MLB – Free Agent Finds
Looking for value?
The 2021 Major League Baseball free agency is in full swing. Now that the best arm on the market (Bauer) is headed west, we should start to see more and more teams grab players they feel will add value to their squads. Let’s comb through who is left and who I think is best bargain for some teams.
We will start behind the plate at the catcher position. J.T. Realmuto was the top value among available at 30 years old and a 7.4 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), he re-signs with Phillies on a five year deal. Yadier Molina just signed a one-year deal with St. Louis. He is 38 years old with a 1.7 WAR and will be a first ballot hall of famer. So, who is still out there? My contract offer would be to Tyler Flowers (35 yrs old, 2.5 WAR), he hit .217 with .391 SLG/.710 OPS last season for Atlanta and can provide some veteran leadership to a staff especially with spot starts and back up role.
There is still plenty of first baseman out there to pick up. I would sign Mitch Moreland. The 35 year old still plays as an above average defender with a career 10.3 WAR. Last season his line was .265/.551/.894 between both BOS and SD. He is dependable and a one- or two-year deal would get him.
Sliding over to the other position on the right side of the infield, second base. Majority of the free agents have already signed with new teams or back with previous club. One player that is still available is Jason Kipnis. This 34 year old spent last season with Chicago Cubs and is a career .260 hitter. He is on the tail end of a solid career and can still bring some value to a locker room. A one year deal should get him in the door.
When it comes to the third baseman market there are many well-known names still looking for a home. Justin Turner coming off his Championship season had a 1.7 WAR with a line of .307/.460/.860, but he is 36 years old with tons of miles on those tires. He will get picked up, but I doubt it will be for more than one or two years. Todd Frazier is another household name still unsigned. His numbers are similar to Turner, a team will sign him that has the right fit for the right money. I would sign Maikel Franco who played for Kansas City last season with a line of .278/.457/.778. His WAR was 1.1 which is not exceptional by no means but what makes me lean more toward him over others is age. He is only 28 years old. Younger legs increase the chances of that player lasting 162 games.
There isn’t much to cover with the shortstop position. The last valuable shortstop on the market was DiDi Gregorius and he signed a two year deal with Phillies. Hitting .284 with 10 homers and .488 slugging, the Phillies needed to bring that type of production back to accompany Harper, Hoskins and Realmuto.
Signing an outfielder this late in free agency means General Managers are looking for versatility. I have a couple gems for the outfield position. Kevin Pillar is a guy who can play all three outfield positions at an average to above average rate. He hit .288 last season between Boston and Colorado with a .798 OPS. Jackie Bradley Jr. is another guy I would bring in to help my ball club. Spending 8 season with the Boston Red Sox he hit .239 through that time span with a .321 OBP. However, his value comes from his above average defense. Bradley Jr. has one Gold Glove and a 2018 World Series trophy. He could bring plenty of post-season experience to a ball club for the right deal.
Last, but certainly not least, Pitching. Pitching depth is so crucial for baseball team’s success. The free agent market is where some signings may make or break a season. Obviously there is a ton of talented arms just waiting to be handed the ball. I have my eye of several arms that I am anxious to see who signs them and more importantly how they preform this upcoming season. One is Rick Procello. Even though he had a down year last season, he is still a guy who takes the ball every 5th day and just eats innings. The 2016 AL Cy Young award winner should find a home soon. Next guy is 30-year-old right hander Jake Odorizzi. He was an Allstar in 2019 but had an up and down season last year fighting several different injuries. He has a career 3.29 ERA and 1.24 WHIP.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the returning champs for 2021. Did other teams do enough to compete with them? Only time will tell. Bring on Spring Training!
