NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your free-agent budget you should bid on them.

This year, we're incorporating grids into the FAAB articles, so users can easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The grids, which are 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. Dansby Swanson would have been an "A" grade player last year -- that mark will be reserved for similar high-impact prospects stepping into an everyday role.

As always, if there is a player that was not discussed in the article that you would like to know about, feel free to ask about the player in the comments.

Brett Anderson/Mike Montgomery, Cubs – Anderson earned the fifth starter spot this spring, relegating Mike Montgomery to bullpen duty. He pitched just 11.1 innings last year for L.A. last year and has been injury prone nearly his whole career, though Anderson did pitch 180 innings in 2015 for the Dodgers. Anderson's lack of strikeouts and injury history make him a risky bet. Montgomery transitioned from starting to relieving last year, where he had success. He will open the year there, but if Anderson struggles, Montgomery could replace him in the rotation. Anderson – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $4; Chatwood – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $1.

Chase Anderson/Jimmy Nelson, Brewers – Anderson and Nelson will open the season in the Milwaukee rotation with Matt Garza beginning the season on the disabled list. Nelson regressed last season after a decent 2015 campaign and time may be running out on him, especially with Josh Hader at Triple-A. Anderson has had a nice spring but you know what he is, an innings eater who will give up home runs and be an league average starter. Anderson – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $4; Nelson – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $1.

Tyler Anderson/Tyler Chatwood/Kyle Freeland/Antonio Senzatela, Rockies – Anderson breaks camp as the Rockies' second starter behind Jon Gray while Chatwood, Freeland and Sentazela will be the third through fifth starters. Anderson help his own in 19 starts last spring and fills the breach left by Chad Bettis' unfortunate illness. After missing two months to start the season recovery from an oblique injury, Anderson made up for lost time with a solid spring and actually pitched better at home (3.00 ERA, 68:18 K:BB ratio) than on the road, which might bode well for success this year. Chatwood was brilliant his first 13 starts last year, then injuries and a regression to the mean occurred. His home/road splits are what you are used to seeing for a Coors pitcher, though his numbers away from Coors, 1.69 ERA and 8-1 record were beyond the norm. If Chatwood can find a way to limit the damage at home, you have a real solid No. 3 starter. Freeland had a solid spring, despite a poor start Monday, to earn a spot. He is a groundball pitcher, who limits walks, which should aid the former first-round pick in 2014 chances at Coors Field. Senzatela beat out German Marquez for the fifth spot. He spent much oif 2016 at High-A, making seven starts at Double-A, while earning Organizational Pitcher of the Year award for Colorado. He has limited walks this spring; aiding his chances but also possesses a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and developing slider. Anderson – 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL - $11; Chatwood – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL - $7; Freeland – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL - $2; Senzatela – 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL - $4.

Bronson Arroyo/Rookie Davis/Amir Garrett, Reds – Who says you can't go home again? Arroyo re-signed with the Reds in February and will break camp as the team's fifth starter with Homer Bailey needing surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow. The best you can say about Arroyo these days is that he can chew up innings. Davis, who came over to the Reds in the Aroldis Chapman deal, blazed through Double-A Pensacola, but his inability to strike out hitters came back to bite him big time at Triple-A. He breaks camp as the fourth starter but once Bailey is ready and either Cody Reed or Robert Stephenson is viewed as a better option, Davis will lose the job. Garrett, a 22nd round pick in 2011, was brilliant at Double-A last year, earning 11 starts at Triple-A. He held his own at that level, though his control/command needs work along with limiting home runs. Garrett mixes a low-90s fastball and slider to retire hitters along with a work-in-progress changeup. Cincinnati is in a rebuilding role, so look for Garret, Reed and Stephenson to make up three-fifths of the rotation at some point. Arroyo – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $2; Davis – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $0; Garrett – 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL - $5.

Trevor Cahill/Jhoulys Chacin/Luis Perdomo/Jered Weaver, Padres – These four join Clayton Richard, who pitched well in his nine starts after coming over to San Diego, in the Padres' rotation. Yes, it is an ugly list but someone has to eat up starts and post counting stats. The best bet is like Cahill, who has brought back his cut fastball and also pitched well out of the Chicago bullpen last year. Don't expect a ton of Ks but Cahill should keep the Padres in games and earn some wins. Chacin is the erstwhile ace, at least on paper, and should get the most Ks albeit with weak peripherals. Weaver and Perdomo, move along, though Perdomo has some upside, especially in NL-only leagues, thanks his mid-90s fastball. Cahill – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL - $7; Chacin – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL - $2; Perdomo – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $0; Weaver – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $0.

Matt Cain, Giants – Cain "beat" out Ty Blach to earn the fifth starter spot in San Francisco. The term beat is in quotes, as Cain posted a 7.82 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 25.1 innings, but Blach, despite outpitching Cain – though not by much – was unable to steal that spot. Blach did make the team as reliever and could replace Cain if his spring issues and decline that began in 2013 continue. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team NL: No; 12-team NL - $2.

Adam Conley, Marlins – Conley didn't have a great spring but beat out Jose Urena and Justin Nicolino for the fifth starter spot in Miami. He used a solid second half of 2015 into a starting role in 2016 before finger tendinitis shut him down in August for about a month. Conley needs to cut down on his walks to be successful and his hold on the job is somewhat tenuous with both of those pitchers looming. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL - $4.

Patrick Corbin/Shelby Miller, Diamondbacks – Corbin, who was a 2013 All-Star, returned from Tommy John surgery in the spring of 2014 to make 16 starts in 2015 and pitch a full season last year. He got off to an okay start, sitting with a 3.99 on May 20 before the wheels really fell off. Corbin ended up moving to the pen and pitching well, but battled for and won a rotation spot with a strong spring. Miller completely fell apart last year, losing his rotation spot after Arizona was fleeced in a deal with Atlanta, giving up Dansby Swanson and others. Miller hasn't had a great spring but beat out Arhcie Bradley for the rotation spot. Corbin – 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL - $11; Miller – 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL - $4.

Mike Foltynewicz, Braves – Folty had a solid spring, despite enduring a rough last start. He uses a nasty repertoire: a mid-90s heater, a piercing slider, a hammer curve and an emerging changeup to retire hitters. Foltynewicz took a step forward last year and if he can put it all together, you are looking at ace-like stuff bought at a discount. Many think Foltynewicz is ready to take that next step, so bid accordingly. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL - $11.

Tyler Glasnow/Chad Kuhl, Pirates – One comes with a pedigree, the other, not so much. Glasnow won't the battle for the fifth starter spot while Kuhl has won the third spot in the Pirates' rotation. Glasnow didn't have a great spring, but posted a 23:6 K:BB ratio 14.1 innings, after struggling his four starts in Pittsburgh last season. He posted a 11.6 career K/9 in the minors, mixing a mid-90s fastball that tops out at 99 with a wipeout curveball and developing changeup. Limiting walks will be a key to his succeeding in the majors. Kuhl uses a 93 mph sinking fastball to generate outs, making 14 starts for Pittsburgh last year. His solid spring landed him the third spot in the rotation, where he should remain most if not all of the season. Glasnow – 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL - $17; Kuhl – 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL - $11.

Robert Gsellman/Zack Wheeler, Mets – The defection of Bartolo Colon to the Braves and injury to Steven Matz opened the door for two spots in the Mets' rotation. Filling that breach will be Gsellman and Wheeler, each of who beat out Seth Lugo to earn those spots. Gsellman began 2016 at Double-A Binghamton and moved up the ladder to the majors. As a Met, Gsellman posted a 2.42 ERA and 1.28 WHIP, starting seven games. His 93 mph fastball and excellent slider are Gsellman's major weapons. With Matz out at least until May Gsellman has some bandwidth to keep the spot. Wheeler was a major question mark heading into spring training, as he hadn't pitched in a game since 2014 due to 2015 Tommy John surgery. As of two weeks ago, it looked like Wheeler would start the year in extended spring training or maybe the bullpen. But he righted the ship late and will open the season as the fourth starter. But he may be limited to just 125 games. Gsellman – 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL - $14; Wheeler – 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL - $11

Lance Lynn/Michael Wacha, Cardinals – Lynn missed nearly all of 2016 following Tommy John surgery but was able to return and make several rehab starts down the stretch. He entered the spring as a favorite to win a starting role and has done listen to dispel the notion he is nearly fully back to his prior form. Lynn was pushed back this past week due to a rib issue but he threw 80 pitches Thursday and came out of it with no adverse affects. He will open the season as the Cards' third starter. Alex Reyes was to fill then open rotation slot, likely sliding in as the No. 2 or No. 3 starter, but he will miss the year due to TJS. Stepping into the breach is Wacha, who was brutal last year after falling to earth in September 2015. An inflamed shoulder didn't help matters last season but that cant explain all the problems Wacha had. Fozzie Bear has his fastball back in the mid-90s and has made his curveball an effective weapon, boding well for a possible return to early-2015 form. Lynn – 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL - $14; Wacha – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL - $7 (up if a believer)

Brandon McCarthy/Hyun-Jin Ryu/Julio Urias, Dodgers – McCarthy and Ryu won the last two rotation spots for L.A., beating out Alex Wood. McCarthy would have been ill suited for a bullpen role, for which Wood seems to be a much better fit, but his injury history makes him a risky bet. When healthy, McCarthy contributes across the board, making him worth a flier. Ryu is a major wild card, missing all of 2015 and most of 2016 due to a torn labrum in his shoulder. Now reporting healthy, Ryu had a big spring. If he can remain healthy, Ryu could post numbers similar to 2013-14, when he went 28-15 with a solid ERA and WHIP. Urias was sent down to Triple-A to begin the year so that LA can limit his innings early in the season to keep him fresh. The Dodger will likely allow Urias to pitch 135-150 innings in the big leagues this season, so he should be up sometime in late-May. That makes Urias a stash candidate with major upside, due to his talent and stuff. McCarthy – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL - $7; Ryu – 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $12; 12-team NL - $16; Uriaz – 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL - $22 (though late start could discount his bid amounts)

Joe Ross, Nationals – Ross will once again break camp as the Nationals' fifth starter, though he won't be used in that capacity until April 9. Shoulder issues cost Ross 10 weeks over the summer, but besides that, it was a solid campaign for him with rises in several metrics. Ross uses a 93-mph fastball, excellent slider and work-in-progress changeup to retire hitters, but it's lack of a good off-speed pitch that allows lefties to tattoo him, as they hit .356 against Ross. It's that issue and health concerns, which make Ross at times a risky bet. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 15-team NL - $11

RELIEF PITCHER
 
Carter Capps/Brandon Maurer, Padres – Capps, returning from Tommy John, will open the season on the disabled list. But he is getting closer and closer to returning to the team. When that happens. Capps, his high 90s fastball, nasty slider and pitching motion that draws major ire since he doesn't stay on the rubber when he releases his pitches will battle Maurer to close. Until then, Maurer, who posted a 3.09 ERA and 13 saves after taking over for Fernando Rodney, will be the main back end of the bullpen option in San Diego. Its possible Maurer keeps the job all season, but Capps' stuff seems to play better there. Capps – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up if think he is closing sooner rather than later); Maurer – 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Tony Cingrani/Raisel Iglesias/Michael Lorenzen/Drew Storen, Reds – The Cincinnati closer role may be a committee, but Iglesias looks to be the favorite to earn saves. Iglesias looks to be over his elbow and hip woes following his fall in the shower and should break camp with the team. Cingrani, Lorenzen and Storen will all factor into the mix, but Iglesias – health permitting – looks to be the favorite to earn saves in Cincinnati. That said, keep in mind, Iglesias is a former starter and can go multiple innings, so he may be used for longer outings. Cingrani – 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4; Iglesias – 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $15; Lorenzen – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Storen - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $5.

Koda Glover/Shawn Kelley/Blake Treinen, Nationals – The Nationals were unable to secure a closer this off-season, leaving the battle to open the year as the last line in the pen an internal, three-headed battle. Treinen earned the job with a brilliant spring. His mid-90s sinking fastball generates a ton of groundballs, so while he won't blow hitters away, he racks up enough strikeouts to be a possible long-term option. The one weakness is his propensity to surrender walks, which could hurt him. Glover was brilliant early in spring straining but tailed off late while Kelley was coming off a tremendous year last season nut appeared to be third on manager Dusty Baker's pecking order during the spring. Glover – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Kelley – 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team NL: $5; Treinen – 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $15; 12-team NL: $22.

Jeanmar Gomez/Hector Neris, Phillies – Gomez will break camp as the Phillies closer. There was some speculation Neris would earn the role, especially as Gomez really struggled the last month of the season. But manager Pete Mackanin had maintained Gomez was his closer and made it official this week. Gomez did save 37 saves out of 43 chances, but his weak K rate and late-season collapse make his hold on the job tenuous at best. If he falters, Neris, who struck out 102 batters in 80.1 innings with 28 holds using his slider more often, will step into the closer role. Gomez – 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Neris – 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $5.

Daniel Hudson/Tony Watson, Pirates – Hudson may be the closer in waiting with Watson only signed for this year. But right now, despite his poor spring, Watson is the Pirates' main ninth inning option. Hudson has worked his way back from a pair of Tommy John surgeries, and after a strong start last season, fell off a cliff. He righted the ship and signed a two-$12 million deal with the Pirates. Watson saved 15 of 18 games after Mark Melancon was traded to the Nats last year but his pinpoint control wavered much of 2016, making him a mildly risky option.Felipe Rivero, who came over Washington, could also see a chance or two. Hudson – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Watson – 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14.

Addison Reed, Mets – Reed will serve as the Mets' closer for the first 15 games of the season following Jeurys Familia's suspension for violating baseball's domestic-violence policy. That suspension is less that first expected, as speculation was that Familia could get 30 or more games. Despite filling the closer role for just 15 games, Reed will still have value the rest of the walk, thanks to solid K:IP and K:BB ratios along with a low WHIP, all three of which aided from a move from one side of the pitching rubber to the other. In addition, since Familia will miss just 15 games, don't discount him much on your cheat sheets. Fernando Sales and Jerry Blevins could also factor in the mix while Familia is sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $11

Arodys Vizcaino, Braves – Vizcaino will break camp as Jim Johnson's set-up man as Mauricio Cabrera will be sidelined to start the season. After breaking camp last year as the closer and getting off to a solid start, Vizcaino lost his way due to nagging injuries, ceding the closer role to Johnson. Now healthy, Viz may be next in line, as long as he can reduce his walks, since Johnson is only signed through this season. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

CATCHER
 
Austin Barnes/A.J. Ellis/Eric Fryer/Nick Hundley/Andrew Knapp/Jose Lobaton/Manny Pina/Rene Rivera/Hector Sanchez/Luis Torrens – The above have earned backup catcher jobs roles in Los Angeles, Miami, St. Louis, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington, Milwaukee, New York, San Diego and San Diego (2x). and will mostly see minimal action. Hundley, who was the primary catcher in Colorado last season, will see a start or two a week, especially when Posey plays first against southpaws. All save for Hundley – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0; Hundley - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team NL: $0; 12-team NL: $3.

Jett Bandy/Andrew Susac, Brewers – Bandy will open the season as the Brewers' starting catcher as Susac will open the year on the DL due to neck/back stiffness. Susac came over from San Francisco last year in the Will Smith deal. He is better suited to a back up role, but Bandy is nothing special, so look for Susac to see most of the action when he is healthy. Bandy posted great minor-league numbers, aided by playing in the hitter-friendly PCL. He was red-hot after first getting called up last year, then regressed, but did have eight home runs. He is best served as a second catcher in deep, mixed-leagues. Bandy – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0, 12-team NL: $3. Susac – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $2.

Tucker Barnhart/Stuart Turner, Reds – Barnhart will start and receive most of the playing time while Devin Mesoraco (hip/shoulder) continues to recover from his injuries. That also proved to be the case last year, when Barnhart plays 115 games. Turner, a Rule 5 pick from Minnesota, may stick around only until Mesoraco is ready to return. Barnhart – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Turner – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2.

Tyler Flowers/Kurt Suzuki, Braves – Flowers platooned with A.J. Pierzynski at catcher last season for Atlanta, starting against lefties. This year, he is slated to be the starter, backed up by Suzuki, Both players bat righty, so a strict platoon won't be in effect. If Flowers struggles, Suzuki could carve out additional playing time. Flowers – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Tucker – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2.

Dustin Garneau/Tom Murphy/Tony Wolters, Rockies – Murphy is sidelined, likely to May, with a hairline fracture of his right forearm. When he is healthy enough to return, look for Murphy to assume the role as starting catcher, bring a power bat to the spot. With Murphy out, Garneau will spell Wolters, starting against southpaws. Wolters acquitted himself well in 71 games last year with Colorado and coming off a big spring. He never hit that well in his career, but Coors Field has proven to be a boon to hitters, which was the case here, as Wolters hit .346 in 104 at-bats last season. A hot start could earn Wolters additional time even after Murphy returns. Garneau – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $2; Murphy – 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Wolters – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 12-team NL: $7.

Austin Hedges, Padres – Nick Hundley's departure from San Diego has opened the door for Hedges era to begin. There has never been any question about Hedges' defense, his bat though … Hedges dispelled some of these questions with a monster 2016 at Triple-A El Paso, and after a slow start to the spring, has really picked it up at the plate. Jump on board; it will be groovy, baby. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (up the bid if fully believe)

Chris Herrmann/Chris Iannetta/Jeff Mathis, Diamondbacks – It will be a three-headed monster behind the plate for Arizona. Iannetta has some pop and can draw walks but that's pretty much it. Mathis, who also was signed this offseason, is the best of three defensively and more of a backup. Herrmann has the best offensive upside and could also see some time in the outfield. He could see starts against righties with Iannetta/Mathis splitting time against southpaws. Herrmann – 12-team Mixed: $0 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7; Iannetta/Mathis – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

FIRST BASE
 
Matt Adams, Cardinals – Adams is seeing some time the outfield to increase his versatility, which may result in additional at-bats. Matt Carpenter is now the starting first baseman, but he can also play second and third, which would allow manager Mike Matheny to get Adams in the lineup at first if he so chooses, Adams was unable to stay healthy again last year after missing much of the 2015 season with a quad injury. Even when healthy, his numbers were a far cry from his 2013 breakthrough season and solid 2014 campaign. In addition, his inability to hit lefties landed him in a platoon, but he showed signs of improvement there last year. Keep his name on your radar, especially in single leagues due to his power. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 12-team NL: $7.

Jesus Aguilar/Eric Thames, Brewers – Aguilar was claimed off waivers from the Indians in February after hitting 30 home runs while driving in 92 for Triple-A Colorado Springs. He proceeded to have a monster spring, hitting well over .400 with seven home runs and 17 RBI to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster as the backup first baseman. Thames returned from a three-year stint with the NC Dinos of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) to play for the Brewers. He tore up the KBO after posting middling numbers in the majors. Aguilar's hot spring may earn him more time at first base, which is why Thames could see some time in the outfield. Thames hasn't hit for power this spring, but posted a solid OBA, as he transitions back to the MLB. He could earn dual eligibility and you investment in may truly come down to risk tolerance. Aguilar – 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $4. Thames – 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9, 12-team NL: $14.

Josh Bell, Pirates – Bell hit just .116/.229/.140 this spring but will break camp as the Pirates' starting first baseman. He has hit at every level, including following his promotion to the majors last year, so take his spring numbers with a grain of salt, especially since he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee in late February. Bell brings decent power and solid slash lines. But if he his spring numbers do carry forward, Pittsburgh could shift Josh Harrison from second base to third, start Adam Frazier at second and move David Freese from third base to first on occasion. John Jaso could also factor in the mix at first. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $11.

Stephen Cardullo/Mark Reynolds, Rockies – Ian Desmond will miss about a moth with his broken hand. Filling that large breach at first is expected to be Cardullo and Reynolds. Cardullo, who had a cup of coffee with Colorado last year, had a huge spring, batting .379 with three home and 15 RBI to earn that spot. He will see some action and also the occasional start in the outfield with David Dahl (ribs) out and then be a right-handed bat off the bench. Reynolds, who attended camp as a non-roster invitee, played 118 games with the Rockies last season. He lowered his K rate and posted an .806 OPS, which will earn him most of the PT with Desmond out. Cardullo – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $2. Reynolds – 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2, 12-team NL: $7

SECOND BASE
 
Wilmer Difo/Stephen Drew, Nationals – Difo and Drew will break camp with the Nationals, each serving as utility infielders. Both likely will see time at second, short and third. Difo brings some speed and also could see time in center field while Drew, now over his vertigo-like symptoms of a year ago, has some pop in his bat. If Anthony Rendon's calf injury sidelines him Opening Day, Difo or Drew will start at the hot corner. Both – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $3.

Brandon Drury, Diamondbacks – Drury parlayed a monster spring into earning the second base job in Arizona. He had a breakout year last season, seeing most of his action in the outfield, this year; Drury will man the keystone position. Drury brings a power bat to the spot while also qualifying at third and in the outfield. With him lock in at second, Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed are battling for the shortstop job with Ketel Marte sent to the minors. 12-team Mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $14, 12-team NL: $19 (as a second baseman).

Wilmer Flores/T.J. Rivera, Mets – Flores and Rivera will each break camp with the team. Flores is not a surprise, as he will see some time at first against southpaws while also seeing action at second and third. He mashes lefties, batting .340 last season in 100 at-bats against them while blasting 16 home runs for the second straight season. Rivera had a solid spring, continuing his usual pattern of hitting well at all levels. His main issue is a lack of walks, but Rivera consistently puts the ball in play, resulting a high BABIP. Look for Rivera to see time at first, second and third as well. Flores – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 12-team NL: $7. Rivera – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0, 12-team NL: $3.

Adam Frazier/Alen Hanson, Pirates – Frazier had a monster spring and will open 2017 in a super-utility role, seeing time at second, shortstop and in the outfield. Don't expect much in terms of counting stats but he should post a solid slash line. Hanson, who is out of options and whose prospect status has gone by the wayside, will break camp with the Pirates and could see occasional action at second. Frazier – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $4. Hanson – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $0

Ryan Schimpf, Padres – Schimpf beat out Corey Spangenburg to open the year as the Padres' second baseman. Schimpf blasted 20 home runs in 330 at-bats after his promotion last year, albeit with a .217 batting average. He has always shown pop in his career, though usually with a much better batting average. Schimpf does draw a healthy amount of walks, helping his OBA, and by virtue of his home runs, adds a solid slugging percentage as well, enhancing his value. Unless he drastically struggles, look for Schimpf to be in the lineup nearly every day. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11, 12-team NL: $16.

SHORTSTOP

Nick Ahmed/Chris Owings, Diamondbacks – The D-Backs named Owings the starting shortstop Saturday but also said Ahmed will see a fair share of starts. Ahmed was limited to 90 games due to injury and he is more of a defensive than offensive player anyway. Owings had a big spring, posted a .900-plus OPS, and could be a nice source of cheap-ish speed while qualifying at short and in the outfield. Ketel Marte is not far away at Triple-A Reno, so Owings will need to produce to keep the job. Ahmed – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $2; Owings – 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 15-team NL: $11

Erick Aybar, Padres – Aybar beat out Luis Sardinas and Allen Cordoba, each of whom will also break camp with the team, to earn the starting shortstop job in San Diego. Expect an okay BA, some steals and a handful of runs in what will be weak offense. 12-team Mixed: No 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $3

Jose Peraza, Reds – Peraza has been steadily moving up draft boards following the trade of Brandon Phillips, as that move gave Peraza a full-time role. He also qualifies at short and in the outfield, adding to his value. Peraza should post a solid batting average and on-base percentage while likely stealing 40-plus bases and scoring a good amount of runs. The February trade of Phillips removed any discount that Peraza might have had in straight and auction drafts. Scooter Gennett and possibly Arismendy Alcantara will back up Peraza. 12-team Mixed: $14; 15-team Mixed: $22, 12-team NL: $33.

THIRD BASE

Derek Dietrich/Miguel Rojas, Marlins – Dietrich could open the season as the starting third baseman in Miami if Martin Prado's strained hamstring sidelined him as expected. After a breakthrough 2015 season, Dietrich was unable to replicate that success despite an uptick in playing time due to Dee Gordon's suspension and Justin Bour's injury. Dietrich did improve his batting average and is a decent fill-in until Prado returns to action. Rojas, who has some power and speed, will back him up. In addition, Rojas qualifies at three infield positions and possibly third as well, if your league has a 10- or 15-games played eligibility requirement. Dietrich – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $5; Rojas – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $3.

David Freese, Pirates – Jung Ho-Kang is unlikely to play in the US, as he has been denied a work visa due to his DUI hit-and-run charge in Korea. With Kang out, Freese, who parlayed a one-year spring training deal a year ago into a two-year, $11 extension, will see most of the action at third base, at least initially. Josh Harrison will also see time at the hot corner while Adam Frazier, Alen Hanson and John Jaso might also see time there, depending on who breaks camp. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2, 12-team NL: $7

Jedd Gyorko/Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals – Gyorko was originally slated to back up at second, short and third last year. But Jhonny Peralta's thumb injury changed that plan and Gyorko opened the season as the Cardinals starting shortstop. Aledmys Diaz took over at short, making Gyorko a super-utility player. He hit 30 home runs last year in that role and may need to wear multiple hats with Peralta slated to play third, Diaz short, Kolten Wong at second and Matt Carpenter at first. Peralta took a major step backward last season and made cede additional time – especially against southpaws – to Gyorko. Gyorko – 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9, 12-team NL: $14. Peralta – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 12-team NL: $7.

Jose Reyes, Mets –David Wright's constant setbacks from his herniated disc in his neck and shoulder woes have opened the door for Reyes to begin the year as the Mets' starting third baseman. Reyes more than ably filled that role last season after signing with his original team following his release by the Rockies due to his domestic violence incident. Reyes will lead off for New York and be a solid source of runs and steals. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11, 12-team NL: $17

Travis Shaw, Brewers – Shaw beat out Pablo Sandoval to open the year as the Red Sox starting third baseman. He had a huge first two months before the bottom fell out and he lost the job. Boston traded Shaw to Milwaukee this offseason, opening up the chance for him to break camp as the starter at the hot corner. Not that there was much doubt, but Shaw has had a big spring training to lock down the role. Most of his action will come against righties, due to his problems facing southpaws, though he may get chances initially to see if he fix that flaw in his game. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11, 12-team NL: $17

OUTFIELD

Albert Almora/Jon Jay, Cubs – Manager Joe Maddon said on Saturday that Almora "will get the opportunity to play a little more often" in 2017. Originally, it looked as if Jay, who signed a one-year deal with the Cubs in November, would see much of the time in center field. But that may not be the case. Jay will hit eighth or ninth, as he provides little at the plate, but is better against righties. Almora is probably better defensively and could bring a bit more offensively than Jay, so if selecting one in your fantasy leagues, Almora is by far the better option. Almora – 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL - $7; Jay – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $2.

Aaron Altherr/Howie Kendrick/Michael Saunders, Phillies – Kendrick and Saunders each came to the Phillies this off-season and will man the corner outfield spots. Kendrick, who was traded from LA, moved from second to the outfield last season but had a year to forget. Part of it may be BABIP bad luck but at 33, Kendrick's skills may be diminishing. If he falters again, Altherr, whose work with hitting coach Matt Stairs to lower his hands at the plate has paid dividends, looms ready to take the job. Saunders played just nine games in 2015 due to a knee injury but was able to suit up in 140 games last season. He was brilliant before the All-Star break but crashed to earth in the second half. It's possible fatigue got the better of him and he now gets to play on grass rather than turf. Saunders will start in right field for the Phils, where he brings some pop at the plate. Altherr – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL - $4; Kendrick – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL - $7; Saunders – 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL - $11.

Jabari Blash/Travis Jankowski/Manuel Margot/Hunter Renfroe, Padres – Blash, a Rule 5 pick last year, opened the year in San Diego but was a bit overmatched. He passed through waivers and went to the minors, where he not surprising posted big numbers. Alex Dickerson will miss a month with his back injury, opening the door for Blash, who has shown big time power this spring, to break camp as the fourth outfielder. Speed, baby, speed. That's what Jankowski brings to the table, as he opens the year as the Friars' starting left fielder with Dickerson missing a month. Jankowski can get on base and stole 30 bases a year ago. The new glimmer twins in San Diego, Margot and Renfroe will both break camp with the Padres. Margot, who was the centerpiece of the deal that sent Craig Kimbrel to the Red Sox, will start in center and bat leadoff, brings a blend of power and speed. He could be kept in the minors for 24 days to enable the team to get another year of control but the Padres opted to have him start with the parent club. Renfroe will open the season as the starting right fielder. He brings big time power, 30 HR and 105 RBI at El Paso, albeit with poor plate discipline. San Diego is in full rebound mode, so look for Renfroe to have a long leash. Blash – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL - $2; Jankowski – 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL - $11; Margot – 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL - $14; Renfroe – 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL - $16.

Emilio Bonifacio/Chris Heisey/Jeremy Hazelbaker/Enrique Hernandez/Gorkys Hernandez/Adam Lind/Jose Martinez/Kirk Nieuwenhuis/Matt Szczur/Michael Taylor – The above have earned fourth or fifth outfielder roles in Atlanta, Washington, Arizona, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, St. Louis, Milwaukee. Chicago and Washington. Both Martinez and Taylor could see a decent number of at-bats at several outfield spots. Taylor saw lots of action last year and is coming off of a big spring, and with Jayson Werth an injury risk, he is next in line in left field. All save for Martinez and Taylor - Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0; 12-team NL: $2; Martinez and Taylor – 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Michael Conforto, Mets – Conforto was the next big thing to open last year after he closed 2015 strong. But after a really hot start, his inability to hit lefties, which was exacerbated in a start against Madison Bumgarner began his descent. Conforto ended up at Triple-A Las Vegas, where he tore up the PCL. He was unable to replicate that early success when he came back up in September. Juan Lagares' (oblique) and Brandin Nimmo's (hamstring) injuries have opened the door for Conforto to break campo with the Mets. But Jay Bruce's presence means that Conforto likely won't see many at-bats, but he is next in line now to see time in center and right. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL - $7

David Dahl/Gerardo Parra, Rockies – Dahl's rib injury opens the door for Parra to begin the year as the Rockies' starting outfielder. With Ian Desmond, the original thought was Parra could move to first base, but with Dahl out, he will see most of his action in left field. If he hits well, once Dahl returns to action, Colorado will find a place for Parra. Dahl has recently increased his upper-body workouts and could swing a bat in a few weeks. Look for him to miss most of April and maybe part of May but resume his role as a starting outfielder once he is back in action, displaying a nice blend of power and speed. Dahl – 12-team Mixed: $6; 15-team Mixed: $12; 12-team NL - $18 (discount a bit due to injury); Parra – 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL - $11;

Franklin Gutierrez/Trayce Thompson/Andrew Toles/Scott Van Slyke, Dodgers – Gutierrez and Toles will platoon in left field for the Dodgers with Andre Ethier (back) sidelined indefinitely. Gutierrez will be on the shorter-side of the platoon, batting against southpaws due to his success against lefties and issues against righties, while Toles will face righties. Toles doesn't have much power but could provide some speed while F-Gut might provide a bit of power. But keep in mind Thompson and Van Slyke may see some time in left field as well while also backing up in right. Gutierrez – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL - $2; Thompson – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $0; Toles – 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL - $7; Van Slyke – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No 12-team NL - $2.

Chris Marrero/Jarrett Parker, Giants – Marrero and Parker will platoon in left field for the Giants. Parker, as the lefty hitter, will play versus righties and see most of action while Marrero will hit against lefties earning the role when Mac Williamson out several weeks with a hamstring injury. Parker mashes against righties, so he is worth a flier to see if he can repeat that success. Marrero – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $2; Parker – 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL - $4.

Scott Schebler/Jesse Winker, Reds – Left field last year in Cincy initially looked like it would be a platoon between Duvall and Schebler. But Duvall took the job and ran with it, relegating Schebler to Triple-A. Schebler did get a chance late in the season to replace the traded Jay Bruce and hit .290/.367/.461 in his final 55 games. He carried that solid play into the spring, where he beat out Jesse Winker for the starting right field spot. Schebler will have to maintain this level of play because Cincy is in a rebuilding mode and may look to get Winker back in the majors before too long. Winker saw his power dry up last year due to a wrist injury, but he posted a .397 OBA. When Winker gets to Great American Ballpark, the power switch may flip back to on. Schebler – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL - $7; Winker – 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL - $4 (early call up spec bid).