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. 

Happy Memorial Day. Thank you to all those who served and continue to serve to protect our country.

STARTING PITCHER

Taylor Clarke, Diamondbacks – Clarke didn't pitch particularly well at Triple-A Reno but was called up to start Saturday, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four in 6.1 innings to earn the win. He pitched well during his first major-league start May 7 with two runs allowed over six innings, but was still returned to the minors as a part of a bullpen shuffle. With Zack Godley in the bullpen, Jon Duplantier getting stretched out in the minors and Arizona not having a day off until June 6, Clarke could make several starts and stick in the rotation if he pitches well. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Jeff Hoffman, Rockies – Hoffman was promoted to start Friday against the Orioles and allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three in five innings. With Tyler Anderson dealing with a knee injury that will require potential season-ending surgery, Colorado has an opening for a fifth starter with Hoffman getting the first chance to fill the spot. After getting bombed early on in the minors, he has posted a 4.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 31:9 K:BB across 24 innings to earn the promotion - with the first three of four appearances proving to be stellar. He has failed to lock down a major-league role in the past, but received another chance beginning Friday. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Mitch Keller, Pirates – Keller, the Pirates' top pitching prospect, will be promoted to start Monday against the Orioles. He earned the call up by posting a 3.45 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 56:20 K:BB ratio over 47 innings and nine starts at Triple-A Indianapolis. Keller has incorporated a slider/cutter into his repertoire that previously consisted of a mid-90s fastball and curveball. The original plan was for him to master that pitch and then get promoted, but Pittsburgh will start Keller in one game of their doubleheader and then may send him back down to the minors. But with the Pittsburgh rotation dealing with several injuries, Keller could stick. 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if think he stays in the majors) 

Eric Lauer, Padres – Lauer enjoyed his second straight solid start Wednesday and has given up only one earned run over 12.2 innings since allowing eight runs against the Rockies on May 10. The left-hander lowered his ERA to 4.73 and his WHIP to 1.31 to go along with a 45:14 K:BB through 53.1 innings. Lauer acquitted himself nicely in 2018, especially down the stretch, as he finished the season strong by posting a 1.07 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 25 punchouts in 25.1 innings. He is locked into a rotation spot for the Friars, as he looks to build off his recent success. 12 team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Owned

Nick Pivetta/Vince Velasquez, Phillies – Pivetta or Velasquez will start Tuesday after the Phillies demoted Cole Irvin on Thursday. Pivetta was bombed in his four starts in the majors to start the season, earning a demotion. He's recorded a 3.41 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 50 strikeouts in 37 innings through six starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but he has also walked at least three batters in every start at that level this season. Velasquez, on the injured list with a strained forearm, looks to be more likely to pitch out of the bullpen when he is activated based on comments by manager Gabe Kapler. And that's what happened Friday, as he threw two innings to notch the win in relief. If choosing one, go with Pivetta. Pivetta - 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Velasquez - 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

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, made his fourth rehab start at Triple-A San Antonio on Thursday and allowed four runs in five hits in 4.2 innings while striking out six batters and walking three. He cruised through four scoreless innings before allowing four runs in his fifth frame. This was to be Nelson's last rehab start before rejoining the Brewers, but Milwaukee decided to activate him and keep him in the minors and allow a few more starts before potentially promoting him. 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. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (lowered bid from prior)

Jason Vargas, Mets: Vargas, out with a strained hamstring since his May 5 start against the Brewers, was activated from the 10-day injured list and started Saturday against the Tigers. Prior to getting injured, Vargas had pitched better than his previous several starts, yet still struggles with a 5.92 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. Use him at your own risk, even though he did pitch well against Detroit by allowing one run in five innings. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

RELIEF PITCHER

Jairo Diaz/Carlos Estevez/Jake McGee/Scott Oberg, Rockies: Diaz, called up to replace Wade Davis on the Colorado roster, has pitched exceptionally well at Triple-A by going 1-0 with six saves, a 0.45 ERA, a 22:6 K:BB over 20 innings while limiting opponents to a .171 batting average. He is a fastball-slider pitcher whose fastball sits in the mid-90s and his control has improved after missing the entire 2016 season because of Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Right now, he is likely to pitch in low-leverage situations, but could move up the bullpen pecking order. Oberg, not Estevez, will be the Rockies' primary closer while Wade Davis (oblique) is on the injured list. Davis may only miss two weeks, but Oberg looks to be in line for saves. Oberg posted a 2.45 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 57:12 K:BB in 58.2 innings last season, relying on his fastball and slider and held righties to a .182/.283/.286 line. He got off to a slow start this season and has surrendered too many walks, but allowed two runs over his last 12 appearances covering 11.2 innings despite only three strikeouts - but save chances are save chances. Estevez has pitched well setting up Davis, posting five holds, a 29:8 K:BB in 22 innings, and has better peripherals than Oberg, but the latter will get the first crack at closing. Seunghwan Oh, who has closing experience, might have been an option but has slumped to a 9.60 ERA in 15 innings, taking him out of the equation. McGee might get save chances if a tough lefty needs to be retired. Diaz - 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3; Estevez - 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; McGee - 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3; Oberg - 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Tayron Guerrero, Marlins – Guerrero has premier stuff but struggles with his command and control, resulting in a high walk rate. That has been the case again this season, as he has posted a 3.48 ERA and 1.35 WHIP but a 25:15 K:BB through 20.2 innings. Sergio Romo is closing right now, but is on a one-year contract. And with Miami looking to the future, the team will likely deal the veteran. If that occurs and with Drew Steckenrider on the injured list with a right flexor strain, Guerrero could be in the mix to possibly close down the road for the Marlins along with Adam Conley and Nick Anderson and the currently injured Riley Ferrell (right biceps tendinitis) and Julian Fernandez (Tommy John surgery). 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Sean Newcomb/Anthony Swarzak, Braves: Two weeks ago we played "You figure out the Cubs' closer". This week, it's the Braves turn. Arodys Vizcaino started the year as the closer but was lost due to a shoulder injury. A.J. Minter was ineffective and lost the job, landing in the minors. Luke Jackson looked to have earned the role, but he has faltered mightily although he threw two scoreless innings to notch the win Thursday. Newcomb earned the save Monday with a clean ninth inning, though he did pitch in a set-up role Thursday. Since returning to the MLB following a minor-league stint, Newcomb has allowed one run in 9.2 innings of relief without walking a batter after allowing eight base-on-balls in 12.1 innings over three April starts. Swarzak and cash were traded from the Mariners to the Braves this past Monday in exchange for Jesse Biddle and Arodys Vizcaino. Atlanta's closing situation is in a bit of flux, so Swarzak - who had three saves, but also three blown saves with Seattle - could factor into the closer mix if Jackson continues to stumble and Newcomb remains in a set-up role. Newcomb - 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Swarzak - 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Injury activations/updates

Pedro Strop, Cubs: Strop, out since May 6 with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, will need to throw another bullpen session early next week with manager Joe Maddon saying they'll know by the end of next week whether a rehab assignment is necessary. Originally, the hope was that Strop might be able to return this past weekend, but that clearly proved not to be the case. Prior to being sidelined, Strop had struggled by posting a 5.06 ERA while blowing two saves in six opportunities after opening the year as the Chicago closer. Steve Cishek has filled in nicely while Strop and Brandon Morrow (elbow) have been sidelined, though he blew the save Friday and could hold the role even when Strop returns. But he may get another chance at filling the role, continuing from last season. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 

CATCHER

Elias Diaz, Pirates: Diaz continues to see action behind the plate due to his hot bat and Francisco Cervelli's injuries. He had struggled in his previous playing time this season, but righted the ship recently. Diaz smacked 10 home runs and 34 runs batted in 82 games last year as Cervelli's backup, so he has shown that he can be productive offensively. If Cervelli continues to struggle and/or misses more time, Diaz will fill the role as Pittsburgh's catcher. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped bid from prior week) 

Injury activations/updates 

Francisco Mejia, Padres – Mejia, out since May 11 with a sprained knee, began a rehab stint at Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday. Prior to getting injured, Mejia was hitting just .167 over 54 at-bats. Mejia, who came over from Cleveland last season, has a big time bat but major questions exist as to whether or not he can play passable defense at catcher to stick behind the plate or needs to move to third base or the outfield. His strong spring earned him a timeshare with Austin Hedges, who has failed to take advantage of Mejia's absence and grab a hold of the role. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same as prior)

FIRST BASE 

Matt Adams, Nationals – Adams, who suffered a shoulder strain three weeks ago, was activated off the injured list Tuesday. He will serve as the primary first baseman while Ryan Zimmerman (foot) remains out. Adams was hitting .291/.310/.545 with three home runs in 20 games prior to hitting the injured list. Zimmerman is still experiencing the effects of plantar fasciitis in his right foot, forcing the Nats to suspend his running program that just began last Sunday. When Zimmerman does return, Adams likely will return to a reserve role, even though there is no timeline for Zim's activation. In addition, if Zimmerman continues to struggle at the plate after he is activated, Adams could move back in as the starter. 12 team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 

Garrett Cooper, Marlins: Cooper, who has battled injuries most of the season, finally seems to be settling in at the plate now that he is seeing consistent action. His grand slam Thursday gave Cooper two homers and seven runs batted in over 13 games. Cooper is a career .305/.371/.473 hitter in the minors, so he has shown competence at that level. And even though he's yet to fully carry that over to the majors, he should play almost daily in Miami and earn a chance to prove his worth at this level. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Kevin Cron, Diamondbacks – Arizona promoted Cron from Triple-A Reno on Friday. He has hit at every level, including blasting 21 home runs while hitting .339/.437/.800 this season, Cron, who just turned 26, could steal at-bats from current first baseman Christian Walker, who is hitting .148 with 22 strikeouts in 60 plate appearances over the last 15 games heading into Friday. If promoted, Cron could provide a lift to the Diamondbacks' slumbering offense, seeing most of his time at first base - but could also fill in at third base if needed. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Dominic Smith, Mets: Smith, buried behind Peter Alonso at first base, could see time in left field. With Keon Broxton now in Baltimore and Brandon Nimmo (neck), Michael Conforto (concussion) and Jeff McNeil (hamstring) all battling injuries, Smith could get a second chance in the outfield. He started 10 games in left field last season but graded out very poorly there according to both DRS and UZR. The Mets decided this spring the experiment was over, but all the injuries appeared to have changed their mind. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Eric Thames, Brewers – Thames appears to have at least temporarily unseated Jesus Aguilar as the Brewers' primary first baseman by starting three straight games this week, all of which came against right-handed pitching. Aguilar, who seemed to have woken up at the plate before this recent benching, might see action against southpaws. Thames has five home runs and 20 RBI through 125 plate appearances, albeit with a 44:21 K:BB rate that will need to be more consistent at the plate to keep the job. 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Injury activations/updates

Travis Shaw, Brewers: Shaw, sidelined with a wrist injury, began a rehab assignment Wednesday. He blasted 32 home runs last season while also gaining second-base eligibility but having his OPS versus left-handed pitches drop from .776 the year before to .599. Shaw was off to a horrific start, posting a .163/.266/.281 line through the first 40 games of the season, allowing his injury to promote Keston Hiura. Shaw could get another chance to regain his starting spot once healthy, but that will depend on if Hiura - who homered Wednesday - remains hot at the plate. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: Owned

SECOND BASE 

Tim Locastro/Donovan Solano/Josh VanMeter/Ildemaro Vargas: The aforementioned names were promoted to fill the backup second base job in Arizona, San Francisco, Cincinnati and Arizona. Locastro was called up to replace David Peralta on the D-Backs active roster and could start against southpaws in left field. Solano provides some depth in the Giants' middle infield, while VanMeter provides similar for the Reds. Vargas, promoted with Wilmer Flores (fractured foot) landing on the injured list, could see some time against left-handed pitching with Ketel Marte playing in the outfield. All but Vargas - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Vargas - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Injury activations/updates

Scooter Gennett, Reds: Gennett, on the injured list since he severely strained his right groin on Mar. 22, hit off a tee Tuesday and hopes to be doing full pregame workouts in about two weeks. This means he won't be reinstated from the 60-day injured list when first eligible May 27 but could return in mid-to-late June. Gennett hit .310 with 23 homers, 92 RBI and 86 runs last season and signed a one-year, $9.78 million contract with the Reds in Jan. 2019. Cincinnati have rotated several players in at second base looking to find a replacement for Gennett, with Derek Dietrich the latest. Once Gennett is healthy, look for him to regain his starting second base job. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same early return bid) 

Scott Kingery, Phillies – Kingery, sidelined since Apr. 19 with a strained hamstring, was activated off the injured list last Sunday and started in center field. He struggled this spring, carrying forward his issues from his regular season numbers, but turned it on once the season started. Prior to getting injured, Kingery was slashing .406/.457/.719 with two homers, six RBI, five runs and a stolen base in 14 games. He should see time at second, third and shortstop, and he could continue taking away reps from Odubel Herrera versus left-handed pitchers  if he shows he can handle center field. And if Kingery stays hot and Maikel Franco hits as he did the first 63 games last season and not the rest of the way, Kingery could see more playing time at the hot corner. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (same as the prior few weeks)

THIRD BASE

Todd Frazier, Mets: Frazier appeared to have lost his third base job to J.D. Davis, but injuries have wreaked havoc on the Mets' outfield, resulting in Davis seeing more time in left field. With four Mets regulars (Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, Robinson Cano and Jeff McNeil) having landed on the IL within the past week, New York has several holes and is trying to fill them the best they can. With Davis now in left, the hot corner - at least for the time being - is Frazier's again. The 33-year-old was 11-for-33 with three runs, two doubles, a triple, an RBI and four walks over his last 11 games and started eight of the team's last nine, making it look like consistent playing time has woken up his previously somnambulant bat. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 

SHORTSTOP

Adeiny Hechavarria, Mets – Robinson Cano strained his left quadriceps this past Wednesday, landing him on the 10-day injured list. He likely won't be ready to return when first eligible, resulting in Luis Guillorme and Hechavarria manning second base for longer than the Mets likely want. Guillorme was hitting .278/.402/.361 at Triple-A, but compiled a career .200 average over 93 MLB plate appearances at the time of his promotion and is more known for his defense - though he was sent down Saturday to make room for Jason Vargas. Like Guillorme, Hechevarria is known for his defense but has a bit more pop in his bat but don't expect much from him offensively. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

OUTFIELD

Albert Almora Jr., Cubs: Almora has more than taken advantage of the additional playing time afforded him due to the absence of Ben Zobrist (personal). He blasted a grand slam Wednesday and upped his batting average from .244 on May 8 to .264 on May 25. During that span, Almora hit four home runs while driving in 12 runs. He was previously on the short side of any outfield platoon, but he has earned a full-time role due to his fine play. 12-team Mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: Owned

Aaron Altherr/Rajai Davis/Carlos Gomez, Mets – Altherr, designated for assignment earlier last month by the Phillies, was claimed by the Giants and then designated for assignment in hopes of retaining him. The Mets swooped in and claimed him to address their current lack of quality depth, due to all their injuries (see below). Don't expect much from him due to a career .222/.312/.406 slash line and struggling against righties and lefties in his 333 major-league games. Gomez, profiled last week when he was promoted from Triple-A Syracuse to replace Michael Conforto, is seeing an uptick of playing time with Brandon Nimmo (neck) landing on the injured list. The same can be said for Davis, who replaced Nimmo on the 25-man roster Wednesday and smacked a pinch-hit, three-run home run. Gomez, who started his career in 2007 with the Mets, slashed .208/.298/.336 with nine home runs and 12 stolen bases in 118 games for the Rays last season, mostly playing right field. He likely will start almost everyday due to the injuries. Davis, hitting .277 with three home runs and 14 steals in 132 plate appearances at Triple-A, will seemingly start alongside J.D Davis and Gomez - at the expense of Juan Lagares - in the outfield with Jeff McNeil who is also sidelined due to a hamstring injury. That said, Lagares did start Thursday even after Rajai Davis hit a pinch-hit, three-run home run Wednesday, but he sat Friday and Saturday. Altherr - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Davis - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Gomez - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped from prior)

Austin Dean, Marlins: Dean, who was up earlier in the season and failed to take advantage of his chance to break camp with the Marlins, was called up Wednesday to replace Jon Berti after he landed on the injured list with a left oblique. He hit.365/.447/.661 in 33 games for Triple-A New Orleans, but has failed to build off his minor-league success in the bigs. Dean should see time at both corner outfield positions while Bertl is sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Josh Naylor, Padres: Naylor, who possesses big-time power, was called up by the Padres on Friday and banged out three hits Saturday. He profiles best at first base, but with Eric Hosmer locked up for six-plus more years, San Diego has been using Naylor in the outfield - where he played Saturday. Naylor hit .299/.378/.538 with 10 homers and a 24:24 K:BB in 209 plate appearances over 45 games for Triple-A El Paso this season, but his defense at the outfield corners leaves a lot to be desired. It's unclear how San Diego will utilize Naylor and his left-handed power boost to the lineup, so a wait-and-see approach may be the wisest course of action. Hunter Renfroe in left field looks to be most at risk to lose playing time, though he has gotten hot again with a ,614 slugging percentage. Naylor might only be up for the next six games while the Padres play in AL parks and have use of the designated hitter spot, and may then be sent down when Fernando Tatis (hamstring) comes off the injured list. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (up if think he sticks)

Bryan Reynolds, Pirates: Reynolds, promoted in mid-April from Triple-A Indianapolis, has not looked out of place in Pittsburgh by showing a solid bat with a modicum of power. The Pirates have deployed him mostly in left field, but he also has seen time in center. Despite Reynolds' fine play, he could face additional competition for playing time once Lonnie Chisenhall (calf) completes his rehab assignment and Corey Dickerson (shoulder) eventually returns. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Mike Yastrzemski, Giants: Yastrzemski was promoted to replace Mac Williamson on the Giants' 25-man roster. Acquired from the Orioles in March, Yastrzemski made his major-league debut Saturday and earned the call up by hitting .316/.414/.676 with 12 home runs in 40 games at Triple-A Sacramento. Yaz likely is a Quad-A playe,r but could get a chance to man left field for the Giants. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

Injury activations/updates

Corey Dickerson, Pirates: Dickerson, on the 10-day IL since Apr. 4 with an injured shoulder, kicked off a minor-league rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Indianapolis. Last season, he went for contact at the expense of power, resulting in a higher batting average but substantive drop in production. Despite that change in approach, his underlying metrics were similar to the previous season, which could result in an uptick in output. However, Dickerson just turned 30 and won't be ready to return for a few weeks.  He'll also become a free agent following the season, and Pittsburgh probably won't look to re-sign him, considering Bryan Reynolds can play for considerably less money. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7