NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

This is our weekly look at National League free agents. 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.

This year, we are again using 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. Cody Bellinger 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.

STARTING PITCHER

Jon Duplantier, Diamondbacks – Duplantier, selected in the third round in the 2016 draft, made his major-league debut Monday and tossed three scoreless innings in relief to notch the save. Beset by injuries since getting drafted, Duplantier ranks as one of the more skilled pitchers in the minors when healthy with an above-average slider, fastball and command. After spending most of the 2018 season with Double-A Jackson compiling a 2.69 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 68:28 K:BB in 67 innings (14 starts), Duplantier was to open 2019 at Triple-A Reno but his fine initial foray in the majors could allow him to stick with Arizona. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Max Fried, Braves – Fried struggled at Triple-A last season but became a different pitcher in the majors. His issue with walks is a major impediment to success, but he has the stuff to stick at this level. The left-hander was impressive all spring and carried that success into the season in his outing as the Braves' fifth starter on April 7. After making two relief appearances, Fried gave up just one hit over six strong innings, striking out five and walking none while generating 11 groundballs in a 9-4 win. Kevin Gausman returned from his shoulder injury Friday, replacing Bryse Wilson, leaving Mike Foltynewicz (elbow) still out. When Folty is ready, Kyle Wright or Fried will be the odd-man out. Seeing how well Fried pitched, Wright could be the casualty. 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Injury activations/updates

Jimmy Nelson, Brewers: Nelson, who missed all of 2018 recovering from shoulder surgery due to an injury suffered while running the bases late in 2017, is inching closer to beginning a rehab assignment. He will not appear in a minor-league game next week as originally reported, but will pitch in simulated games until he is deemed ready. When healthy in 2017, Nelson posted a 12-6 record with a 3.49 ERA, 10.2 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 in 175.1 innings. He likely will need several rehab starts and his velocity may take a bit of time to get back to his pre-injury mark of 94.6 mph, but he is worth the risk due to pedigree. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

RELIEF PITCHER

Alex Wilson, Brewers – Wilson picked up his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday against the Reds. Josh Hader is the primary closer, but Wilson may be next in line until Jeremy Jeffress (shoulder) is ready to return. Wilson may only hold that spot for another week or two, after which he will return to a setup role and post holds.  12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Justin Wilson, Mets – Wilson notched the save Tuesday with Edwin Diaz and Jeurys Familia unavailable. He posted 13 saves in 2017, but is unlikely to come even remotely close to that number in New York this season. But he should tally a healthy amount of holds, as he did last season in front of Familia and Diaz as the main lefty in the bullpen. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activations/updates

Jeremy Jeffress, Brewers: Jeffress, sidelined with a shoulder injury, began a rehab stint with Triple-A San Antonio on Friday and allowed two earned runs over 1.1 innings. He isn't far from returning to the Brewers, as he hopes for a mid-April activation. Corey Knebel's torn UCL has pushed Josh Hader into somewhat of a traditional closer role. Hader could shift back into the role he played last season once Jeffress is able to return, opening up at least partial ownership of the closer job for Jeffress - who notched 15 saves last season. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

A.J. Minter, Braves: Minter, out with tightness in his pitching shoulder, threw live batting practice Tuesday and was activated Thursday. Prior to being sidelined, the Braves were planning on having Minter and Vizcaino share closing duties based on matchups this season. With Arodys Vizcaino dealing with his own shoulder woes and unable to pitch on back-to-back days, Minter could earn the lion's share of the saves in Atlanta if healthy. Mixing a 97-mph fastball, 92-mph slider and occasional change, Minter profiles as a potential dominant fireman in the future. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

CATCHER

Alex Avila, Diamondbacks: Avila, sharing playing time behind the plate for Arizona with Carson Kelly and John Ryan Murphy, is off to a strong start to the season. After a solid 2017 season, Avila struggled in 2018 in his first year of his two-year, $8.25 million contract he signed with the Diamondbacks in January of 2018. That regression may have played a role in the D-Backs acquiring Kelly in the Paul Goldschmidt deal. But Avila has shown that he still can be productive, which likely will earn him additional playing time in the near-term. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Tyler Flowers/Alex Jackson, Braves: Brian McCann landed on the disabled list Saturday due to a strained right hamstring, resulting in the call up of Jackson and ascension to almost full-time duty of Flowers. But Jackson, a first round pick in 2014 who regained his prospect status over the last two years, will see a majority of the time while Flowers recovers after getting being hit by a pitch Saturday. X-rays on his hand come back negative, so Flowers - who hit 12 home runs and posted an .823 OPS in 2017 - shouldn't miss much time. Flowers - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Jackson - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Tony Wolters, Rockies: Wolters, splitting time behind the plate with Chris Iannetta, started his third straight game at catcher Saturday. With Tom Murphy out of the picture, Wolters was already slated to see more action. But he may be in line for more playing time than originally thought despite Iannetta's ability to hit for power. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 

Injury activations/updates

Travis d'Arnaud, Mets: D'Arnaud, who once was the centerpiece of the deal for R.A. Dickey - not Noah Syndergaard - has seen his career go south, partially due to injuries. Working his way back from Tommy John surgery after missing nearly the entirety of 2018, TdA kicked off a rehab stint Thursday at High-A St. Lucie. New York signed Wilson Ramos to a two-year contract this off-season. But once d'Arnaud is healthy, he could see 1-2 games a week backing up Ramos. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 

FIRST BASE

Mark Reynolds, Rockies: Reynolds is in line for consistent playing time at first base with Daniel Murphy (fractured finger) joined Saturday by Ryan McMahon (left elbow strain) on the disabled list. He blasted 30 home runs and drove in 97 runs for Colorado in 2017, then signed and played for Washington last season. Reynolds started Saturday and should see most of the action at first base while being spelled by Pat Valaika, providing a cheap source of power. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Christian Walker, Diamondbacks: Walker continues to rake at the plate, forcing Torey Lovullo to find other ways to get Jake Lamb in the lineup. Lamb, who was to shift from third base to first, looked poised to move back across the diamond to the hot corner and keep Walker at first base. That was the case Wednesday, but Lamb injured his calf in the ninth inning and could be out for about six weeks. Walker, historically known as a Quad-A player, parlayed his strong spring training into a spot in the Opening Day lineup and has yet to stop hitting. Ride the wave for as long it lasts, as he should start nearly every day until Lamb returns. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: $24

SECOND BASE

Pat Valaika, Rockies: Valaika was promoted to replace Daniel Murphy (fractured finger) on the Rockies' 25-man roster. He hit .156/.214/.246 in 133 plate appearances last season and should see some time at second, third and short while in the majors, especially with Ryan McMahon landing on the disabled list with a left elbow strain. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Ildemaro Vargas, Diamondbacks: Vargas, sent down earlier in the week, was called back up Friday to replace Jake Lamb (Grade 2 strained quad) on the D-Backs 25-man roster. He will reprise his role as a utility infielder. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activations/updates

Howie Kendrick, Nationals: Kendrick, sidelined with a hamstring injury, was activated from the 10-day injured list Thursday. He did not go on a rehab assignment, instead rejoining Washington after playing in a handful of minor-league games at extended spring training. Kendrick should fill a utility role for Washington, though Trea Turner's (finger) injury could free up additional opportunities for him in the short term as a hitter off the bench - but not at shortstop, as he has no major-league experience at the position. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

THIRD BASE

Eduardo Escobar, Diamondbacks: Escobar, like Christian Walker, is a primary beneficiary of Jake Lamb's injury. With Lamb sidelined, Escobar is likely to remain the everyday third baseman for Arizona. Escobar hit well for Minnesota last year, but struggled somewhat after coming to the National League. Despite those difficulties, Arizona inked Escobar to a three-year, $21 million extension in October. His value is enhanced by qualifying at both third base and shortstop, so maybe consistent playing time will wake up his somnambulant bat. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Colin Moran, Pirates: Moran, on the short side of a platoon at third base with Jung Ho Kang, will benefit if Kang sees time at shortstop - as he did late this spring. Erik Gonzalez is manning that position with Kevin Newman looming if Gonzalez falters. If Pittsburgh decides to go with more offense at the position, then Kang would see most of the action that there. This would allow Moran to play third, as long as his defense at the hot corner - which was an issue last season - is passable. Look for most of his action to come against righties, as he struggles against southpaws. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Injury activations/updates

Todd Frazier, Mets: Frazier, sidelined since late-February with a strained oblique, began a rehab assignment with High-A St. Lucie on Thursday. He appears to be on track to return sooner than Jed Lowrie (knee). But when he comes back, Frazier's role is underdetermined. Lowrie was slated to play third base, but with him and Frazier, Jeff McNeil and J.D. Davis have seen the action at the hot corner. Frazier may see time at third with McNeil shifting to left field, where he was slated to open the season, but will likely spend most of the year in a utility role. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Jedd Gyorko, Cardinals: Gyorko, out since spring training with a calf injury, was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday. His numbers dropped across the board last season, though his advanced metrics showed he might have been more unlucky than bad. With Paul Goldschmidt at first and Matt Carpenter moving to third, Gyorko will struggle for at bats and will likely see most of his action in the middle part of the diamond. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

SHORTSTOP

Nick Ahmed, Diamondbacks: The injury to Steven Souza shifted Ketel Marte into a role where he is seeing nearly half his time at second base and the other in center field. This change has benefitted Ahmed, who originally was expected to lose playing time to Marte. Ahmed is attempting to repeat his surprising 2018 season, when he blasted a career-high 16 home runs, scored 61 runs and drove in 70 despite a .234 batting average. Ahmed also won his first gold glove at shortstop, living up to his defensive reputation. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team NL: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Wilmer Difo/Carter Kieboom/Adrian Sanchez, Diamondbacks: Trea Turner will miss at least a month with a broken right finger after being hit by a pitch this past Tuesday, creating a huge hole at shortstop in the Nation's Capital. Difo, who was slated to fill a super-utility role playing at second, short, third and in center field, will get the first chance to fill in for Turner at shortstop. He saw 456 plate appearances last season, slashing .230/.290/.358 last season with seven home runs, 42 runs batted in and 10 steals. Kieboom, who posted solid numbers at High-A Potomac but struggled at Double-A Harrisburg last season, won't be promoted immediately from Triple-A Fresno. As we noted in our update after Turner was injured, Kieboom's blend of contact skills and pop would likely make him the best replacement option for Turner from an offensive standpoint. However, the organization wants to work on his defense at both middle-infield spots at Fresno before he gets the call to the big leagues. That call could come in a few weeks, so Sanchez - called up to replace Turner - gives Washington middle-infield depth. Difo - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Kieboom - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team NL: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (stash bid); Sanchez - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

OUTFIELD

Rosell Herrera/Peter O'Brien, Marlins: Garrett Cooper, who opened the season as the Marlins' starting right fielder, suffered a mild left calf strain last weekend and put him on the disabled list. Herrera slashed .234/.286/.317 with a home run and 20 RBI over 86 games a season ago during stops with Cincinnati and Kansas City. He is likely to be on the short side of a platoon with O'Brien seeing most of action. O'Brien, who hit 30 homers between Double- and Triple-A last year, struggled in the spring and landed him in the minors to open the season. If he can limit his strikeouts and hit for power, as he did Saturday, O'Brien should see most of the action in right field while Cooper is sidelined. Herrera - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; O'Brien - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Manuel Margot, Padres: Margot started five of the first six games before sitting for three in a row, including Saturday's contest. Franchy Cordero, who was in center field Saturday, was pulled from the game due to a sore right elbow - though unrelated to the surgery he had to remove a bone spur this offseason. Margot, following a solid rookie campaign, regressed mightily last season with his numbers falling across the board. Until he is able to improve his OBP, Margot will remain in the bottom of the batting order, but still has the upside to make him worth a long look. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 

Jason Martin/Pablo Reyes/J.B. Shuck, Pirates: Corey Dickerson will miss the next month with a posterior strain in his right shoulder. In his absence, Martin, Reyes and Shuck will split time in left field. Shuck started Thursday, though is likely to be on the short side of any platoon. Martin, optioned down to the minors in spring training, replaced Dickerson on the active roster Friday. If you're betting on one player to be the primary beneficiary of Dickerson's absence, take a flyer on Reyes, who posted a .293/.349/.483 slash line with three homers in 18 games while playing four different positions. He carried that forward to have a solid spring and should see most of the action in left field. Melky Cabrera is also in the mix and should see most of his time in right field with Gregory Polanco (shoulder), and Lonnie Chisenhall (fractured finger) still sidelined. Martin - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Reyes - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Shuck - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Jose Martinez/Tyler O'Neill, Cardinals: Martinez and O'Neill could end in line for playing time in left field if Marcell Ozuna's right side tightness - which came back as a non-entity in his MRI - turns out to be an intercostal injury and lands him on the disabled list. Martinez is a butcher in the field, but can rake at the plate while O'Neill struggles with his plate discipline. Martinez, who started Wednesday, is best suited to serving as a designated hitter and will be his role in AL parks. After posting an 1.078 OPS at Triple-A, O'Neill is clearly ready for the next level and should get the chance to play if Ozuna ends up sidelined for any length of time. Martinez - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; O'Neill - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (both as speculative bids)

Kevin Pillar, Giants: Pillar was traded to the Giants on Tuesday in exchange for Alen Hanson, Derek Law and Juan De Paula. Moving from Toronto to San Francisco does little to aid Pillar in terms of ballpark. But he should be in the lineup daily in either right or center field, leaving Steven Duggar to fill the other spot with Gerardo Parra in left field. Pillar is a double-double candidate, though his batting and on-bases average are both on the weaker end. 12-team Mixed: Owned; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $27

Injury activations/updates

Roman Quinn, Phillies: Quinn, out since suffering an oblique injury in late-February, began a rehab assignment at High-A Clearwater on Thursday. Once he is ready to return - which might be as early as Monday - he will resume his role as backup at all three outfield positions as well as pinch-hitter and pinch-runner off the bench. Quinn can provide some cheap speed, but his potential is capped by the presence of Andrew McCutchen, Odubel Herrera and Bryce Harper. The probable odd man out is Aaron Altherr, who is out of assignments and would have to pass through waivers before being sent to the minors - although Nick Williams might benefit from daily playing time in the minors. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Michael Taylor, Nationals: Taylor, who was slated to potentially miss a decent chunk of time when first injured, will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Harrisburg on Thursday. In late-March, GM Mike Rizzo said he did not expect a 'really long-term' absence for Taylor, which looks to be the case. When active, Taylor should slot in as Washington's fourth outfielder, seeing most of his time in center and right field. After a breakthrough 2017, Taylor regressed across the board last season, except for stolen bases by swiping 24 bags. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11