FAAB Week 21: Empty Those Pockets

Hello out there, Razzballers!

How are those FAAB budgets looking? I hope they are starting to get thin because we are lining up for just six weeks of fantasy action left. In those head-to-head leagues, the battle for playoff positioning is raging while roto league standings continue to be tight with a handful of homers, wins, or saves able to swing things quickly.

Now is the time to empty those coffers if you have any budget left as bullpen roles have (mostly) solidified post-trade deadline. Plus, the well of callups is likely dry as it was fun to see Junior Caminero and Zebby Matthews arrive, but now we are left with less impactful players like Jace Jung and Trey Sweeney to debut down the stretch.

With all of those factors in mind, these FAAB suggestions are working best to thread the needle of what might be left to bid and what it will take to win those bids. This time of season is always a little chaotic in bidding as there’s a reasonable amount to offer for Lucas Erceg or Seranthony Dominguez, but there’s a high likelihood a lurking league mate desperate for saves and 60% of their budget left exists.

So when making bids this weekend, take a quick scan of the standings and the league’s remaining FAAB budgets to see what bidding battles might arise. And then empty out what you’ve got left because despite it being late in the season, there’s still league-swinging talent available. If you need any tailored advice on bids you might be debating this weekend, chat me up in the comments. Good luck out there friendos!

The stats and ownership percentages below are updated as of noon central time on 8/16.

As always, if you want advice on specific roster decisions you might have, feel free to leave a comment. You can also find me on twitter (X) (@mcouill7) and bluesky (@mcouill7.bsky.social).

CATCHERS

10/12 Team Adds

Austin Wells (NYY, 47% CBS Ownership) – There’s a chance that Wells is still hanging out on a shallow league waiver wire, as I use 50% ownership as a rule of thumb for analysis here. He clocked another top 10 week in our Last 7 Day Player Rater and now boasts a .312/.398/.532 slash line with six homers, 13 runs, and 23 RBI in 129 PAs since July 1. With the Yankees having a six-game slate of all home games, including three against Colorado, this upcoming week, there isn’t a league out there that is too shallow for Wells. Yes, even for you absolute sickos in a two-team, catcher-only league… I know you exist somewhere. (5-7% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Ben Rice (C/1B, NYY, 45% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Travis d’Arnaud (ATL, 30% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Elias Diaz (COL, 28% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Keibert Ruiz (WSN, 27% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Joey Bart (PIT, 24% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Kyle Higashioka (SDP, 8% CBS Ownership) – Getting tired of me blurbing about Higashioka every week? Yeah, me too. Until our boy Kyle drops off the positive values for catchers in the Last 30 Days Player Rater, expect him and his low, low ownership rates to be a permanent fixture here (psst… he may never drop back into negative value on that Rater…). It’s kind of ridiculous that Luis Campusano is still more highly rostered than Higashioka considering the erstwhile Yankee is outstripping Luis in plate appearances since the All-Star break (54 to 35) as there is no doubt about Kyle being the #1 catcher in San Diego. (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Adrian Del Castillo (ARI, 17% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Alejandro Kirk (TOR, 14% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Freddy Fermin (KCR, 11% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ben Rortvedt (TBR, 4% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Miguel Amaya (CHC, 2% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)

INFIELDERS

10/12 Team Adds

Isiah Kiner-Falefa (2B/3B/SS/OF, PIT, 29% CBS Ownership) – In one of those positions where a handful of late-season steals can add much needed roto points? Look no further than IKF for assistance as he’s been playing at the keystone regularly since arriving in Pittsburgh thanks to Nick Gonzales’ injury, including batting leadoff five times. He’s picked up three steals since arriving in Steely City with a  deadline move and is poised to continue picking up about a steal a week while having the positional flexibility to fit on any roster. (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Juan Yepez (1B/OF, WSN, 46% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Zack Gelof (2B, OAK, 47% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Nolan Schanuel (1B, LAA, 44% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Matt Vierling (3B/OF, DET, 41% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Joey Ortiz (2B/3B, MIL, 36% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Gavin Lux (2B, LAD, 34% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Brendan Rodgers (2B, COL, 29% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Spencer Horwitz (1B/2B, TOR, 23% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Ernie Clement (3B/SS, TOR, 23% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jhonkensy Noel (1B/OF, CLE, 21% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Ty France (1B, CIN, 20% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Oswaldo Cabrera (1B/2B/3B/OF, NYY, 13% CBS Ownership) – Cabrera is easily the biggest benefactor of Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s left UCL injury. At this point, we still don’t know the full extent of Chisholm’s absence, which could lead to run of substantial playing time for the switch-hitting utility man in the Bronx. Cabrera should receive the lion’s share of playing time at the hot corner, and given his positional eligibilities, the nice upcoming week for the Yanks (see Wells, Austin above), and his .298/.340/.532 (144 wRC+) slash line since the break, he’s a major target this weekend no matter your team construction. (5-7% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Geraldo Perdomo (2B/SS, ARI, 20% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Zach Dezenzo (1B/3B, HOU, 17% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Jace Jung (DET, 2B, 15% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Whit Merrifield (ATL, 2B/3B/OF, 14% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Jose Iglesias (2B/3B/SS, NYM, 12% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Tyler Black (1B/3B, MIL, 12% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jonah Bride (1B/3B, MIA, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Brooks Baldwin (2B/3B/SS, CHW, 3% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Trey Sweeney (SS, DET, 3% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)

Only Team Adds

Otto Lopez (2B/3B, MIA, 3% CBS Ownership) – In August, Lopez might be hitting only .245 with one extra base knock (a lonely double) in 52 plate appearances, but the speed is there. He’s now 5-for-5 on steal attempts this month, providing roughly two swipes a week. Even more rough math — that’s equivalent to a 50-stolen base pace. (3-5% FAAB)

Bligh Madris (1B, DET, 1% CBS Ownership) – Madris continues to be the Tigers’ cold corner of choice down the stretch, Spencer Torkelson’s future be damned. The 28-year-old is slashing .300/.358/.400 with three doubles, a homer, eight runs scored, and five RBI since the All-Star break. (3-5% FAAB)

OUTFIELDERS

10/12 Team Adds

Jo Adell (LAA, 35% CBS Ownership) – Yo, Jo is keeping it up. Over 47 plate appearances in August, he’s slashed .279/.340/465 (125 wRC+) with an 8.5% BB-rate and 19.1% K-Rate. His season line is being sunk by a poor May and June during which he batted .142 but still popped a useful nine homers. Adell has been clocking in as roughly a $10 player for 12-teamers now in the Last 30 Days Player Rater and has no one nipping his heels for playing time. He’s going to produce one of the quietest 25/25 seasons the fantasy landscape has seen, and I’m hoping he’s still underrated at draft tables in 2025 because he’s really turned a corner of late. (5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Eloy Jimenez (DH, BAL, 49% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Brandon Marsh (PHI, 43% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Michael Conforto (SFG, 43% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Jacob Young (WSN, 36% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Harrison Bader (NYM, 29% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Victor Robles (SEA, 28% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Matt Wallner (MIN, 27% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC, 26% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jake Fraley (CIN, 23% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Justin-Henry Malloy (3B/OF, DET, 8% CBS Ownership) – Road trips can be tough on players, and generally, if you track my suggestions here, I lean towards favoring home stands (unless said player gets to visit Coors, obviously). The Tigers have a great setup approaching with a full week of road games but won’t have to move hotels because they have series in Chicago against both the Cubs and Sox. Especially given the state of the White Sox pitching staff, it could be a fantastic six games for Malloy, who’s settling in at the big league level and swinging a power bat.  (3% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Parker Meadows (DET, 20% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Charlie Blackmon (COL, 19% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Garrett Mitchell (MIL, 15% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jesus Sanchez (MIA, 15% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Luke Raley (1B/OF, SEA, 14% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Andrew McCutchen (PIT, 11% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Victor Scott (STL, 11% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Gavin Sheets (1B/OF, CHW, 7% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB)

Only Team Adds

Derek Hill (MIA, 1% CBS Ownership) – Itching for those steals in a super deep league? Look no further than Hill, who has been DFA-ed twice this season and now finds himself playing regularly with the Fish. In nine games with Miami, the 28-year-old has hit .258 (8-for-31) with a homer and three steals. He’s the best center fielder on the roster and looks primed for a full-time role with a .240-.250 average and a few steals every week. (7-9% FAAB)

Will Brennan (CLE, 3% CBS Ownership) – This time two weeks ago, Brennan looked like he would be stuck in Columbus rest-of-season after Lane Thomas was added at the deadline. Now, the former Kansas State Wildcat is hitting second in a division-leading lineup. He’s a solid bat that can hit .260 and pace for roughly 15/10 homers and steals over a full season in a strong-side platoon role. (7-9% FAAB)

STARTING PITCHERS

10/12 Team Adds

Zebby Matthews (MIN, 30% CBS Ownership) – Make sure to tune into this week’s Cards & Categories in which we discussed Zebby not only once but twice to give a full picture of how much we love him. The rookie righty is an intimidating presence on the mound with his 6’5” frame and mid-90’s fastball. However, his calling card is control as he issued just seven free passes against 114 walks in 97 minor league frames across three stops. Minnesota has developed a capability of pumping out young pitching with Matthews, Bailey Ober, David Festa, Simeon Woods Richardson, Louie Varland, and Griffin Jax plus others of late. I’m buying into whatever process the Twins FO is utilizing and being aggressive with Zebby bids because there’s a decent chance he’s a top 50 pitcher down the stretch. (7% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Tyler Mahle (TEX, 47% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Javier Assad (CHC, 46% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Cody Bradford (TEX, 40% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), David Peterson (NYM, 39% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Aaron Civale (MIL, 39% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ryne Nelson (ARI, 37% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), David Festa (MIN, 31% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Andrew Heaney (TEX, 31% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Luis Ortiz (PIT, 28% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Martin Perez (SDP, 28% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Bowden Francis (TOR, 22% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Jonathan Cannon (CHW, 11% CBS Ownership) – With Garrett Crochet taking a step back and throwing limited innings, Cannon has become the lone semi-bright spot on the Southside, pitching to a 3.34 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 29.2 innings in the second half. Yes, that has yielded just one win. And yes, it only came with only 16 Ks. But there aren’t many highly available two-start weeks better than Cannon lining up to pitch at San Francisco and against Detroit. The rookie has also been pitching well enough overall to warrant streams down the stretch as he’s developed a knack for being a league-average pitcher. (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Alex Cobb (CLE, 20% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Albert Suarez (BAL, 17% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Valente Bellozo (MIA, 8% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Louie Varland (MIN, 5% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)

Only Team Adds

Michael McGreevy (STL, 3% CBS Ownership) – Uh, the Cardinals know they are in a dogfight for a NL Wild Card spot and need to be winning, right? All McGreevy has done in Triple-A since a brilliant winning debut on July 31 is fire a 3.46 ERA with 12:1 K:BB across 13 innings. He was demoted August 1, so his return to St. Louis to help win ballgames again in some form or fashion feels inevitable. (3-5% FAAB)

Brant Hurter (DET, 1% CBS Ownership) – With our homie, former Tiger Tyler Alexander oddly being demoted to Triple-A Durham despite going 3-0 with a 1.26 ERA over 14.1 innings post-break in a bulk relief role, we require new blood here. Enter a new southpaw bulk guy in Hurter, who is now filling the role in Detroit as the Tigers scuffle to the finish line with the arms they have. Hurter features a groundball-forward profile anchored by a sinker and slider that rate as above-average in Stuff+. It all lines up to be a near perfect clone of Alexander that can produce decent Ks, an ERA in the low 4’s along with outsized shots at dubs due to the bulk role. (5% FAAB)

RELIEVERS

10/12 Team Adds

Justin Martinez (ARI, 49% CBS Ownership) – Martinez is the anointed closer in Arizona, collecting the last three saves. The strikeouts he offers are closer-level (28.8% K-rate), but the walks could come back to bite him as he has 12.1% BB-rate on the season, ballooning to 17.3% post-break. However, given that there are roughly six weeks left and Martinez is likely throwing a handful of innings every week, hopefully, the ratio damage will be limited down the stretch. Plus, you have to ride the hot hand here as the D-backs have a 94% chance of making the playoffs and have been on a tear of winning baseball lately. One consideration is that Martinez is better in a roto league than head-to-head because of that gnarly walk rate because there will be a blow up or two; it’s pretty much inevitable. (7-9% FAAB)

Lucas Erceg (KCR, 25% CBS Ownership) – My FAAB suggestions were a little wonky last week as Hunter Harvey was placed on the IL between my submission of this piece and its publishing. If I had incorporated that news, Erceg would have been a featured add and rewarded you with a save this past week. This is a talented reliever that should have every save opportunity to himself on a .545 win-percentage club. If you are in a dynasty league, Erceg is a significant target because he could be lining up to be the Royals’ closer for the next 3-4 years. (5-7% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Ben Joyce (LAA, 37% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Jason Foley (DET, 36% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Griffin Jax (MIN, 30% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), A.J. Puk (ARI, 21% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Michael Kopech (LAD, 24% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Seranthony Dominguez (BAL, 13% CBS Ownership) – Saves opportunities don’t get better than this in mid-August. Dominguez has pitched to a 3.45 ERA, 10.3 K/9, and 3.6 BB/9 over his six-year career and collected the last three saves in Baltimore as Craig Kimbrel fades down the stretch once again. If five saves can swing the roto standings substantially, there’s no better target than Dominguez, so be aggressive. (9-11% FAAB each)

QUICK HITS: Victor Vodnik (COL, 20% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), David Robertson (TEX, 18% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Yimi Garcia (SEA, 18% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Kevin Ginkel (ARI, 13% CBS Ownership 1% FAAB), Calvin Faucher (MIA, 9% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Tyler Holton (DET, 7% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Garrett Cleavinger (TBR, 5% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), John Brebbia (CHW, 3% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)