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

Jerad Eickhoff, Phillies – With Nick Pivetta recently demoted to the minors, Eickhoff will join the Phillies' rotation Sunday at Colorado. The matchup is not ideal, but his next turn lines up at home against the Marlins. If you need strikeouts, Eickhoff is a cheap streamer in favorable matchups, but don't expect him to toss many quality starts right away. The right-hander topped out at 59 pitches in a relief appearance on Tuesday and could need a few starts to stretch out beyond six innings. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team NL: $5

Jeremy Hellickson, Nationals - In three appearances - including two starts - Hellickson is 2-0 with a sub-3 ERA and .107 BAA against right-handed hitters. Unfortunately, his 6:8 K:BB suggests some regression is on the way, perhaps as early as Monday's start at Coors Field. The veteran will likely see his ERA spike north of 4, but keep him in mind for streaming purposes, especially when the Nats play their division rival Marlins.  12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $3

Antonio Senzatela, Rockies – Senzatela experienced mixed results in a two-start week for the Rockies, first limiting the Padres to one run over 6.2 innings in his season debut Monday and then allowing four runs over six innings against the Phillies on Saturday. For someone who throws in the mid-90s, he doesn't strike out many hitters (6.9 K/9 in 2018) and it's probably best to reserve him for road starts (4.01 ERA, 1.11 WHIP away from Coors compared to 4.83 ERA, 1.68 WHIP at home). Senzatela will avoid Coors Field his next few starts, but he lines up against the two of the better teams in the National League – the Braves and Brewers. He's worth a look in deep mixers and NL-Only leagues, just proceed with caution the next few weeks.  12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Matt Strahm, Padres - If Strahm was dropped in your league after his rocky season debut, this may be your last chance to pick him up. The 27-year-old southpaw dazzled against the Reds on Friday, completing eight innings of one-run ball on an efficient 87 pitches. While his strikeout rate (5.7 K/9) and average fastball (91.2 mph) are much lower than expected, that may be due to a change in approach after Strahm transitioned from a reliever to a starter this season. Just keep an eye on those particular stats in the weeks to come. 12 team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Owned

Vince Velasquez, Phillies - Velasquez has yet to provide solid ratios in his young career, but four appearances (three starts) into 2019 and he sports a 2.55 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with a 16:4 K:BB in 17.2 innings. He's given up two earned runs or less in all three starts this season and could finally post a sub-4 ERA considering his FIP has been below that threshold in 3-of-4 seasons thus far. Velasquez typically struggles against lefties (.283 BAA since 2017), so beware of teams that heavily stack against him. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Luke Weaver, Diamondbacks - After a tough-luck loss against the Padres on Apr. 12, Weaver fanned nine Braves over five scoreless innings on Thursday to earn his first win of the season. The headliner in the Paul Goldschmidt trade relies heavily on his four-seam fastball and changeup, which make up 80 percent of his offerings. He'll need those to remain as dominant as they were on Thursday to achieve sustainable success.  12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Owned

RELIEF PITCHER

John Gant, Cardinals – With three wins, three holds and a save in 11 appearances as a swingman out of the Cardinals bullpen, Gant has been pretty valuable this season. He sports a strong 0.66 ERA and 0.73 WHIP with a 11:7 K:BB over 13.2 innings. And while his 4.6 BB/9 could come down a bit, he's only walked one while fanning four over his last four appearances. With Dakota Hudson (6.08 ERA, 2.33 WHIP) struggling as the Cardinals' fifth starter, the team may decide to insert Gant into the role he was originally competing for this spring.  12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $3

Joe Ross, Nationals – Limited to 16 starts since 2017, Ross finds himself in a bullpen role to open 2019. After struggling in his first appearance, he's fired off consecutive scoreless outings and only allowed two baserunners while fanning three over four innings. The 25-year old right-hander could serve a variety of roles this season, but will likely find his way to the Washington rotation at some point since the team has several injury-prone starters. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Robert Stephenson, Reds – When RotoWire's Scott Jenstad showcases a player in his latest Oak's Corner, it's generally wise to take action. After struggling as a starter with poor control (5.3 BB/9), Stephenson moved to the bullpen in 2019 and sports a 1.59 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 16:2 K:BB over 11.1 innings. He's someone to keep an eye on if Raisel Iglesias struggles this season, though the current Reds closer has pitched three days in a row with a 9:0 K:BB and two saves.  12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Pedro Strop, Cubs – Strop's grasp on the Cubs' closer role is more secure after Brandon Morrow (elbow) had his throwing program shut down due to discomfort. Strop hasn't been presented with many save opportunities, but he's converted both of his chances while sporting solid ratios (3.18 ERA, 0.71 WHIP). If he's still available in your league, the closer role is his for the foreseeable future. 12 team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $13; 12-team NL: Owned

CATCHER

Blake Swihart, Diamondbacks – Recently DFA'd by the Red Sox and subsequently traded to the Diamondbacks, Swihart will serve as a utility infielder/outfielder for his new club. He won't spend time behind the plate initially, but he still qualifies at catcher for fantasy purposes and a fresh start could benefit the former top prospect. Just don't expect everyday at-bats for Swihart in the desert. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $3

Elias Diaz, Pirates – Diaz missed the entire Grapefruit League with a viral infection that subsequently forced him to open 2019 on the Injured List. Now healthy enough to play, he's off to a blistering start in the minors by going 14-for-34 (.418) at the dish. Look for the Pirates to activate Diaz sometime next week, but don't expect him to get the bulk of the playing time behind the plate. Pittsburgh  likely will bring him along slowly with two starts per week until he's full-go. 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Owned

FIRST BASE

Eric Thames, Brewers – Jesus Aguilar is off to a rough start (.153, no homers) for the Brewers and Thames earned a couple of starts last week in his stead, going 4-for-8 with a home run and a walk in those games. Thames is whiffing more than ever (44.7 percent strikeout rate), but he has a decent .257 average with three home runs in 38 plate appearances. While it's doubtful the Brewers bench Aguilar for good, Thames may force his way into the lineup more often, which means a third consecutive double-digit home run season is likely in store. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $3

SECOND BASE

Jon Berti, Marlins – Raise your hand if you've heard Berti's name prior to reading this article. Saturday's promotion by the Marlins was well deserved after Berti got on base at a .490 clip with a couple homers and four steals in 13 Triple-A games. The 29-year-old doesn't boast much power, but he swiped 30 bags across three levels in 2018 and  likely will be used in a utility role for the rebuilding Marlins. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1

Phil Gosselin, Phillies – Hamstring injuries to Jean Segura and Scott Kingery recently forced both players to the Injured List, which left the Phillies with a void at shortstop. Enter Gosselin, a career .265 hitter with just seven home runs in 583 big league plate appearances. The 30-year-old hit .419 with a .538 OBP in the minors before his promotion, but he's a short-term option if you need middle infield depth in deeper leagues with Segura and Kingery not expected to be out long.  12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1

Howie Kendrick, Nationals – A perennial .290-plus hitter, Kendrick has earned more playing time of late due to Brian Dozier's early season struggles. After hitting four home runs all last season, Kendrick has already left the yard three times in 24 at-bats. While the power surge is likely not sustainable, the veteran remains defensively versatile and the Nationals may get more creative to get keep his hot bat in the lineup. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $3

THIRD BASE

Johan Camargo, Braves – Known for being a lefty-masher (.317 average, .936 OPS since 2017), Camargo hit right-handers just as well last season (.272 average vs. .270 against LHP) and broke out with 19 home runs and 76 RBI. He doesn't play every day for the Braves, but his defensive versatility  with five starts on the left side of the infield and five in the outfield should afford him four or five starts per week regardless of the pitcher. 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Owned

J.D. Davis, Mets – Like Camargo, Davis excels against southpaws (1.394 OPS in 17 plate appearances). However, he's hitting nearly .300 against righties this season and has been a regular for the Mets in the absence of Todd Frazier (oblique) and Jed Lowrie (knee). The veterans should be back in the lineup next month, but Davis may force the Mets' hand if he continues to rake like he has been. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

SHORTSTOP

Scott Kingery, Phillies – Kingery hit the injured list Saturday with a mild hamstring strain, but prior to that he was hitting the cover off the ball (.406) for the Phillies. With starts at second base, shortstop, third base and the outfield, Kingery was on his way to earning multi-position eligibility and could be worth stashing if his injury proves to be minor. Add him if you have the room, otherwise wait until we receive more insight into his recovery timetable.  12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Owned

Cole Tucker, Pirates – Tucker, 22, hit a home run out of the leadoff spot Saturday in his rain-shortened MLB debut. James Anderson recently touted Tucker in his latest Farm Futures article as a .265 hitter capable of hitting double-digit homers with 20+ steals. As RotoWire's 58th ranked prospect, now is the time to add Tucker if he's available in your league - especially those that play in keeper/dynasty formats. 12 team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18

OUTFIELD

Dexter Fowler, Cardinals – Fowler is lacking the counting stats (0 HR, 1 RBI) we desire for our fantasy teams, but he boasts four multi-hit games over his last six and sports a robust .377 OBP for the Cardinals. Harrison Bader (hamstring) and Tyler O'Neill (arm) are on the injured list, but aren't expected to be out long. Once they return, Fowler's playing time may take a slight hit, but the veteran outfielder will likely play every day in their absence.  12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team NL: $5

Isaac Galloway, Marlins – Galloway earned the second big league promotion of his career after hitting four home runs with eight RBI and two steals in 11 games for Miami's Triple-A affiliate. Since then, he's earned four straight starts for the Marlins while Lewis Brinson has struggled mightily to get on-base (.239 OBP). Galloway has gone 1-for-4 in each of those games with a couple of runs and a stolen base. While he hasn't earned an everyday role just yet, he could be a modest source of steals for owners that are desperate for speed. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $3

Bryan Reynolds, Pirates – A career .312/.373/.472 hitter in the minors, Reynolds was off to a hot start in Triple-A (five home runs, 11 RBI, three steals in 13 games) before getting called up Saturday after Erik Gonzalez (arm) and Starling Marte (knee) collided and landed on the Injured List. He hit fifth in his MLB debut, going 1-for-2 in a rain-shortened win over the Giants. Reynolds figures to play regularly in the Pirates' outfield while Marte recovers, however we don't yet have a timetable on Marte's recovery, so bid modestly. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1

Lane Thomas, Cardinals – Thomas, who homered in his first big league at-bat Friday as a pinch hitter, will provide outfield depth for the Cardinals while Harrison Bader (hamstring) and Tyler O'Neill (arm) are on the Injured List. He's behind Marcell Ozuna, Dexter Fowler and Jose Martinez on the depth chart, so opportunities may be limited. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1