FAAB Week 21: About Dam Time For Beavers

A little behind the scenes of the creation of this weekly piece, I draft most of it Friday afternoon and then edit Saturday morning as needed. Accordingly, most of the prospect-related bids below were estimated before any official call up news (Saturday morning update: I was able to capture the callup of our favorite rodent-named Baltimore outfielder…), so keep that in mind. I’m expecting callups for those players in the next week and trying to find the discounts in this weekend’s FAAB runs before it’s official. Because once news of promotion breaks, the prices will shoot through the roof, doubling or tripling what I’ve laid out below (Saturday morning update again: As evidence, the initial bid amount for Dylan Beavers was 3-5% for 15-teamers, which is significantly higher now).

But that lines up pretty well anyways in terms of the fantasy baseball calendar. We are in the throes of the final stretch for our silly game, with roughly six weeks remaining. It’s time to blow out those remaining FAAB budgets. Any stats that might be accrued over the last month will be limited and not having the FAAB dollars to pick up hot streaks and new promotions isn’t likely going to decide roto standings substantially. Plus, if you need assistance with cheap, one-week or daily streamers, don’t forget about our Streamonator and Hittertron tools in addition to this piece.

Keep this in mind as one of the major FAAB outlays this weekend will be Bryan Abreu with Josh Hader’s shoulder injury sounding scarier every update. Abreu isn’t in my suggestions below because he had risen above the 50% CBS Rostership threshold for consideration already. But if the Houston reliever is available to you, feel free to blow all of your remaining budget on him because Hader doesn’t appear to be returning soon.

Alright, lots to cover this week. So gather up those last fists of FAAB dollars and get ready to light them on fire…

The stats and roster rates below are updated as of noon central time on 8/15.

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 BlueSky (@mcouill7.bsky.social).

CATCHERS

10/12 Team Adds

Samuel Basallo (BAL, 36% CBS Rostership) – Walks over to the local Catholic church, settles into the front pew, and unfurls the kneeler, pulling my best Charles Barkley impression. Dear god, you know I’ve run out of answers cause I’m here. Please, please, please compel Mike Elias to finally promote his best prospects. Basallo is slashing .274/.380/.598 (154 wRC+) with 23 taters in 316 Triple-A plate appearances this season; he needs to see some big-league action. Please god, I promise I’ll be better, just reach out to Mike Elias for me. I won’t even lose my shit the next time the Rockies have an extended stretch of home games. Please. (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Ryan Jeffers (MIN, 43% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Tyler Stephenson (CIN, 43% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Francisco Alvarez (NYM, 32% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Dillon Dingler (DET, 28% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Carlos Narvaez (BOS, 26% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Kyle Teel (CHW, 22% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Freddy Fermin (SDP, 4% CBS Rostership) – Fermin remains the top choice for catcher help in deeper leagues, as he’s hitting .355/.394/.484 in nine games since joining the Padres while fulfilling the number one backstop role. The 30-year-old (what – when did that happen?) has always swung a decent bat for a catcher and is making the most of his opportunity without Salvador Perez blocking him. (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Adrian Del Castillo (ARI, 7% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Edgar Quero (CHW, 10% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Liam Hicks (C/1B, MIA, 5% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Joe Mack (MIA, 2% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB)

INFIELDERS

10/12 Team Adds

Ryan Mountcastle (1B, BAL, 20% CBS Rostership) – Well, if Mike Elias won’t hear my desperate pleas, we should take advantage of the roster he’s currently constructed for us. Mountcastle has settled in as the everyday DH in his return from a gnarly hamstring injury that kept him out for two months. Coming off a great rehab stint (.387/.486/.806 in nine games), all systems are go for the former first-round pick. His return this week even included a steal of home, technically. Look for Mountcastle’s power bat to do its thing in the sweltering Baltimore heat over the final six weeks. (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Lenyn Sosa (1B/2B/3B, CHW, 43% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Tyler Freeman (2B/OF, COL, 34% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Colt Keith (1B/2B/3B, DET, 48% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Kyle Manzardo (1B, CLE, 45% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Kristian Campbell (2B/OF, BOS, 43% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), J.P. Crawford (SS SEA, 40% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Jake Burger (1B/3B, TEX, 37% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Jordan Lawlar (2B/SS, ARI, 35% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Coby Mayo (1B/3B, BAL, 29% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Travis Bazzana (2B, CLE, 27% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), JJ Wetherholt (SS, STL, 26% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Bryce Eldridge (1B, SFG, 24% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Romy Gonzalez (1B/2B/SS, BOS, 22% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Luis Rengifo (2B/3B, LAA, 21% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Kyle Karros (3B, COL, 9% CBS Rostership) – Yes, this is Eric’s kid, in case you were wondering. While the elder Karros routinely put up mid-30s homer seasons in the late 90s, Kyle’s set of skills is slightly different. The Karros progeny is a stalwart in the field at the hot corner and will likely compete for Gold Gloves if the bat can stick. If he wasn’t on the Rockies with Coors Field (and the lack of competition for the 3B job), Karros wouldn’t be worthy of adding for fantasy. But since he takes more of a contact-oriented approach at the plate, routinely running sub-20% K-rates with double-digit walk rates in the minors, the vast space of Coors with the thin Denver air is going to aid his profile greatly. The 23-year-old certainly has the frame for more pop, standing 6’5” while weighing 220 lbs, so it’s possible he finds a power stroke in future seasons. For the rest of 2025, count on consistent playing time with a .260-.270 batting average (likely in the shape of .300 at home and .240 on the road) for Karros. (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Blaze Alexander (2B/3B/SS, ARI, 17% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Carson Williams (SS, TBR, 20% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Chase Meidroth (2B/SS, CHW, 14% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), C.J. Kayfus (1B/OF, CLE, 16% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Nick Gonzales (2B, PIT, 9% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Kody Clemens (1B/2B/OF, MIN, 9% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Casey Schmitt (1B/2B/3B, SFG, 6% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Curtis Mead (1B/2B/3B, CHW, 4% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Tommy Troy (SS, ARI, 4% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Bob Seymour (1B, TBR, 2% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB)

Only Team Adds

Jared Triolo (1B/2B/3B/SS, PIT, 1% CBS Rostership) – I hate that Triolo remains the best option for NL-Only leagues just because he plays every day, hits .250, and can fill in any hole at an infield spot. I hate it probably as much as you hate being in an NL-Only league if reading this (but we both secretly love it because baseball, especially the fantasy sort, is magnificently weird). (3-5% FAAB)

Ramon Urias (2B/3B, HOU, 2% CBS Rostership) – Although the Astros have only played .500 ball since the trade deadline, the vibes been immaculate with the squad getting the band back together with Carlos Correa. Urias has benefitted from the mood, slashing .320/.370/.520 (149 wRC+) with a dong in nine games since joining Houston while playing a mix of second and third. It’s going to be difficult for him to be removed from the lineup given his solid defense, so look for a .260-ish bat with bottom-of-the-order volume out of Urias rest of the way. (5% FAAB)

OUTFIELDERS

10/12 Team Adds

Mickey Moniak (COL, 47% CBS Rostership) – Let’s just take a moment to admire the 2025 season Moniak has put together. After being cast off from the Angels in Spring Training, the former number one overall pick found a home in Colorado, where he’s put up a gaudy .264/.306/.521 slash line with 18 dingers in 100 games. Admire his hilarious pull-heavy (with weirdo oppo tacos) spray chart and surprisingly red Savant page. Even in a strong-side platoon role, Moniak has been a $6 value on our Year-to-date Player Rater, which is great considering he was and largely still is absolutely free for the taking. Look for him to do more of the same and even kick it into over gear in September, when the Rockies have two full-on home weeks scheduled (sorry, god… things are going to get Rockies-centric around here soon). (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Brenton Doyle (COL, 46% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Austin Hays (CIN, 45% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Daulton Varsho (TOR, 39% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Lars Nootbaar (STL, 38% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Jesus Sanchez (HOU, 28% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Matt Wallner (MIN, 27% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Miguel Andujar (3B/OF, CIN, 14% CBS Rostership) – Following an under-the-radar deadline move, Andujar has been mashing since joining the Reds, producing a .370/.469/.778 (236 wRC+) slash line with three bombs in 10 games. The 30-year-old has settled in as the everyday cleanup hitter on a team in hot pursuit of a Wild Card berth. Sprinkle in the 3B and OF eligibility, and Andujar is shaping up to be a guy that swings some roto standings throughout September. (3-5% FAAB)

Dylan Beavers (BAL, 11% CBS Rostership) – A sister from the convent comes into the nave, ready for action. “Sir, please show some respect in using our candles.” I gently place down my 26th lit candle in front of the Virgin Mary statue. “Oh, don’t worry, I’ve lit these 26 candles in honor of all the roster spaces Mike Elias has burnt on the 2025 Orioles squad.” I settle back into a pew, re-adjust myself on the kneeler. And please god, don’t forget about our boi Dylan Beavers. He is also stuck in the purgatory of Triple-A Norfolk with Sammy Basallo, and posting a .305/.420/.518 (153 wRC+) slash line with 18 homers and 23 steals in 93 games. He has also conquered the level and needs ascension to your heavenly playground, Baltimore, as well. Amen. (Saturday morning update… THE PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED! Bid level updated accordingly.) (11-13% FAAB, 5-7% FAAB in 12-teamers)

QUICK HITS: Pavin Smith (1B/OF, ARI, 14% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Wenceel Perez (DET, 17% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Brandon Marsh (PHI, 13% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Nathan Lukes (TOR, 13% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Tommy Pham (PIT, 10% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Heriberto Hernandez (MIA, 6% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Jhostynxon Garcia (BOS, 6% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB)

Only Team Adds

Daylen Lile (WSN, 2% CBS Rostership) – Lile has swung a hot bat since the All-Star break, slashing .293/.333/.439 (112 wRC+) with 13 runs scored and 10 RBI over 23 games. In that span, he’s established himself as a regular corner outfielder and is now often hitting sixth in the Washington lineup. Lile shifted over to left field in Dylan Crews’ return from the IL on Thursday and appears established enough to maintain that everyday role even with Crews around. (5% FAAB)

Everson Pereira (TBR, 2% CBS Rostership) – The AL-Only outfield pool is drier than Nathan Fielder’s comedy at this point, especially given that of the prospects nearing promotion (non-Beavers division), the AL outfield options are limited. Pereira, who was dealt to Tampa at the deadline, was recently promoted to the big leagues in a part-time role. But what makes him intriguing is that the Rays quickly tweaked something in his plate approach, leading to immediate success. Yes, it was only 34 plate appearances with Durham, but in that time, the 24-year-old posted the best zone-contact (85.7%) and overall contact (73.9%) rates he’s ever put up at any stop. The inability to make contact has been Pereira’s number one flaw, so if the Rays have corrected that, look out, we may be seeing another Randy Arozarena situation here. (3% FAAB)

STARTING PITCHERS

10/12 Team Adds

Hurston Waldrep (ATL, 34% CBS Rostership) – Waldrep has been dominant in his first two big-league starts this season with a 1.54 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 10 Ks to three walks over 11.2 innings. He’s featured an absolutely bananas splitter that clocks in at a scale-breaking 192 on the Stuff+ model. But what’s really taken him to the next level is a 110 Location+, as placing his pitches appropriately was his main struggle in 2024. Look for Waldrep to be a Spencer Schwellenbach-like pitcher rest of way, with roughly a strikeout per inning and solid ratios. (7-9% FAAB)

Nolan McLean (NYM, 27% CBS Rostership) – It’s about damn time we see one of the Mets prospect arms, and McLean is set to be the first of their talented trio (rounded out by Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong) to debut, as he’s slated to start today’s contest against Seattle. McLean was a stud across two minor league levels this season, pitching to a 2.45 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 10.0 K/9, and 54.7% groundball rate over 113.2 frames. In the big leagues, I’m expecting a high threes ERA with a 1.20 WHIP and 8 K/9 in his first taste. That’s not elite but is a pretty solid foundation for a 24-year-old to build upon. (5-7% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Landen Roupp (SFG, 48% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Shane Smith (CHW, 26% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Charlie Morton (DET, 45% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Cam Schlittler (NYY, 43% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Chris Paddack (DET, 42% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Cade Cavalli (WSN, 29% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Logan Allen (CLE, 26% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Michael Lorenzen (KCR, 20% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Yoendrys Gomez (CHW, 1% CBS Rostership) – The ownership rate on Gomez is so low that he’s going to be available in most AL-Only leagues this weekend too. The hype is starting to build on the 25-year-old after a sharp start against Detroit this week with seven punchouts and one walk over five innings while allowing just one run on one hit. If there’s anything the Chris Getz White Sox era team has been good at – it’s morphing waiver-wire-level arms into something (see Shane Smith, Adrian Houser, Erick Fedde, Aaron Civale, and Martin Perez, plus others). There’s no reason for the Sox to not let Gomez cook over the next six weeks to see if he can be a 2026 rotation piece. Knowing what the performance will look like is tough because the projections haven’t picked up the Chicago coaching changes, which have involved relying more heavily on his curve. But with a nice two-start week at Atlanta and vs Minnesota, Gomez is a gamble worth taking. (3-5% FAAB)

Kyle Freeland (COL, 4% CBS Rostership) – Yep, I am indeed promoting the acquisition of a Rockies starter. The veteran southpaw draws a great road matchup next week at Pittsburgh and is coming off a stellar performance in St. Louis, blanking the Cards over 7.1 frames for his third win of the season. (3% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Quinn Mathews (STL, 20% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Joey Cantillo (CLE, 19% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Mike Burrows (PIT, 18% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Jack Perkins (ATH, 16% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Sean Burke (CHW, 15% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Ryan Bergert (SDP, 12% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Robby Snelling (MIA, 12% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), J.T. Ginn (ATH, 9% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Luis Morales (ATH, 6% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB)

Only Team Adds

JR Ritchie (ATL, 4% CBS Rostership) – We’re taking a break from our usual Didier Fuentes lovefest to cover another 4% rostered Atlanta arm in Triple-A, Ritchie. The 22-year-old has made the standard meteoric Braves pitcher rise through the minors, firing a 2.58 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 23.9% K-rate across three minor league levels. His latest outing Thursday night against Triple-A Louisville was a masterclass – six shutout innings with six Ks while allowing three baserunners. Between Ritchie and Fuentes, Ritchie has pulled ahead for the next callup, mostly because Fuentes landed on the 7-day IL this week for… unknown because minor-league injury reports are elusive at times. In a few short weeks (assuming Fuentes’ injury is not significant), I expect both of them to be pitching in the big leagues. (1-3% FAAB)

Tyler Wells (BAL, 2% CBS Rostership) – The roster rates and FAAB costs ticked up this week as Wells made his third consecutive scoreless rehab outing, stretching out to four innings. He’s now thrown 8.1 scoreless frames in his rehab stint with 10 Ks to three walks. I’d guess he gets one more start with Norfolk before making his return to the big leagues. (3-5% FAAB in AL-Only leagues, 1% FAAB as a 15-team stash)

RELIEVERS

10/12 Team Adds

Dennis Santana (PIT, 39% CBS Rostership) – Santana is the best available saves option out on wires thanks to JoJo Romero’s meltdown against Colorado (plus, that left-handed sinker-heavy approach is a bad mix for a closer), Miami’s constant deckchair shuffling in the closer role, and Rangers’ relievers inabilities to claim the job. (5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: JoJo Romero (STL, 45% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Ronny Henriquez (MIA, 41% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Calvin Faucher (MIA, 29% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Phil Maton (TEX, 24% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Robert Garcia (TEX, 30% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Abner Uribe (MIL, 28% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Alex Vesia (LAD, 24% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Justin Topa (MIN, 5% CBS Rostership) – Topa showed no hesitation in securing a two-inning save against the Yankees on Wednesday to tally his second save of August. The 34-year-old vet should remain atop the Twins closer hierarchy rest of way. (5-7% FAAB)

Jose Ferrer (WSN, 17% CBS Rostership) – Ferrer suffers a bit from the same issues as JoJo Romero (sinker-heavy lefty) but benefits from the superior velo along with the dearth of alternatives around him in Washington. He’s picked up a save, a hold, and a win in the past week, as he’s clearly the preferred high-leverage option for the Nats. (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Grant Taylor (CHW, 16% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Riley O’Brien (STL, 6% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Sean Newcomb (ATH, 4% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Ben Casparius (LAD, 14% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Keegan Akin (BAL, 12% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Bennett Sousa (HOU, 8% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Jordan Leasure (CHW, 3% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Elvis Alvarado (ATH, 2% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Andrew Saalfrank (ARI, 1% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Kade Strowd (BAL, 0% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB)