Baseball opens this week. Exhibition games started last week and Opening Day is Thursday. The hope is that the detailed health protocol with the MLB and MLBPA enables action to continue, even if an uptick in COVID cases arise. In addition, the Blue Jays will not play in Toronto, so we could be seeing the Buffalo Blue Jays.
The hope clearly for all of us is that there will be baseball and that the season continued unimpeded to a World Series winner on the field. We will be here weekly until the playoffs to provide FAAB advice for both the NL and AL. Projected bids are included in this week's column. In addition, some of the names highlighted the last few weeks have been included again, this time with bids, to aid you in your drafts.
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
Baseball opens this week. Exhibition games started last week and Opening Day is Thursday. The hope is that the detailed health protocol with the MLB and MLBPA enables action to continue, even if an uptick in COVID cases arise. In addition, the Blue Jays will not play in Toronto, so we could be seeing the Buffalo Blue Jays.
The hope clearly for all of us is that there will be baseball and that the season continued unimpeded to a World Series winner on the field. We will be here weekly until the playoffs to provide FAAB advice for both the NL and AL. Projected bids are included in this week's column. In addition, some of the names highlighted the last few weeks have been included again, this time with bids, to aid you in your drafts.
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
Corbin Burnes/Eric Lauer/Freddy Peralta, Brewers: Each is in the mix to break camp as Milwaukee's fifth starter. Milwaukee could conceivably go with a six-man rotation where it's a tandem start on the sixth day, or it could just be conservative with how deep it lets the non-Brandon Woodruff starters go. If the latter occurs, two of the three pitchers could be tandem starters, mirroring the second-fourth starter with the odd-man out filling the fifth-starter role. Burnes struck out seven hitters over four scoreless innings in an intra-squad game Wednesday, hitting 98 mph. Lauer was on the injured list due to COVID-19, which could take him out of the starting mix, at least to begin the season. To me, the favorite to earn the spot is Peralta, who signed a five-year, $15.5 million contract extension in February, despite pitching better out of the bullpen last season, due to his upside. Burnes - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Lauer - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2; Peralta - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Tucker Davidson, Braves: Davidson could open the season as the Braves' fifth starter due to the uncertainty surrounding when Cole Hamels (shoulder) will be available. Even if Davidson isn't in the rotation, the southpaw could fill a long relief role for Atlanta. Davidson posted a 2.15 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 134:54 K:BB across 129.2 innings at Double-A and Triple-A in 2019. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3
Erick Fedde/Austin Voth, Nationals: Joe Ross' decision to opt out of the 2020 season leaves a hole in the Washington rotation. Heading into spring camp, Fedde and Voth are the favorites to fill that spot. If selecting one, go for Voth, who has a solid four-pitch arsenal but has been plagued by inconsistency in his career. Voth followed a strong September last season with a 1.29 ERA and 6:1 K:BB in seven spring innings. Fedde has had numerous kicks at the can, but posted a 5.39 ERA through 143.2 innings the last three seasons. He did sport a solid 2.45 ERA and 7:4 K:BB through 7.1 innings this spring, but Voth looks to have a leg up on the spot. Both - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Elieser Hernandez/Nick Neidert, Marlins: Hernandez looks to be a lock to break camp as the Marlins' fifth starter with Miami optioning Jordan Yamamoto to their alternate training site, though Neidert might still be in the mix. Hernandez will join Pablo Lopez and Jose Urena behind Sandy Alcantara and Caleb Smith in the rotation. He posted a 5.01 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 85:26 K/BB ratio in 82.1 innings in 21 appearances (15 starts) last season, but was vastly better at home (4.26 ERA) than on the road (5.92 ERA). In addition, he allowed 20 home runs, so tread carefully. A knee injury limited Neidert to 54 mainly unsuccessful innings in the minors last season, but he posted a 3.24 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 154:31 K:BB through 152.2 frames for Double-A Jacksonville in 2018. Even if he isn't in the rotation, the righty could fill a long relief role. Hernandez - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4; Neidert - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2
Spencer Howard, Phillies: Howard, a second-round pick in 2017, did little to diminish his chances of playing a key role for the Phils this season, tossing three scoreless innings, flashing electric stuff, in an intrasquad game Thursday. He might not break camp on the 30-man roster, but the Phillies will need a fifth starter no later than July 28 against the Yankees, which is when Howard could make his MLB debut. If not then, not much later. As we noted in our preseason outlook, including 21.1 IP in the Arizona Fall League, Howard had a 1.99 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 133:28 K:BB in 99.1 IP en route to establishing himself as one of the game's top pitching prospects. His plus-plus fastball sat at 95-98 mph in his final AFL outing and has touched triple-digits in the past. Howard's slider could be a 70-grade pitch and while he is still working on consistency with his changeup, that pitch also has plus-plus potential. Injuries cost him two months last year, but he should be able to make it through the full 60-game season. His stuff and upside give him future second starter potential. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16
Mitch Keller, Pirates: Keller's real-life production was a far cry from what the advance metrics showed, as his 7.13 ERA was a 3.19 FIP. Armed with a plus fastball, plus slider and above-average curveball, he is a lock for the Pirates rotation and could have a breakout year. Keller took steps this offseason to make that possibility a reality, using his own Rapsodo (a pitch device tool) during the shutdown period to improve the spin efficiency on his fastball. He upped spin efficiency from the low 90s to the 95th percentile, which hopefully will provide the needed movement on his fastball that in the past has been too straight, 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks: Kelly's spot in Arizona's starting rotation, all but cast in stone with Mike Leake not pitching this season, was confirmed Saturday. He struggled a bit in his first season back in the US, but still led the Diamondbacks in inning pitched at 183.1 while going 13-14 with a 4.42 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across 32 starts. Kelly is over the wrist injury he had this spring and should be the team's No. 4 or 5 starter, but if he struggles, he could be moved to the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7
Pablo Lopez/Jose Urena, Pirates: Lopez and Urena are near locks to fill two slots in the Marlins' rotation. Lopez posted a 5.09 ERA (with a more palatable 4.27 FIP) and a 95:27 K:BB over 111.1 innings last year, using a curveball/changeup to go with his 94-mph fastball to retire hitters. If his strikeout rate improves, Lopez could be an interesting target, even though the Marlins moved in the fences. Urena struggled starting and relieving last year. He has a plus fastball and little else, but if he can develop a second pitch, he has a shot at remaining in the rotation. Lopez- 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Urena- 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3
Tyler Mahle/Lucas Sims, Reds: Last week, I covered Mahle; this week it's Sims, who like Mahle will either be used in a piggyback role or as a long reliever this season. Little difference exists between the two roles from a fantasy purpose, as both pitchers will still rack up innings, likely with minimal success. But they are good for some counting stats, wins and Ks, even though their ERAs and WHIPs will be high. Mahle looks to piggyback with Wade Miley, at least to start the season. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3
Steven Matz/Rick Porcello/Michael Wacha, Mets: I ran this in the first column of the year, but thought with the season about to start, including it again made sense. Heading into spring training, the Mets looked to have three starters for two spots. Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Marcus Stroman were inked into the rotation. Porcello and Wacha signed one-year, incentive laden deals this offseason with the view that at least one would replace the departed Zack Wheeler, who signed with the Phillies. Matz was the wild card; since he likely would fill the fourth starter spot, but the possibility existed that he would be shifted to the bullpen despite a solid second half of the 2019 campaign. All three pitchers had solid spring trainings, which would have made the decision difficult. Unfortunately, Syndergaard tore his UCL, creating a gulf in the rotation, likely resulting in all three arms earning starting spots. Matz - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Porcello - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Wacha - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Dustin May/Ross Stripling, Dodgers: May's path to opening the season in the Dodgers' rotation got a bit when David Price announced he will sit out this season. With the delayed start and abbreviated season necessitating a deeper starting rotation. Los Angeles could use as many as eight starters to navigate the shortened, condensed season, which will result in fewer days off and an expanded roster. Due to this scenario, May, who posted a 2.82 ERA and 17:3 K:BB in 22.1 innings as a starter, was already likely to move into the major-league rotation. Initially, though, he may piggyback with Walker Buehler, who followed a less frequent pitching schedule than his rotation mates during the MLB shutdown and thus needs more time to ramp up to a full starter's workload. Stripling also benefits from all these occurrences, as he is now next in line and will open the season as the team's No. 2 starter, at least until Buehler is ready to assume that spot. He made 15 starts and 17 relief appearances for the Dodgers last season, posting a strong 3.47 ERA on the back of a 25.1 percent strikeout rate and a 5.4 percent walk rate. May - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16; Stripling - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Joe Musgrove, Pirates: Musgrove, for now, is the erstwhile ace of the Bucs and will start on Opening Day. He had a 4.44 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 157:39 K:BB over 170.1 innings last year, though he had a strong finish with a 3.74 ERA across his final eight starts. Mitch Keller likely has more upside than Musgrove, but as long as Musgrove stays healthy — an issue for him in the past — he should remain atop the rotation for at least this season. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
David Peterson, Mets: Peterson, a 2017 first-round draft pick, is expected to be the Mets' first depth option in the rotation should one of the team's five starters miss time. Projected as a mid-rotation starter in the future, Peterson is also poised to be a part of the 2021 rotation, with Noah Syndergaard (Tommy John surgery) expected to miss the first couple months and Marcus Stroman, Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha set to be free agents after this season. Peterson, who tossed 2.1 scoreless innings in an intrasquad game Wednesday, has good command of a quality three-pitch mix and is excellent at generating groundballs, so he could outperform expectations, though he has yet to pitch above Double-A Binghamton. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3
Garrett Richards, Padres: Richards hurled only 8.2 major-league frames last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in July 2018, but he is not expected to have any innings restrictions during this truncated season. The extra time off should allow Richards to be close to his former self, which might not have been the case in April. Richards should pitch in the middle of the San Diego rotation, racking up a decent number of strikeouts offset by a healthy number of walks. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Josh Tomlin, Braves: Tomlin could get a start early in the season if Cole Hamels (shoulder) is not ready, which looks to be the case. Hamels has not thrown the last week-plus after experiencing triceps tendinitis, which he said is similar to what he normal experiences during spring training. But with the season starting Thursday, Hamels is unlikely to be ready Opening Day or even shortly thereafter. Tomlin, who was added to the Atlanta's roster Saturday, is set to serve as the Braves' long relief man, but he has plenty of starting experience from his days in Cleveland, and is more stretched out than some of Atlanta's other options. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4
RELIEF PITCHER
Dellin Betances, Mets – Betances' velocity is not consistently back to the upper-90s, pitching mainly in the 92-93 range, but he did hit 97 Saturday while pitching on back-to-back days. The belief is that the fastball velo should continue to tick up before the season opens. In addition, Betances is fully healthy, after missing all but two-thirds of an innings last season due to surgery to a remove a bone spur in his shoulder and then a torn Achilles. He is not expected to close, but if he comes close to his prior form, should provide solid value. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Archie Bradley, Diamondbacks: Bradley is expected to open 2020 where he closed 2019, as Arizona's closer. He took over the role partly through last season, leading the club with 18 saves while establishing a career high in strikeout rate. Bradley has extreme splits, struggling versus lefties, so he could cede some opportunities to Andrew Chafin or possibly Hector Rondon or Kevin Ginkel. But Bradley still should be a solid option as a second closer in your leagues. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18
Kyle Crick, Pirates: Crick is the favorite to close if Keone Kela (undisclosed) is unavailable to begin the season, but manager Derek Shelton said last week he plans to mix and match in save opportunities. Richard Rodriguez and Nick Burdi could also factor into the mix if Kela remains sidelined, but Crick is the one to own. Crick recorded 17 holds and had a 2.39 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 2018, but he struggled last season with a 4.96 ERA in 52 outings, as his walk and HR:IP ratios spiked with the new ball. Presuming he is better able to adjust this year; Crick should open the season as the closer and shift back to a high-leverage role when Kela returns. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Trevor Gott, Giants: Gott is expected to be a factor in high-leverage, late-inning situations in 2020 for San Francisco. He is likely behind Tony Watson and Tyler Rogers but does have ninth-inning experience and struck out 57 batters in 52 innings. Gott could be used as a multi-inning reliever, giving him value, as he could be a solid source of counting stats. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4
Ryan Helsley, Cardinals: Helsley was the first name Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak mentioned last week as a potential closing candidate to begin the season in the event Giovanny Gallegos (non-injury related) wasn't ready to go for Opening Day and Jordan Hicks (elbow) opening the year on the injured list. Helsley's numbers from 2019 weren't exceptional (2.95 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 7.9 K/9 in 36.2 innings), but the Cardinals were encouraged by the strides he made during the spring and seemingly have him earmarked for a key role out of the bullpen in his second MLB season. In addition to Helsley, Carlos Martinez, who is penciled into the fifth starter spot over Kwang-Hyun Kim, could also enter the mix for saves along with John Gant and Andrew Miller if Gallegos, who was throwing while away from the team, isn't available, 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (based on presumption Gallegos is out for some time)
Seth Lugo, Mets: Lugo, who posted 21 holds and six saves last year while filling a key role out of the late-inning bullpen for the Mets, could be the pitcher the team calls on most early in the season if any starters are on limited pitch counts. New York is reluctant to use Lugo on back-to-back nights due to his elbow, but can stretch him out for longer outings several times a week. If this the direction new manager Luis Rojas utilizes, Lugo could post more strikeouts than originally projected while also serving as a prime candidate to vulture wins during the shortened campaign. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
CATCHER
Joey Bart/Rob Brantly/Tyler Heineman/Chadwick Tromp, Giants: With Buster Posey opting out of the 2020 season last week, as he and his wife adopted twins, a big hole is left behind the plate for San Francisco. Early in camp, Heinemann has emerged the frontrunner over Brantly and Tromp. Manager Gabe Kapler said after Posey opted out that Bart is unlikely to serve as the Giants' primary catcher to begin the 2020 season. It's possible he gets a chance later this season, but Kapler's statement reduces Bart's value substantially in single-year leagues. Brantly (on a minor-league deal) and Tromp could both make the roster with Aramis Garcia (hip) out until mid-August while Bart gets assigned to the minor-league camp, Bart - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (bid mainly for keeper leagues, likely to be upped substantially); Brantly/Tromp - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Heineman - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Victor Caratini, Cubs: Caratini will be Yu Darvish's personal catcher, giving him at least 1-2 games per week. In addition, as I wrote earlier this year, Chicago most likely will use Kyle Schwarber as the team's DH, supplemented by Ian Happ and others. But the use of a DH will allow the Cubs to keep Willson Contreras' bat in the lineup, plugging Caratini behind the plate even beyond when he catches Darvish. Caratini has shown he can be effective and utilized at other positions, especially first base. In addition, the potentially compressed schedule will necessitate increased use of backup catchers; with the Cubs not suffering a precipitous drop off in production by using Caratini. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Andrew Knizner, Cardinals: Knizner has made a strong case in camp to serve as a bat off the bench and potential third catcher for St. Louis during the regular season. In addition, Knizner could also be available for home games in a pinch-hit capacity or in-game replacement and as a bullpen catcher to warm up relievers, adding to his value on a 30-man roster. Additionally, the advanced age of Yadier Molina and Matt Wieters, the two backstops ahead of him on the depth chart, could also help lead to the occasional spot start for Knizner, who slashed .226/.293/.377 during his first taste of big-league action last season but also put together an impressive body of work as a hitter during his six minor-league stops. He has been tapped as the successor to Molina in St. Louis, though the shortened campaign could delay that transition. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2
Luis Torrens, Padres: Torrens might break camp as the Friars' third catcher, though that is not set in stone. There are multiple factors that will determine whether San Diego chooses to carry three catchers on its initial 30-man squad, not the least of which is the possibility of Francisco Mejia logging time as designated hitter. Should the Padres choose to use Mejia in that role, Torrens, who raked at Double-A Amarillo last season, though has not yet played at Triple-A El Paso, has a much more direct path to breaking camp with the big-league club. In addition, Austin Hedges is in a battle to make the team, impacting Torrens' role and potential playing time. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2
Daulton Varsho, Diamondbacks: Varsho, drafted in 2017, is on the D-Backs 60-man roster and stands a very good chance of breaking camp with the big-league club. Manager Torey Lovullo said last week there's a chance Varsho, a catcher by trade, sees some innings in center field after playing left field in an intra-squad game last week. Varsho, who is behind Carson Kelly and Stephen Vogt at catcher will rotate in at his natural position during camp, is expected to make his major league debut in 2020. He logged 18 homers and 21 steals at the Double-A level in 2019 and has five-tool potential. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
FIRST BASE
Garrett Cooper, Marlins: Cooper was slated to split time in right field with Matt Joyce when the plug was pulled on spring training. Injuries bookended Cooper's season last year, but when healthy, he posted solid numbers. Miami could look to play younger options at the position, though the pandemic-impacted condensed schedule might change that view. Cooper could wind up as the Marlins' primary designated hitter this season, though it's possible that Cooper will see time at first base, with Jesus Aguilar at DH, though Lewin Diaz will be in the first base mix, or at designated hitter. Look for Miami to find ways to get Cooper's bat in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Howie Kendrick, Nationals: Kendrick was brilliant last season for Washington, slashing .344/.395/.572 with 17 home runs while driving in 62 runs in 370 plate appearances. He signed a one-year $6.25 million contract to return to the Nationals last December. The Nationals added Asdrubal Cabrera and have Carter Kieboom ready, which was to cut into Kendrick's playing time. But Ryan Zimmerman opting out due to family concerns and the addition of the DH should afford Kendrick almost daily playing time despite his late arrival to camp. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14
Edwin Rios, Dodgers: Rios is challenging for a spot on the Dodgers 30-man roster, aided by the presence of the designated hitter and expanded rosters. He has helped his case with an impressive showing in intrasquad competition, launching three home runs and exhibiting improved defense at third base. This performance comes on the heels of a solid short stint in the majors last season and several strong campaigns in the minors. Rios should see most of the playing time he receives at first base or DH. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
SECOND BASE
Robinson Cano, Mets: Cano missed the opening of camp due to personal reasons but has rejoined the Mets. He may need a bit of time to get game ready, potentially resulting in a slow start. Cano's numbers across the board fell last season, as injuries and ineffectiveness limited him to just 423 plate appearances. One silver lining in that poor season is that his ancillary starts stayed somewhat static, including hard-hit rate and exit velocity, providing a semblance of hope for a rebound. The Mets and GM Brodie Van Wagenen will give Cano every chance to show he can still be productive at the plate. If that fails to happen, Jeff McNeil could move to second, leaving third base for J.D. Davis with Yoenis Cespedes in left field. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Jason Kipnis, Cubs: Kipnis, profiled in late May, gets another mention as his contract was selected by the Cubs on Friday. He spent the first nine years of his career with Cleveland, who declined his 2020 option. Chicago signed the veteran second baseman to a minor-league deal, which included a spring training invite, in February. Kipnis, who hit .245/.304/.410 with 17 home runs in 2019, was one of four players in the mix to start at second base. Nico Hoerner is the favorite to open the season as the starter, but Kipnis is in the mix to see at bats as the DH. He faces somewhat of an uphill battle as Kyle Schwarber, Ian Happ and Steven Souza also are in the mix. Starting one at DH frees up a spot in the crowded Cubs outfield and allows strong defenders like Albert Almora and Jason Heyward to patrol the field. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3
Chris Owings, Rockies: In leagues that play with 10-game eligibility, Owings has added value. He qualifies at second, third, short and outfield in those formats. Owings' playing time has declined each of the last four seasons but versatility and strong spring performance helped earn him a roster spot with Colorado, partially due to expanded rosters. Owings is likely to see minimal action as a utility player. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3
THIRD BASE
David Bote, Cubs: Bote is a speculative add in case Anthony Rizzo's back woes keep him on the bench to start the season. If that occurs, Kris Bryant could move across the diamond with Bote, who qualifies at second and third base, manning the hot corner. Chicago also could use Victor Caratini or Ian Happ at first. But Bote's defensive versatility should allow him to at-bats at several positions. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Asdrubal Cabrera/Carter Kieboom, Nationals: Cabrera, profiled way back in the first column of the year, gets another mention this week. All signs appeared to point to Kieboom stepping in as the full-time starter at third base. Manager Dave Martinez threw cold water on that presumption, though, saying Saturday that both players will see time at the hot corner. Cabrera finished 2019 with the Nationals, producing substantially more than was anticipated when he joined the squad, hitting .323/.404/.565 with six home runs and 40 RBI over 38 games. He signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with Washington in January and entered spring training battling for playing time at second base with Starlin Castro. He also had a shot to start at third base following Anthony Rendon's departure if Kieboom, who struggled in his first exposure to major league pitching, wasn't ready to handle a starting role in the majors. Both players had rough springs, but Cabrera's 13-season track record in the majors and .969 OPS in 38 games for the Nats at the end of last season carries weight, while Kieboom's brilliant numbers in the PCL last season. If Asdrubal gets on a roll, he can run with the job in this shortened season, but if picking one, I am still high on Kieboom. Cabrera - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Kieboom - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Ke'Bryan Hayes/Colin Moran, Pirates: Moran, profiled a few weeks, will open the season as the Bucs' fifth-place hitter and starting third sacker, but as I said then, how long he retains the job is up in the air. Hayes is far superior defensively with a better eye at the plate but the jury is out on just how must power he will generate. In addition, he has yet to participate in camp and, as we noted in our recent update, since Pittsburgh maintains six years of control with Hayes if it keeps him off the major-league roster for six days during the regular season, it remains doubtful that the 23-year-old becomes the Pirates' starting third baseman early in his 2020 campaign. Moran, acquired from Houston in the Gerrit Cole deal, isn't a big power bat at the hot corner, so it's only a matter of time before a change is made. But to start the year, in addition to seeing regular at-bats against righties, Moran is expected to expand his role against left-handed pitching. Hayes - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Moran - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
Neil Walker, Phillies: Walker beat out Logan Forsythe to make the Phillies' Opening Day roster. As a switch hitter who can play both infield and outfield (Walker started games at first, second, third and left field this spring), he appears to be the perfect extra player for NL rosters due to his flexibility. Walker's defense has declined recently, but the bat is still mildly potent, which might allow him to see some starts at DH along with spot duty as the aforementioned positions. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3
SHORTSTOP
Jon Berti, Marlins: Berti, who provided production across the board after his promotion last season could play five or six times a week as the Marlins' super-utility player during the compacted schedule. In 73 games, he slashed .273/.348/.406 with six home runs, 17 steals and 52 runs scored while seeing playing time at third, short, left, center and right field. Speed has always been his primary weapon with 270 steals in his nine-year, minor-league career, and with steals difficult to find and maybe more prominent in the shortened season, Berti has an uptick in value. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $17 (speed)
OUTFIELD
Shogo Akiyama/Nick Senzel, Reds: Akiyama, set to begin his first season in the U.S., figures to be one of the beneficiaries, along with Phillip Ervin, Senzel and Jesse Winker, of the Universal DH. Those four players were battling for playing time at two outfield spots. The addition of another spot in the batting order affords each of the three additional playing time. Akiyama, a five-time NPB All-Star, signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Reds in January and will play the two corner spots with Senzel, covered last week and now fully healthy after an ankle injury to start 2019 and September shoulder surgery, starting almost daily in center field, prompting his mention this week. He makes solid contact and draws walks, which should result in Akiyama leading off vs. RHP at a minimum and benefitting from the solid batting order behind him. Akiyama - 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14; Senzel - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16
Socrates Brito/Guillermo Heredia/Jose Osuna, Pirates: Gregory Polanco is out with COVID-19, leaving a major hole in the outfield and lineup for the Bucs. If Polanco is out, Brito and Heredia both figure to make the team while Adam Frazier and Jose Osuna also will be in the mix for playing time in right field. Heredia, who started in right field in Pittsburgh's exhibition game Saturday, looked likely to break camp as the Pirates' fourth outfielder despite a poor spring. He has historically fared better against right-handed pitching (.274/.335/.401) than lefties (.212/.303/.293), which could be his role to start the season. Brito has struggled in the majors but posted solid numbers in the minors. He has bounced around the last few seasons and looks to be depth for Pittsburgh. Osuna, to me, is the favorite to step into Polanco's shoes with Frazier an outside possibility, as Kevin Newman could play second if that occurs. In addition, Osuna is team's best defender at first base and should see more action with the addition of the designated hitter. Brito - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Heredia - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5; Osuna - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Jay Bruce, Phillies: Bruce is expected to be the Phillies' primary designated hitter, at least against righties. When spring training began, Bruce was slated to start in left field with Andrew McCutchen still on the mend from his torn ACL. The delay to the start of the season has allowed Cutch to be ready when the games resume. It looked like Bruce's value took a major tumble, but the consistent at-bats versus righties restores much of that value. Bruce - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14
Kole Calhoun, Diamondbacks: Calhoun, signed by Arizona to a two-year contract this offseason, missed the few days of camp due to COVID-19, putting Opening Day in doubt. But he returned last Monday and should be in his starting right field spot when the bell rings. Calhoun hit a career-high 33 home runs, aided by a change in launch angle and pull rate, and should benefit from playing half his games in Arizona while adjusting to the National League. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16
Dylan Carlson/Austin Dean/Tyler O'Neill/ Lane Thomas, Cardinals: Hey look, it's another O'Neill update. His inclusion in this week's column is because O'Neil is expected to begin the season as the Cardinals' starting left fielder. How long he keeps the job with the current presence of Lane Thomas, who was on his heels as camp began, and future pressure by Dylan Carlson, who is likely to begin the regular season with a Triple-A designation as a procedural move; service-time rules in place for 2020 dictate a team could gain an extra year of control if a player spends at least seven days assigned to a minor-league team in the organization. But look for Carlson to be on the 30-man roster after potentially after that week passes. Injuries impacted O'Neill's 2019 campaign, limiting him to 60 games, while his propensity for striking out could land him back in a reserve role. Thomas should still see a healthy amount of playing time and the one to own very likely will be Carlson. The Universal DH should allow Carlson to see a healthy number of at-bats when on the parent club with Matt Carpenter manning that spot and Tommy Edman at the hot corner, creating room for Carlson in the outfield. In addition, because the Cardinals outfield isn't crowded enough, Dean, who was in Miami last season, has had a strong camp and in the mix for some playing time. Carlson - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14; Dean. - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4; O'Neill - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Thomas - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Yoenis Cespedes, Mets: Cespedes is mentioned again as he was to appear in both exhibition games against the Yankees this weekend, once as the designated hitter and once in left field. He has had no setbacks in camp, progressing to running the bases at full speed while playing the outfield. The implementation of universal DH in 2020 and late start of the season have added to the likelihood of Cespedes providing positive value for his owners and the Mets. Add pending free agency and the desire to cash in on the open market and you should have a motivated Yo, though Dominic Smith, Robinson Cano and J.D. Davis should also factor in the DH mix. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (upper bid from prior)
Alex Dickerson, Giants: Dickerson's last full season was 2016, as injuries continue to impact his ability to stay on the field. Productive when in the lineup, Dickerson did not play at any level in 2017 or 2018 as he had back surgery followed by Tommy John surgery. He also missed time in 2019 with oblique issues, but was solid enough after his trade to the Giants to convince San Francisco to sign him to a one-year deal. Dickerson was raking when spring training was cut short, posting a .320/.346/.640 batting line with three doubles, a triple and a home run in 10 games. He is fully healthy and should fill a regular role in the heart of the Giants' lineup against right-handed pitching. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14
Jarrod Dyson, Pirates: Speed kills, or so we have been told. Dyson won't help your batting average, power or runs drive in, and if he bats eighth or ninth, as may well be the case this season, his runs scored will be lowered than originally projected. Despite all these negatives, Dyson still should provide decent value because he has stolen at least 26 bases seven of the last eight seasons. Pittsburgh dealt Starling Marte and both Bryan Reynolds and Gregory Polanco are not really suited to man center field regularly, leaving Dyson as pretty much the sole option for that position. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (solely for stolen bases)
Phillip Ervin, Reds: Ervin is viewed as a near-lock to be part of the Reds' 30-man Opening Day roster. Aristides Aquino is training at the Reds' secondary complex cementing Ervin's spot. Ervin is a righty while Cincinnati's primary other outfielders are lefties, aiding Ervin's chances at seeing playing time, at least against southpaws, who he torched last season. Look for him to see time at all three outfield spots and possibly at DH. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4
Monte Harrison/Harold Ramirez, Marlins: Harrison and Ramirez could open the season platooning in right field for Miami. Harrison, profiled last week, had a big spring training — he batted .364/.481/.500 with zero home runs, six steals and a 7:5 K:BB in 27 plate appearances — but was slated to begin the season at Triple-A Wichita. However, following baseball's three-plus-month hiatus, the cancellation of the minor-league season and the implementation of a 60-man roster pool, he entered last week with a realistic chance to make an impact for the Marlins in 2020, impressing since Summer Camp 2.0 opened, increasing his chances of beginning the season as Miami's starting right fielder. Neither Matt Joyce nor Lewis Brinson has made an appearance in camp yet, and if they remain unavailable through Opening Day or simply aren't ready due to a delayed start to camp, Harrison likely would only need to beat out Ramirez to claim the job, making him a bit of an under-the-radar sleeper in leagues. Ramirez had a surprisingly solid rookie campaign, hitting .276/.312/.416 across 446 plate appearances (119 games). But he has minimal power, which could open the door for Harrison, who has plus speed and raw power, at least initially. Harrison - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Ramirez - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Sam Hilliard/Matt Kemp/Raimel Tapia, Rockies: I ran this two weeks ago but including this again so that the bids are noted. Ian Desmond has opted out of playing this season due to family concerns related to COVID. Hilliard and Tapia, who both were in the left field mix, get a mild bump, as Desmond was only expected to play vs. southpaws. Hilliard entered the spring penciled in for a starting outfield spot in Colorado. Unfortunately, he hit .176 with two home runs, three doubles, 12 strikeouts and two walks in 36 plate appearances this spring, likely costing him that role. Hilliard, a 15th-round pick of Wichita State in 2015, the year he moved from pitching to the outfield, posted a monster line last season at Triple-A Albuquerque with 35 home runs, 101 runs batted in, 22 stolen bases and 109 runs scored in 126 games. He carried that fine performance with him to the majors, notching seven home runs, 13 runs batted in, two stolen bases and 13 runs scored in 27 games with the Rockies. Hilliard might start the year on the bench, creating a buying opportunity in leagues that are drafting when baseball finally resumes. Tapia spent the offseason trying to bulk up, and reportedly came into camp with 15-20 pounds of extra muscle. He put that to good use by hitting .355/.394/.613 across 33 plate appearances in Cactus League action. In terms of pecking order, Tapia is ahead of Hilliard with Kemp, who signed a minor-league deal with the Rockies and was added to the roster this weekend, possibly taking on the role Desmond was to have against lefties while also potentially seeing time at DH. Hilliard - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Kemp - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Tapia - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Ender Inciarte, Braves: Inciarte is set to start in center field, at least against righties, to begin the season. Nick Markakis opting out created a hole in the outfield that was to be filled by Yasiel Puig, but Puig testing positive for COVID-19 and will not join the Braves, at least for now. Marcell Ozuna is the top candidate to serve as the Braves' designated hitter this season with Adam Duvall, Johan Camargo and Austin Riley possible options in left field. Ronald Acuna could play center against lefties with one of those players just mentioned possibly seeing time in right, at least until/if Puig is signed. For his career, Inciarte, historically a second half player, has hit .289 against righties compared to a .275 mark against lefties, so it is possible he earns time against southpaws. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (stolen base potential)
Jon Jay/Josh Rojas/Trayce Thompson, Diamondbacks: Jay, signed to a minor-league deal this past February, was informed Saturday that he will break Summer Camp with the Diamondbacks. He can play all three outfield positions and became a favorite of manager Torey Lovullo during his half-year stint with the Diamondbacks in 2018. Rojas, who saw time at second base and shortstop this spring, makes a perfect back-end roster filler in NL-only leagues. He came to Arizona from Houston as part of the haul for Zack Greinke with a power-speed combination, which he displayed signs of in the majors. That flexibility and upside coupled with the use of the DH adds to Rojas' value. Thompson was a longshot to make the team initially, but now could be on the 30-man roster to break camp, though his spot will tenuous as the roster is decreased to 26 the following two weeks. Jay - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Rojas - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Thompson - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0
Andrew McCutchen, Phillies: Covered earlier in the season, Cutch benefits from the delayed start to the season. McCutchen signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Phillies in December of 2018 with the deal including a $15 million team option for 2022. In 59 games, McCutchen hit .256/.378/.457 with 10 homers and 45 runs scored, benefitting from the new home park. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in early June, requiring season-ending surgery. McCutchen likely would have missed the first month of the season, but he will be ready to lead off for the Phillies when the season gets underway. Owners who bought cheap, like Todd Zola, who paid $8 for him in the RotoWire Staff League, will reap the benefits of a "full" campaign from McCutchen. 12-team Mixed: $7, 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22
Josh Naylor/Edward Olivares, Padres: San Diego cleared some of their outfield backlog by dealing Franchy Cordero and Ronald Bolanos to the Royals for Tim Hill. Part of the rationale in making the trade was to create room and playing time for Oliveras, who had a strong spring and continues to open eyes. Naylor, originally selected by Miami, is better served to manning first base, but Eric Hosmer is locked at the position with Wil Myers also possibly in the mix. The Padres tried Naylor in left field, but it's pretty clear he is ill-suited for playing the outfield. One potential option is to start Myers in right, then platoon the right-handed-hitting Oliveras and the left-handed-hitting Naylor at DH. But San Diego also has Tommy Pham and Trent Grisham who need to receive consistent playing time, impacting Olivares and Naylor's ability to see consistent at bats, though if choosing between the two, grab Olivares, as he has more upside, while Naylor's is less than secure. Naylor - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4; Oliveras - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9
