MLB Rumors: Where Could Nick Swisher Land?

Nick Swisher was released earlier in the week. With a number of teams across the MLB needing outfield help, he may not be out of work for long.

On Monday, it was announced that the Atlanta Braves would be releasing veteran outfielder and first baseman Nick Swisher. Despite being released, the 35-year-old Swisher will still be paid $15 million dollars; $10 million from Atlanta, and $5 million from Cleveland.

After coming back from knee surgery last year, Swisher hit .196/.312/.320 with six home runs, 25 RBI, and a .631 OPS in 76 games between Atlanta and Cleveland. Could this be due to the return from knee surgery? Sure, but it could also be due to him being in his mid-30’s, and just being on the decline.

More from MLB Rumors

Swisher signed a 4 year, $56 million deal in 2013, and has struggled since, aside from his first year, where he hit .246/.341/.423 with a .763 OPS, 22 home runs and 63 RBI. He played 145 games in 2013, but couldn’t even play 100 the next two years. Again, this could be due to him not being healthy, or being, “old.”

Swisher has been a very solid player throughout his career, though. He was an All-Star in his career year in 2010, were he hit .288/.359/.511 with 29 homers, 89 RBI, and .870 OPS. Those are the numbers of a middle of the order, slugging outfielder. Despite that year, his numbers were relatively the same every other year. According to Baseball-reference.com, his 162 game average was .249/.351/.447, with 26 homers, 85 RBI, and .799 OPS. So, he has been no means been bad.

He spent most of his career in the AL, playing 1,481 in the AL to just 46 in the NL. It seems kind of obvious that if he was to return, he would make the move back to what he knows, in the AL. Could he retire? Of course, he is getting to the age where most players decline, he has been injured, and he was bad last year. But let’s assume he won’t retire. Swisher is one of the better clubhouse guys in all of baseball, so even if he doesn’t play, he could play a role where he is the clubhouse leader, and the vet. So what teams could use Swisher?

Indians: The Indians are an outfielder needy team. Star left fielder Michael Brantley is returning from shoulder surgery, so he may not be 100%. Right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall was just recently put on the DL (forearm), so he won’t be ready for Opening Day. Even center fielder Abraham Almonte will miss the first 80 games due to failing a PED test. Here’s what the Indians will be rolling out with to start the season: Tyler Naquin, Rajai Davis, Collin Cowgill, and Marlon Byrd. There is definitely a spot for Swisher on the team, and at this point the Indians would welcome the veteran.

White Sox: Swisher wouldn’t be coming to Chicago to play outfield. They are pretty well set as of now, with Adam Eaton, Austin Jackson, and Avisail Garcia. He would be playing DH, which as you may have heard, was vacated this offseason. With the controversial departure of Adam LaRoche, the DH spot could be filled by another veteran in Swisher. He has already played for the White Sox, but he struggled, only hitting .219. If he isn’t soured on Chicago, this would be a good fit.

Royals: This seems to be an AL Central theme thus far, but that wasn’t intentional. They just have needs to fill, and Swisher would do so. As for the Royals, Jarrod Dyson has an oblique injury, and right now, Paulo Orlando is set to play right field. Swisher would be able to provide a veteran presence in the outfield, as well as serve as the backup first baseman, which is filled by Kendrys Morales, who is the main DH.

Phillies: There is an NL team. This is the least likely to happen, due to Swisher struggling with the Braves in the same division last year. Baseball players are weird, so he may not want to return to the NL. However, there is a need with Philly, where they are rolling out Cody Asche, Odubel Herrera, and Peter Bourjos. They hoped to have prospect Aaron Altherr for this year, but he broke his wrist. Asche, 25, has been pretty awful so far, and he is even questionable for opening day. As of now, Tyler Goeddel would be playing left, so they really need someone to fill that spot.

Next: MLB Power Rankings: Opening Week Edition

Swisher may not get a lot of attention this offseason because he was awful last year. He is getting up there in years, but he could provide a nice veteran and clubhouse presence for a team. An AL team is more likely due to his knee surgeries and his mobility being limited, so he could DH. However, these teams may not want all of Swisher’s liabilities over a younger player, so don’t be surprised if he ends up retiring.