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

Pedro Avila, Padres – Avila was sharp in what was a spot start Thursday against the Diamondbacks, giving up one earned run on four hits while striking out five and walking two. Promoted straight from Double-A Amarillo, Avila posted a 4.27 ERA with 117 strikeouts over 85 innings with High-A Lake Elsinore in 2018. Avila, called up to give Chris Paddack an extra day of rest between starts, was sent down Friday but could be next in line to start when the need arises following his solid effort - especially if San Diego manages Paddack's workload. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Corey Oswalt, Mets – Oswalt was recalled this week to give the Mets some depth in the bullpen. He relieved an ineffective Jason Vargas on Saturday, who went 3.2 innings and allowed five runs. If Vargas continues to struggle, Oswalt might slide into the fifth spot in the team's rotation. Chris Flexen, who lost 25-plus pounds this offseason, might also be an option while Vargas's slow start has increased the calls for the Mets to sign Dallas Keuchel. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Touki Toussaint, Braves – Toussaint failed to earn a roster spot this spring, beaten out by Kyle Wright and Bryse Wilson. Both of those pitchers have landed in the minors, with Toussaint called up Saturday to replace Wright. Toussaint's out pitch is a split-fingered fastball that generates copious amounts of groundballs. However, he struggled with his fastball, making Toussaint a one-pitch pitcher. And along with his high BB rate, it'll be difficult to succeed in the majors after a strong minor-league campaign. Toussaint will pitch out of the bullpen, which could be his role for the foreseeable future, as he did Saturday when he threw six shutout innings with seven strikeouts in relief of Sean Newcomb. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

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 expected to make one more appearance at extended spring training before heading to Triple-A San Antonio to begun a rehab assignment. 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 (same as prior)

Mike Soroka, Braves: Soroka, sent down to the minors at the end of spring due to consistent shoulder soreness, tossed five perfect innings while striking out seven for Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday in his initial season outing. Once Soroka has a few more outings and gets stretched out - presuming no setbacks with his shoulder - he will be in line for a promotion. Soroka, whose repertoire consists of a low-90s fastball, slider and changeup, has #2 starter upside. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up in keeper leagues)

RELIEF PITCHER

Nick Anderson, Marlins – The Marlins' bullpen is not what I would call a steady state right now, but one bright spot has been Anderson. Following a strong spring, Anderson has continued that success into the regular season by allowing one run with a 12:1 K:BB in 5.2 innings. That solid ratio is a carryover from what Anderson did in the minors for the Twins last season and he could be in line for higher-leverage work.  12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

John Brebbia, Cardinals – Brebbia pitched well in low-leverage situations last season, yet still notched five holds and two saves while posting a 60:16 in 50.2 innings. Of the 18 runs Brebbia surrendered, eight came in a two-week stretch when he allowed at least one tally in five of six outings. Brebbia has yet to be scored upon through five appearances this season, allowing just two hits and three walks and generating a 10:4 K:BB across 9.2 innings while posting a win and two holds. Manager Mike Shildt has entrusted Brebbia in key situations, boding well for his future value this season. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Sam Dyson, Giants – Dyson notched the save Saturday as regular closer Will Smith pitched each of the last three days and was unavailable. The 30-year-old has allowed two runs - one earned - on six hits through 8.2 innings. Dyson, who has prior closing experience in Texas, notched 15 holds last season and is clearly next-in-line when Smith is unavailable. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Amir Garrett, Reds – Garrett shifted from starting to relieving last year. With that move, his K rate spiked but so did his BB rate as he adjusted to his newfound velocity. Year Two of the move is going swimmingly so far, as Garrett has allowed just one run while posting an 8:1 K:BB ratio is 5.2 innings. Garrett has dialed down the velo slightly, but is using his slider more while displaying better control. With new manager David Bell not using Raisel Iglesias strictly in the traditional closer role, Garrett could in line to notch a handful of saves. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Pat Neshek, Phillies – Neshek notched a shaky save Monday. As we noted in our update on Neshek after the game: "Seranthony Dominguez and David Robertson threw earlier in the game, and Hector Neris had thrown 17 pitches the night before, so manager Gabe Kapler turned to Neshek to face the toughest part of the Nationals' lineup with a two-run lead in the ninth inning." He was able to get the job done and given Kapler's propensity to play with his bullpen, Neshek could notch additional saves this season. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Wes Parsons, Braves – Parsons had his cup of coffee in the majors last year and parlayed a strong spring into a bullpen role for Atlanta. He has been used in middle-relief so far, but Parsons' 7:2 K:BB through 6.2 innings suggests he's capable of handling a high-leverage setup role. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Brad Wieck, Padres – Wieck pitched well in the minors last season, posting 2.53 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 70:17 K:BB across 46.1 innings split between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A El Paso. He carried over that success into the majors, impressing with a 10:0 K:BB and just one earned run in seven innings. Wieck underwent surgery for testicular cancer in February, delaying his return to the Padres. He was activated Monday and should be one of the setup men for Kirby Yates. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 

Trey Wingenter, Padres – Wingenter, who already has three holds this season, notched his first save of the season Thursday. Kirby Yates in the unquestioned closer for San Diego, but he has already made eight appearances and was given the day off - prompting the use of Wingenter to finish the game. He was a bit shaky but got the job done and may only be behind Yates and Craig Stammen in the Friars' bullpen pecking order. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Injury activations/updates

Jeremy Jeffress, Brewers: Jeffress, sidelined with a shoulder injury, made his last rehab outing Saturday for Triple-A San Antonio and should be activated from the injured list for Milwaukee's upcoming homestand. Corey Knebel's torn UCL has pushed Josh Hader into somewhat of a tradition closer role. Once Jeffress is able to return, Hader could shift back into the role he played last season. This could open up at least partial ownership of the closer job for Jeffress, who notched 15 saves last season for Milwaukee. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (same as prior)

Brandon Morrow, Cubs: Morrow, limited by injuries last season that forced him to miss most of the second half of the year, underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery in November. That operation was projected to have him miss at least the first month of this season. Morrow has steadily ramped up his activity and threw in live batting practice sessions at extended spring training in Arizona this past week. He could be ticketed for a minor-league rehab assignment in the near future if his current progression continues, potentially putting on pace to rejoin the Cubs in a few weeks. Once that happens, Morrow will resume his role as Chicago's closer, where he went 22-for-24 in saves last year. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: $16 (early-return spec bid)

CATCHER

Taylor Davis/Rocky Gale: Both catchers were promoted due to injuries to their team's respective backups. Victor Caratini will undergo surgery on his fractured left hand and be out 4-to-6 weeks, resulting in the call up of Davis. Gale was promoted with Russell Martin hitting the injured list on Wednesday due to lower-back inflammation. Willson Contreras and Austin Barnes figure to carry the majority of the load at catcher for Chicago and Los Angeles meaning that Davis and Gale will see the occasional start, possibly in a day game after a night contest. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

John Ryan Murphy, Diamondbacks: Murphy is in line for an uptick in playing time with Alex Avila (quad) landing on the injured list. He blasted a career-high nine homers in 87 games last year, albeit with a .202 batting average. Carson Kelly will also see more action, but Murphy does get a bump in value as well despite the promotion of Caleb Joseph. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Injury activations/updates

Travis d'Arnaud, Mets: D'Arnaud 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 was activated Sunday after a short rehab stint at High-A St. Lucie. New York signed Wilson Ramos to a two-year contract this offseason, but d'Arnaud - who started Tuesday - should see 1-2 games a week backing up Ramos. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (same as prior)

FIRST BASE

Tyler Austin, Giants: Austin was traded from the Twins to the Giants on Monday in exchange for minor-league outfielder Malique Ziegler. That trade came after Austin, who was squeezed by C.J. Cron and Nelson Cruz, designated for assignment to make room for Chase De Jong. Austin has shown power in the past but struggled to make consistent contact. His at-bats should come at first base against left-handed starters with Brandon Belt moving to left field replacing Gerardo Parra. Check his status as he missed Saturday's game due to a sore elbow. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team NL: $9

Injury activations/updates

Jose Osuna, Pirates: Osuna, sidelined since the spring with a neck injury, was cleared this week for full baseball activities. Josh Bell is entrenched at first base but Osuna could see time at first and third base, and possibly in left field.  Osuna slashed .321/.378/497 in 302 Triple-A at-bats in 2018, but his major-league resume has him at risk of becoming known as a Quad-A talent. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4 (early-return spec bid)

SECOND BASE

Kevin Kramer, Pirates – Kramer, who had a short stint in the majors last season, was promoted Friday to replace Kevin Newman after the latter landed on the injured list with a finger laceration. After slashing .311/.365/.492 at Triple-A Indianapolis in 2018 , Kramer hit just .135 with 20 strikeouts in 37 at-bats for the Pirates in September. Due to his lack of power and modicum of speed, Kramer projects to be a utility infielder and that'll likely be his role in this go-around with Pittsburgh. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Tim Locastro/Luis Urias – These two have earned the backup second base job in Arizona and San Diego. Locatsro will mostly see minimal action, but Urias could carve out a decent amount of action. Urias, who lost his roster spot this spring when Fernando Tatis Jr. was promoted, could be in line for consistent playing time at the keystone if Ian Kinsler continues to struggle. Urias - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Injury activations/updates

Nick Senzel, Reds: Senzel, the Reds' first round pick in 2016, appeared ready for a promotion last season. Vertigo was an issue for the second straight season, with him missing the final week of 2017 with the condition and it cost him most of May last year. He also lost the final two months of 2018 with a broken right index finger. Senzel, drafted as a five-tool third baseman, saw time at second last season and worked in left field during instructs. He was battling Scott Schebler, who is having a solid start, for the starting center field job but was assigned to minors. He sprained his ankle shortly after getting sent out, but has shed the walking boot but is at least a couple of weeks away from playing games at any level. He likely will be ready to join the Reds in mid-May and take over as the team's starting center fielder. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (keeper league bid)

THIRD BASE

Yangervis Solarte, Giants: Solarte, who moved from San Diego to Toronto last season and came to San Francisco this offseason, is seeing time at second, third and short as well as left field. Much of his action has come at second base in place of in place of Joe Panik, as he made three consecutive starts this past week at the position with all three coming against southpaws. Look for this pattern of play to continue. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7 

Injury activations/updates

Todd Frazier, Mets: Frazier, sidelined since late-February with a strained oblique, is close to completing his rehab assignment that began at High-A St. Lucie last Thursday. During this stint, Frazier has seen some time at shortstop, where he could back up Amed Rosario. Frazier is on track to return sooner than Jed Lowrie (knee), who is hitting but has yet to run. Frazier's role has yet to be determined upon his return, which could come early this week. Lowrie was slated to play third base, but Jeff McNeil and J.D. Davis have seen the action at the hot corner without him and Frazier. Frazier may see time at third with McNeil shifting to left field - where he was slated to open the season - and at shortstop, as he fills a utility role. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same as prior)

SHORTSTOP

Miguel Rojas, Marlins– Rojas may have taken over from JT Riddle as the primary shortstop in Miami. He entered the season in the short side of a platoon, but started his fourth straight game Saturday. Neither Rojas nor Riddle have been particularly memorable this season, but Rojas did hit 11 home runs and drive in 53 runs last season - albeit with a .252/.297/.346 slash line, which dipped to .246/.284/.305 after May 20. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team NL: $4; 12-team NL: $7

OUTFIELD

Yonathan Daza/Raimel Tapia, Rockies: David Dahl's slightly strained oblique landed him on the 10-day IL this week. The good news is that Dahl is expected to only miss the minimum. But given his injury history, you never know if what's projected will actually occur. To fill Dahl's role on the active roster, Colorado promoted Diaz and his career minor-league slash line of .310/.351/.419 who stole 31 bases in 2017 but only managed four last year. He should see spot duty until Dahl is activated. Tapia is the primary beneficiary of Dahl's absence, as he will be in the lineup daily in left field until Dahl returns. Tapia has failed to take advantage of his chances in the past, posting a career slash line of .268/.310/.397 over 239 at-bats at the big-league level. Diaz - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Tapia - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Austin Dean, Marlins: Dean failed to take advantage of his chance to break camp with the Marlins, as he was optioned down to the minors late in the spring. He was off to a hot start for Triple-A New Orleans, slashing .375/.483/.458 through 29 plate appearances. Dean could have some opportunities early on as he takes the roster spot of Peter O'Brien, who started nine games in right field with Garrett Cooper (calf) on the injured list. With the lack of talent in Miami, Dean could get a realistic chance to remain a starter and he made a good impression Saturday, going 4-for-4 while blasting a home run and driving in five runs. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (due to playing time probability)

Jarrod Dyson, Diamondbacks: Dyson, limited the last two seasons with hernia and thigh injuries, is finally fully healthy. The injury to Steven Souza created an opportunity for playing time, and Dyson has been taking advantage. The 34-year-old outfielder is hitting .273/.351/.485 with a pair of home runs and stolen bases, with much of the value derived from his speed. He is serving as Arizona's fourth outfielder and will start in center field when Ketel Marte moves into the infield for a start, as well as against right-handed pitchers. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (stolen bases)

Alex Verdugo, Dodgers: Verdugo has seen action in 15 games, starting in four while playing all three outfield positions. After hitting 10 home runs in 91 games the minors last season, Verdugo has already blasted two taters for Los Angeles. With Joc Pederson playing almost daily against righties, the remaining outfield at-bats are split between Verdugo, Enrique Hernandez, Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy and Chris Taylor with a few of those players also seeing time at first and second base. Verdugo projects as a .300 hitter in the majors with 15-18 HR power down the road, whose value would spike if he somehow was able to carve out more of a full-time role this year. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Injury activations/updates

Roman Quinn, Phillies: Quinn, out since suffering an oblique injury in late-February, shifted his rehab to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after playing three games at High-A Clearwater on Thursday. He rejoined the Phillies over the week and will resume his role as backup at all three outfield spots, as well as a pinch hitter and pinch runner. 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 - although he'd have to pass through waivers before being sent to the minors, while Nick Williams might benefit from daily playing time in the minors. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same as prior week)

Michael Taylor, Nationals: Taylor, who was slated to potentially miss a decent chunk of time when first injured, was activated off the injured list Monday following a brief rehab assignment at Double-A Harrisburg. In late-March, GM Mike Rizzo said he did not expect a 'really long-term' absence for Taylor, which proved to be the case. Now active, Taylor slots 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 - save for stolen bases, where he swiped 24 bags. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same as prior)