As the MLB Free Agency period rolls around, each team is trying to find out how to spend their money. Do they risk it all to pay a superstar, like Manny Machado, Bryce Harper or Craig Kimbrel? How about overpaying for a player that they hope has a breakout year?
We often look back on free agency with questions, asking, why did the Rockies pay glorified utility player Ian Desmond $70 million over five years? Who could that $22 million owed in 2018 have helped acquire in the Rockies pursuit of a World Series title? Or, on the other hand, how did Jhoulys Chacin lead the Brewers struggling starting rotation on just $8 million? Now, peering ahead to the 2019 offseason, which players could give teams the most bang for their buck?
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Freddy Galvis
With a struggling Padres team, one thing remained the same for 162 games last season, Freddy Galvis’ name being written in the lineup. Galvis, who’ll be turning 29 in November, was the only player in the MLB to play all 162 games in the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
Consistency, clearly a key in Galvis’ game, won’t be an issue with Galvis in 2019. In addition, Galvis has only seen the disabled list five times since beginning his professional career, so previous injuries won’t be an issue. Though his .248/.299/.380 slash isn’t overly appealing, he could prove to be an asset if placed on a better team than the Phillies of the mid-2010s or the recent Padres. Teams with a middle infield need could want the services of Galvis, such as the Nationals, Dodgers or Blue Jays.
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Brad Brach
In a free agency class stocked high with solid bullpen arms, Brad Brach could be the most undervalued and overlooked asset. Brach came off a 2018 season in which he was traded from the struggling Baltimore Orioles to a competitive, young Atlanta Braves club. There Brach saw his first postseason appearance in his career.
He finished the season with a 3.59 ERA but had a 1.52 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP in his 27 appearances with the Braves. The 32-year-old could see a high volume of innings, as he’s earned. Armed with a fastball that still sat 95-97 late into his time with the Braves, Brach will attract attention from a number of suitors, including the Brewers, Indians, and Red Sox.
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Cody Allen
In 2018, the soon-to-be 30-year-old Cody Allen saw the first full season in which he posted an ERA above 3.00 (4.72). In fact, it was also his first season in which he gave up 10 or more homeruns (11) and walked 30 or more batters (33).
It’s clear, Allen’s value took a major knock last season, which makes him a perfect contender to be a value free agent this offseason. Despite a tough 2018, a 2019 bounce back campaign could spring his value back to that of an elite reliever. Don’t be shocked to find Cody Allen signing a one-year deal, attempting to get more money in 2019, a risk that could prove to pay off.
His value will fall in place based on the other high quality relievers in the free agent market, such as that of Zach Britton, Jeurys Familia, and Joe Kelly. The Indians may still be interested in their all-time saves leader. For a few other interested teams, see the Braves, Twins, or Yankees.
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James Shields
Yes, I’m very aware of the age issues and stats issues of 2018, along with the uncertainty of the future of James Shields on the mound. However, acknowledge this. James Shields is a true comeback player of the year candidate if put in the right situation.
He led the league in losses in 2018 with 16, with a Chicago White Sox defense that allowed an AL second-worst 110 errors. The ideal situation for James Shields could be to sign with a team who can play high-risk, high-reward, allow him to make mistakes but keep a starting spot, and see what he can do with a not-so-terrible defense. Teams such as the Red Sox, Athletics, or Phillies make some sense for Shields. Just please, let him face Bartolo again this year, just once.
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DJ LeMahieu
Arguably the top defensive second baseman in all of baseball, DJ LeMahieu’s value should be plentiful. But, somehow, it isn’t. A solid offensive 2018, posting a .276 average with 15 HRs and 62 RBIs, paired with a nearly perfect .993 fielding percentage provides a great starting 2B with postseason experience.
His power may be quoted to playing at mile-high Coors Field. That’s just false. 11 of DJ’s 15 homers came on the road. An injury-plagued May and July give some question marks as to his versatility down the stretch, but even the worst of GMs must acknowledge the 30-year-old and his solid playmaking abilities. Prepare for the Dodgers, Tigers, and Nationals to offer him a contract, but don’t count out a return to the Rockies for LeMahieu.