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With Spring Training just days away, here's a list of the top free agents remaining at each position. The list last year had more notable names on it due to the slow market. This time around, the names won't be quite as notable because the market moved fast this winter. Despite not being as notable, some of these players can add good upside to a playoff contender or world series hopeful.
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Russell Martin, C
Martin isn't the type of catcher who offers great upside offensively, but he can still get on base at a rather decent clip. His biggest strength is his defense, and there are some teams that need a catcher, so they should give Martin a look.
Best fit: Los Angeles Angels
The Angels could use a veteran catcher to help their young pitching staff, since they don't have any other options. Martin fits that bill, with incredible experience that could go a long way with these young and unproven pitchers. Giving Martin a one or two year deal at a low price is your best bet.
*Photo from CBS Sports*
Greg Bird, 1B
With Steve Pearce unofficially retiring, Bird is the top first baseman on the market. He has had injury problems the last few seasons, but he's serviceable when healthy, and could be a surprise with the bat if on the right squad. He's merely serviceable on defense, but his most upside is on the hitting side of things.
Best fit: Miami Marlins
The Marlins have had a busy offseason, although none of their moves will get them that much closer to competing. Bird can come to Miami cheap, and they could use a first baseman. Sign him to a short term deal where he can try and rebuild his value and try to stay healthy. He's a low risk high reward signing the Marlins could add.
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Brian Dozier, 2B
Brock Holt is good here too, but he comes in a close second to Dozier. He's not far removed from a 2018 where he was raking for the Minnesota Twins before he was traded in July. He served mostly a bench role for the world series champion Washington Nationals in 2019, but he can still start every day at second base. He's got terrific upside on the offensive and defensive front, and quite frankly it's a miracle he hasn't been signed yet.
Best fit: San Diego Padres
Second base is a position the Padres could fortify to lock down the infield, and Dozier is the guy to do it. He's got starter value, and can play shortstop or 3rd base should anything happen to Manny Machado or Fernando Tatis Jr. He can play good defense too, which is good for a team vying for playoff contention. Give him 2-3 years for good value.
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Sean Rodriguez, 3B
The 3rd base market is so depleted that Sean Rodriguez is the best one around. Ouch. He's a bit of a below average hitter, although he can still crush a baseball every now and then. He's got some defensive upside, but nothing too special there. It'll probably be one year deals from here until Rodriguez decides to retire.
Best fit: Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles could use a backup infielder, and that's what Rodriguez is. He can play multiple positions, which is always a good thing, and is serviceable should they decide to start him. A one year deal would be best for both Rodriguez and the Orioles.
*Photo from Sporting News*
Addison Russell, SS
The one reason Russell hasn't been signed yet is the whole 40 game suspension in 2019 for domestic violence. Russell is still a talented shortstop with several years left in the tank, and he's got upside with the bat and the glove. He can rake, and he's got gold glove potential. The point I'm trying to make is this: sign this man immediately
Best fit: Atlanta Braves
They are looking for a 3rd baseman after Josh Donaldson left, and Russell is able to play 3rd base behind hotshot prospect Austin Riley. Just like Donaldson, Russell can still rake, and this is the team that can get the best out of him. 2 to 3 years in a Braves uniform should do the trick.
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Rajai Davis, LF
Davis is a guy who is a genuine speedster, despite his age. He's still got upside with the bat, just see his homer in game 7 of the 2016 world series for proof. Despite this, the age is the biggest concern, as well as his defense in left field potentially fading. A one year prove it deal is good for someone like Davis.
Best fit: Baltimore Orioles
Davis has been all over the league, so there aren't a ton of places left to go. Baltimore seems like a good place for him, as he's very low risk. He's still got upside with the bat, plus he's still got track level speed. Off to Baltimore with you.
*Photo from the San Francisco Chronicle*
Kevin Pillar, CF
Pillar is a nice add for a team looking for outfield depth. He's got terrific defensive skills, look up a highlight reel on youtube to see what I mean. He took a step forward last season in the hitting department, so he's got some talent there. He also can run, which helps his terrific defense and can steal some bases too. A short term deal is good for Pillar.
Best fit: Cleveland Indians
They have a hole in the outfield that presented itself for all of last year, and Pillar can fill it pretty nicely. He's got the defensive skills, and some upside with the bat, which helps in a hitters park. I think a two year deal will pay dividends for someone with Pillar's talent.
*Photo from CNN*
Yasiel Puig, RF
Puig is undoubtedly the best free agent left on the market. Antics aside, Puig's got quite an arm in right field, and he can crush baseballs into the stands with ease, which lots of teams like. He's got some great upside, and has at least two to 3 more years of usable talent remaining. Surprised he hasn't gotten signed by anyone yet.
Best fit: Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay has a hole in the outfield with Tommy Pham gone, and Puig could be inserted into a platoon role with Trent Grisham in right. I think a solid playoff contender is a good fit for Puig, and the Rays have a history of getting the best out of players, see their run last year for proof. This is a good fit for team and player.
*Photo from Mercury News*
Hunter Pence, DH
Pence had somewhat of a revival last season in Texas, having a quietly good season down there. Now he's a free agent, and he seems to have his value rebuilt, despite his upper 30's age. I think the best fit here is a no brainer.
Best fit: Texas Rangers
Pence got his career back in Texas on a one year deal, so why not go back? The outfield is a little crowded now, but Pence can serve as DH and still can hit the ball. This makes the most sense, considering this is where he seemingly revived his playing career.
*Photo from NBC Sports*
Jason Vargas, SP
Andrew Cashner was worse in 2019, so Vargas makes this list. After he got traded to the Phillies at the trade deadline, he wasn't terrible, so that's not so bad for a 37 year old. Vargas is a few years removed from being an all star, so he's still got some upside and can still throw the ball. He'd be a serviceable 5th starter for a team looking for back end of the rotation help.
Best fit: Philadelphia Phillies
Vargas wasn't terrible in Philly, and boy do the Phillies need pitching depth. It was their biggest weakness last year, and all they've done to address it is sign Zack Wheeler to compliment Aaron Nola at the front of the rotation. Vargas could do best on a one year deal in Philly to get a chance to show he's still got it.
*Photo from NBC Sports*
Sam Dyson, RP
I'm honestly surprised that Dyson is still on the board. He had a solid 2019 with the San Francisco Giants, and that continued, even though he had a slight drop, with the Minnesota Twins. Dyson showed he's still got something left in 2019, and he could be a dark horse closer candidate in spring training. I think the best fit is another no brainer.
Best fit: Philadelphia Phillies
Look, the Phillies still need pitching help. Hector Neris isn't a good reliever, but take a guess who their best reliever was in 2019? It was Hector Neris. Dyson's got good stuff and succeeded on a playoff team in Minnesota, and there's no reason to believe he can't do it in Philly. Dyson's a good pitcher, and the Phillies need good pitchers, so that makes this move a no brainer for the Phillies.
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