inciarte landing on the injured list with a strained left hamstring Saturday. Heredia appeared in 15 major-league games last year and hit .212 with two home runs and five RBI. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team-NL: $4

Scott Hurst/Justin Williams, Cardinals: Lane Thomas had the first chance to platoon with Williams in the outfield, but he was sent down Thursday to make room for Hurst. With Tyler O'Neill on the shelf with a groin injury, Hurst - a 2017 third-round pick who has not played a game above Double-A - gets the nod. He appeared in 108 games in 2019 slashing .217/.287/.299 with five home runs and 33 RBI and provides St. Louis with outfield depth. Williams is subpar defensively and thus would benefit from a universal designated hitter, but will see time in right field with O'Neill and Harrison Bader (forearm) out while Dylan Carlson will receive the majority of reps in center. O'Neill is eligible to be activated Apr. 21 and appears to be tracking toward a minimum IL stint, meaning Williams' uplift in playing time will be short lived although he aided his ability to remain in the lineup by blasting his first home run Friday. Hurst - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $2: Williams - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team-NL: $7

Mickey Moniak/Roman Quinn, Phillies: Moniak, the first overall pick in 2016, was promoted to the Phillies with Adam Haseley leaving the team for personal reasons. Quinn will also factor in center field and bring speed to the equation, but Moniak could assume the lion's share of playing time if he gets off to a strong start. Moniak, who slashed .214/.389/.214 in 18 plate appearances in his first exposure to the big leagues last season, should start against right-handed pitching - at least initially. After a slow start to his major-league career and drawing significant detractors, he took a step forward in 2019 at Double-A posting a 115 wRC+ while homering 11 times and stealing 15 bases. If Moniak struggles, the Phillies could turn back to Odubel Herrera or possibly Scott Kingery and Travis Jankowski, who are at the alternate site. But Moniak should at least get on-base, which has been an issue for the Phils this year. Moniak - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team-NL: $9; Quinn - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team-NL: $7

Luke Raley, Dodgers: Raley, traded by the Dodgers to the Twins for Brian Dozier, was re-acquired by LA in the Kenta Maeda deal last year. Called up when Cody Bellinger (ankle) landed on the IL, Raley blasted his first major-league home run Friday and earned him a second start Saturday. He hit 20 long balls in the minors in 2018, so he offers the ability to provide power when given a chance to play. Raley should continue to see playing time while Bellinger and Gavin Lux are both sidelined. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $5

Josh Reddick, Diamondbacks: Reddick signed a minor-league deal with the Diamondbacks on Monday to provide depth in their system. His bat and glove both deteriorated last season in Houston - his 12th year in the majors - contributing to no team signing him this offseason or spring. In addition, Reddick's best season in the majors came in 2017 when he hit .314/.363/.484 for the Astros. That was the same season Houston implemented a trash-can banging, sign-stealing scheme adversely affecting the perception others' perception of him. If Reddick hits well when the Triple-A season begins May 6, he should find his way to the parent club at some point during the year against right-handed pitching. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $3 (early spec call up bid)

Andrew Stevenson, Nationals: Stevenson is backing up at three outfield spots for the Nationals. Originally in line to start in left field, he lost that chance when Kyle Schwarber signed. The 27-year-old Stevenson got back on the radar after .366/.464/.620 in limited action in 2019-2020. He doesn't boast much power, but brings speed to the lineup and should play left field when Schwarber is the DH in AL parks. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $7