MLB FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

This FAAB article is in addition to the AL and NL FAAB articles that run Sunday. Bids are based on a $100 FAAB budget. Throughout the season, this column will have two goals:

1. Identify FAAB targets for fantasy managers in leagues with Thursday FAAB.

2. Offer a preview of FAAB targets ahead of Sunday's columns.

After the first week of the regular season, several injuries and usage patterns have created the need to search the waiver wire for viable fantasy contributors.

Starting Pitcher

Matt Shoemaker, Twins: Shoemaker wasn't named a starter until just before the regular season because of a somewhat shaky performance this spring. However, he won his season debut while allowing one run and striking out five in six innings. Health has been a concern for the right-hander in recent seasons, as he's made just 18 starts the last three years due to various injuries. However, Shoemaker could be a strong fantasy contributor in 2021 if he remains on the field. FAAB: $5

Jake Arrieta, Cubs: Arrieta posted a quality start in his first outing of the season and allowed just one run while striking out five in six innings. The 35-year-old was quite inconsistent in his three years with the Phillies, and his strikeout rate has steadily decreased the last five seasons. However, Arrieta is a prominent member of Chicago's rotation this year and could provide fantasy value if he can return to form in 2021. FAAB: $4

Carlos Rodon, White Sox: Rodon earned the No. 5 starter job by allowing just two runs while striking out 16 in 13.2 innings this spring. The southpaw was dominant in his season debut, as he allowed two hits and three walks while striking out nine in five scoreless innings for the win. He could be in line for more this year thanks to Chicago's potent lineup. Rodon posted a 5.74 ERA the last two seasons but appears to be on the right track to begin 2021. FAAB: $4

Relief Pitcher

Julian Merryweather, Blue Jays: While Jordan Romano appeared to be in line to serve as Toronto's closer to begin the year with Kirby Yates out for the season, Merryweather has picked up both of the saves for the Blue Jays in the first week of 2021. The right-hander has earned confidence by tossing two clean innings while striking out five in his pair of relief appearances. Merryweather might not yet be ready to pitch on back-to-back days, but he appears to have a  high-leverage role for Toronto. FAAB: $12

Cesar Valdez, Orioles: The Orioles' ninth-inning duties were also in flux to begin the regular season, but Valdez has pitched in high-leverage situations while Tanner Scott has mainly worked as a setup man. Valdez earned saves in each of his first two appearances even though he allowed three baserunners in two innings. The right-hander has yet to give up an earned run in 4.1 innings and appears to be the clear-cut closer to begin the year. FAAB: $11

Jake Diekman/Sergio Romo/J.B. Wendelken, Athletics: Trevor Rosenthal was slated to be one of the top closers this season, but he's been dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome and could require surgery that would keep him out several months. As a result, the ninth inning in Oakland is wide open, but it's still not yet clear which pitcher will serve as the primary closer. The Athletics haven't yet been in a save scenario, and manager Bob Melvin has yet to name a closer. Diekman could be the favorite given his 36.8 percent strikeout rate in 2020, but he gave up three runs (two earned) in two-thirds of an inning in his first outing of the year. Until Oakland gets into some save situations, fantasy managers should proceed with caution before committing to one of the three options. Diekman, FAAB: $2; Romo/Wendelken, FAAB: $1

Catcher

Omar Narvaez, Brewers: Narvaez hit just .176 in 40 games during his first season with the Brewers in 2020, but he's started hot to begin the 2021 campaign. The 29-year-old recorded hits in each of his first four games with two home runs and five RBIs. Narvaez has already matched his home run total from last season and has had a good start at one of the weakest fantasy positions. FAAB: $2

First Base

Nate Lowe, Rangers: Lowe was dealt from the Rays to the Rangers during the offseason and has had a consistent role with his new team to begin this season. The 25-year-old has been quite effective at producing runs this year, as he recorded 14 RBIs in his first five games, which has already outpaced his total across 21 games in 2020. Lowe should continue to see considerable playing time in the middle of the order this year. FAAB: $4

Mark Canha, Athletics: Canha doesn't profile as a typical leadoff hitter, but he's hit at the top of the order in each of the first seven games of the year. He's performed relatively well in his new role and has hit .222 with three extra-base hits and six runs. While the 32-year-old has only recorded one RBI in 2021, he displays modest power and should have plenty of chances to cross the plate as long as he remains at the top of Oakland's lineup. FAAB: $4

Second Base

Jonathan India, Reds: India has started at second base while hitting in the bottom third of the order to begin his major league career. He recorded hits in each of his first six games with a triple, 10 RBIs and four runs. The 24-year-old has been a key contributor for Cincinnati early in the season and should continue to see consistent plate appearances in the near future. FAAB: $10

Chris Owings, Rockies: Owings has been quite inconsistent to begin the year, as he's gone hitless in three of the first six games. However, he's also had multi-hit performances in two of the first six games and has recorded five extra-base hits, five runs, three RBIs and two stolen bases this season. He only had five home runs, 19 RBIs and six stolen bases in 84 games in the last two seasons but has been productive to begin his time in Colorado. He left Wednesday's game with right leg soreness but could be worth rostering in deeper leagues as long as his injury isn't serious. FAAB: $1

Third Base

Ryan McMahon, Rockies: McMahon already carried some fantasy value due to his eligibility at multiple positions and playing his home games at hitter-friendly Coors Field. He then had a career game against Arizona on Tuesday by hitting three home runs and a double during the team's loss in extra innings. The 26-year-old should continue to see regular at-bats even when Brendan Rodgers returns from his hamstring injury, and he's already recorded six extra-base hits in his first five games of the season. FAAB: $5

Evan Longoria, Giants: Longoria has started hot this season after batting .250/.302/.425 while averaging 14.3 home runs and 50.3 RBIs per season in his first three years with the Giants. The 35-year-old has hit three home runs and a double with five RBIs in the first six games of the 2021 campaign. While Longoria has had lackluster results the last three seasons, fantasy managers could ride his hot bat if they're in need of help at third base to begin the year. FAAB: $1

Shortstop

Ha-Seong Kim, Padres: Kim was a KBO star the last several seasons but didn't appear to have a regular role heading into this season. However, he should be the primary shortstop while Fernando Tatis is sidelined with a shoulder injury. It's not yet clear how much time Tatis will miss, but Kim will get a chance to prove himself with the Padres after he hit .306 with 30 home runs and 23 steals in Korea in 2020. FAAB: $4

Outfield

Garrett Hampson, Rockies: Hampson has played outfield and second base to begin the year and should see regular playing time throughout the season due to his defensive versatility. He recorded hits in each of the last four games, and he had a strong performance with three runs, two RBIs and three stolen bases against Arizona on Wednesday. The 26-year-old has hit just 13 home runs the last two seasons, but he could provide some fantasy value if he remains aggressive on the basepaths. FAAB: $3

Michael Taylor, Royals: Taylor homered in each of the first two games of the season and has put together a five-game hitting streak to begin his time with the Royals. The 30-year-old had less than 100 plate appearances in each of his final two seasons with the Nationals, but he's had a spot in the lineup for each of his first five games with his new club. Taylor should have a better chance to develop a consistent rhythm in Kansas City this season. FAAB: $2

Akil Baddoo, Tigers: Baddoo earned a spot on Detroit's major league roster and has made a case for more consistent at-bats by hitting two home runs and a triple with seven RBIs in his first 11 plate appearances. The 22-year-old's strong spring performance has carried into the regular season, and he could carve out a role in the majors if he continues to perform at a high level. FAAB: $2

Designated Hitter

Yermin Mercedes, White Sox: Mercedes had an electric start to the year and went 8-for-8 with a home run, one double and six RBIs to begin the season. He recorded hits in each of his first five games of 2021, including four extra-base hits. Mercedes' fantasy availability is limited to a utility role, but he's made the case for a regular spot in Chicago's lineup, even with Andrew Vaughn available as another potential option at designated hitter. FAAB: $7