2012 MLB Free Agents: Shortstops
By Editorial Staff
Players filed for free agency today, and Major League Baseball has released its list of its 2012 free agents. Clubs have exclusive negotiating rights with their players until Thursday, when they will be able to sign with any team. Here is a look at the 2012 free agent class of shortstops.
Players and teams have until Monday night to make decisions regarding their options. Players with either club and/or their own options are in italics.
Andres Blanco
A pair of National League East rivals top the list of 2012 free agent shortstops. Jose Reyes chose a great season to have a career year. The 28-year-old had a fantastic 2011, culminating in an NL Batting Championship. This year for the Mets, Reyes hit .337/.384/.493 with 31 doubles, 16 triples, 101 runs scored and 39 stolen bases. Reyes did struggle with hamstring issues, but is still said to be seeking Carl Crawford money (7 years and $142 million).
Jimmy Rollins won’t be able to fetch a mega-deal, but he has said that he’s not willing to take a hometown discount to return to Philadelphia. The veteran had another productive season for the Phils, posting an OPS of .736 with 40 extra base hits and 30 stolen bases in 2011. Even though he’s adamant that he will test the free agent market, Rollins and the Phillies are likely to reach an agreement.
Other potential starters on the list include Alex Gonzalez, Ronny Cedeno, Yuniesky Betancourt, Rafael Furcal, Clint Barmes and Edgar Renteria.